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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

We recommend keeping KMZ files at 5 MB or less (the app accepts uploads 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 Manage Raster Maps.

  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 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
The menu shown when you tap + at the top right of Manage Raster Maps. Under the Add Raster Map heading are Import KMZ File and Create from Map Image
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 (smartphone app)​

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 - The map image is shown at the top of the screen and the map at the bottom. Align the cross at the center of both with the same point and register it
    • Move the image above to put a landmark under the cross, then tap Register Raster for Point ①
    • Move the map below to put the same place under the cross, then tap Register Map for Point ①
    • Repeat this for the four points ① to ④
  3. Check the preview - Tap Preview at the top right to see the calibrated result over the map. Use the Opacity slider to check alignment
  4. Export - Use Export KMZ to save 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, tap its row in the map list in the smartphone app, open Edit Info, and tap the trash icon at the top right.

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. The Select Map screen lists the options in this order from the top.

OptionDescription
Default MapStandard tile map. The most suitable map is chosen automatically by country
Smartphone MapShows only the default map provided on the device
Public mapsMaps published by other organizers
My mapsCustom maps you uploaded
The Select Map screen. From the top: Default Map and Smartphone Map, then Public maps and My maps. Manage is at the top right

Paid public maps show 🔒 and cannot be selected without the Organizer Plan.

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.

If you need alerts and violation detection upon entry

Shapes from a KML file only draw visual elements on the map. If you want to alert participants (vibration, sound, notifications) when crossing boundaries, and monitor or record boundary violations in real time on the organizer screens, use Play Area and Restricted Areas.

File size limit

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

Not supported on the web

Importing and displaying KML vector overlays is supported only in the smartphone app (iOS / Android).

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 Options menu of the "…" (Android: "︙") button at the top right of the toolbar, select Import KML file (vector shapes) (to replace it, select Replace KML file; to delete it, select Remove 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
The Options menu opened on the course editing screen. Auto Scoring, Size of control circles, Edit course name, Copy Course, Course information, Combo Bonus, and Import KML file (vector shapes)

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