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Map Management

This page explains how to upload and manage custom maps.

If you are unsure where to assign a map

If it is unclear how event-level maps and category-level maps relate to each other, start with Understand the event structure.

Custom maps are optional

If you do not set a custom map, NaviTabi uses the default background map. In Japan this is the Geospatial Information Authority map, and outside Japan it is OpenStreetMap.

Supported format​

FormatDescription
KMZA ZIP package that contains KML and image tiles
File size limit

You can upload KMZ files up to 10 MB. A tile size of 512 × 512 px is recommended (for both app and web). Do not use Japanese characters in the KMZ file name or in the internal image file names. Before importing, we recommend opening the file in Google Earth to confirm that the map appears in the correct location. The limit may vary depending on the app version.

Upload a map​

From the menu on the Manage screen, choose Raster Map Management.

  1. Tap the + button
  2. Choose how to upload:
    • Import KMZ File (on Android, "Select KMZ File") - Select a KMZ file stored on the device
    • Create from a map image - Generate KMZ from an image with the calibration wizard (see below)
  3. When the upload finishes, the map is added to the list (it gets a temporary name)
  4. Select the map in the list and enter the map name and copyright credit in Edit
Get permission from the map's owner

When you use a map made by another person or organization, such as an orienteering map, as the background map, get permission in advance from the map's owner (its maker or publisher) to use it in NaviTabi. The text you enter as the copyright credit is shown on the map in the participants' play screen and on PDF maps. Enter the credit that the map's owner asks for.

Calibration wizard​

You can create a KMZ file from a paper map or a scanned image.

Steps​

  1. Choose an image - Select a map image from the device photo library or files
  2. Register four control points - Match a point on the image with the same point on the real map
    • Tap a point on the image and register it
    • Tap the same place on the base map and register it
    • Repeat this four times
  3. Check the preview - The calibrated result is shown over the base map. Use the opacity slider to check alignment
  4. Export - Save as a KMZ file and upload it directly
How to improve accuracy

Distribute the control points near the four corners of the map. If the four points are too close together, the conversion becomes less accurate.

Edit and delete maps​

Edit​

For an uploaded map, you can change:

  • Map Name
  • Copyright Credit shown on the map
  • Replace the KMZ file by importing a new file or recreating it with the wizard

Preview​

If you open the preview from the map list, the map is shown over the base map. You can adjust opacity to confirm the alignment.

Delete​

To delete a map, select it from the list and run delete.

Maps assigned to events cannot be deleted

If a map is currently assigned to an event, first change the map setting in that event and then delete it.

Assign a map to an event​

Choose the map to use from Background Map in the event edit screen.

OptionDescription
Default MapStandard tile map. The most suitable map is chosen automatically by country
Smartphone MapShows only the default map provided on the device
My MapsCustom maps you uploaded
Public MapMaps published by other organizers

The background map is an event-level setting. There is no option to assign a different map per category. If you need different maps per category, create separate events (see Understand the event structure).

KML vector overlays​

In addition to a KMZ image map, you can display vector overlays from a KML file, such as polygons and polylines. This is useful for showing out-of-bounds areas or reference routes.

File size limit

You can upload KML files up to 2 MB (with the latest app version).

You can upload a KML file from the course edit screen to display vector shapes (lines and polygons) overlaid on the map. This is useful for showing out-of-bounds areas or drawing recommended and reference routes.

Configuration scope​

KML files are configured per course. You can set one file per course, and re-uploading overwrites and replaces it.

Import steps​

  1. Open the course edit screen
  2. From the option menu at the top of the map, select Import KML (vector shapes) (to replace it, select Replace KML file; to delete it, select Delete KML file)
  3. Choose a .kml file from your device's file picker
  4. When the upload finishes, the selected KML is overlaid on the course map

Supported elements and styles​

The following elements are read from each Placemark in the KML.

ElementDescription
LineStringDrawn as a polyline
PolygonDrawn as a filled shape with an outline. Holes are also supported
MultiGeometryMultiple geometries drawn together

The following style settings are applied.

  • The color and line width of <LineStyle>
  • The fill color of <PolyStyle>
  • Resolution of <StyleMap> / styleUrl references

Coordinates are assumed to be WGS84 (latitude and longitude). Elements with <visibility>0</visibility> are not drawn.

File size and limits​

  • Keep the file size at 2 MB or less
  • Only one KML file can be set per course (re-upload to replace)
  • Do not use Japanese characters in the KML file name
  • Vector shapes are shown only on the map in the app. They are not shown on the map exported to PDF