Introduction
What is the OCAD App?
- The OCAD App is designed for mapping in the field on mobile devices.
- As a further development of the OCAD Sketch App, the OCAD App allows not only sketching but also direct editing of the map.
- The OCAD App runs on mobile Android and iOS devices.
- The transfer from the OCAD Desktop version to the OCAD App can easily be done via the OCAD Cloud Transfer.
- The OCAD App can be downloaded and used for free in the Apple App Store (iOS), or Google Play (Android).
The OCAD App complements the Desktop version of OCAD. It is designed for mapping in the field and allows sketching or direct editing of the map.
Background maps, GPS positioning, and a compass can be used to determine your exact position in the terrain. Map projects can be transferred from the Desktop version
of OCAD to the OCAD App and synchronized again after mapping.
Quick Start
How to install the OCAD App?
The OCAD App can be downloaded free of charge from the Google Play Store (Android) or Apple App Store (iOS).
See our OCAD Wiki for more information how to install the OCAD App.
How to test the OCAD App?
- Download the OCAD App for free on your Android and iOS device.
- Evaluate the App in Demo mode using two sample projects.
How to work with the OCAD App?
- Download the OCAD App for free on your Android and iOS device and register for the app.
- Download the latest OCAD Desktop update, which includes the OCAD App Data Exchange function.
- Create a project in OCAD Desktop and transfer it to the app.
Please find detailed information on our OCAD Wiki.
Key Features
What are the most important features of the OCAD App?
Map objects
- Draw, edit and delete vector objects.
- Define symbol favorites.
Sketches and notes
- Availability of different sketch colors and line widths.
- All color and Single color eraser tool.
- Notes layer to add and filter notes.
Background Maps
- Ability to switch between different background maps.
- Toggle all background maps on/off.
Positioning
- Use of GPS for position determination, tracking and drawing.
Project
- Highly customizable User Interface that adapts the app to all devices and platforms.
- Manage multiple projects on one device.
- Encourage collaboration thanks to OCAD Cloud Transfer.
Target Audience
Who is the OCAD App for?
For map makers:
The OCAD App makes mapping (new maps or revising existing maps) in the field on mobile devices as ergonomic and efficient as possible.
For map controllers:
Map controllers, course setters and technical delegates now have a simple tool to record map corrections and notes and communicate them to the map maker.
For control setter:
The GPS position of the OCAD App provides additional security when checking the control locations in the terrain or when setting controls for a training or a competition.
What are the advantages of digital mapping?
Mobile map recording with the OCAD App has several advantages:
- Ability to direclty draw the map in the terrain.
- Availability of different sketch colors, as well as an eraser tool.
- Ability to switch between different background maps.
- Use of GPS for position determination, tracking and drawing.
- Manage multiple projects on one device.
- Encourage collaboration thanks to OCAD Cloud Transfer.
Usage
Do I need an OCAD Desktop Subcription license for the OCAD App?
Not necessarily. The OCAD App can be downloaded and used for free and it’s possible to edit other users’ projects with the OCAD App. To create projects yourself and to prepare data for the OCAD App and to process them after recording, you need an OCAD Desktop Subscription license. You can buy an OCAD Subscription in our webshop.
With older OCAD versions (OCAD 12, OCAD 11, OCAD 10, OCAD 9), you can not export data to or import data from the OCAD App.
Which OCAD editions are compatible with the OCAD App?
All OCAD Subscription editions are compatible with the OCAD App. All editions (Course Setting, Starter, Orienteering and Mapping Solution Edition) can create, export and import projects via the OCAD App Data Exchange function.
Is the OCAD App Data Exchange tool available in OCAD Trial?
Yes.
Do I need internet to use the app?
Internet connection is needed to register and to exchange projects between the OCAD Desktop version and the app via OCAD Cloud Transfer.
No internet connection is needed to work with the app.
Do I need a stylus (digital pen) to use it?
No. The app can also be used with fingers. However, a capacitive pen is beneficial for precise drawing (e.g. Samsung S Pen on Samsung Galaxy Note/Tab). In cold weather, a pen and gloves are suitable.
How does the OCAD App differ from the desktop version?
The OCAD Desktop only runs on Windows PCs and Windows tablets. The OCAD App runs on Android and iOS devices.
The OCAD Desktop is optimized for desktop PC’s and has a wider range of functions. The OCAD App is designed specifically for mobile fieldwork.
How does the OCAD App differ from the OCAD Sketch App?
The OCAD App is a further development of the OCAD Sketch App. It is now possible to edit the entire map and not just draw sketches.
All functions of the OCAD Sketch App are also available in the OCAD App and have been improved in some cases (e.g., Single Color Erasing).
The OCAD Sketch App will continue to be available for some time. In the medium term, the OCAD App will completely replace the OCAD Sketch App.
We therefore recommend using the new OCAD App instead of the OCAD Sketch App.
How much battery does the OCAD App need?
The battery life depends on the device itself, the external conditions (temperature, required screen brightness), as well as the app usage (e.g. GPS, automatic compass alignment).
Based on experiences we recommend to take a strong powerbank with you when mapping.
Does the app’s GPS run even when the app is not active?
The GPS can record the user’s position even when the app is not active and only runs in the background. Turn on Allways allow background logging in the Positioning settings. This allows other apps to be used while the map is being recorded without the GPS recording stopping.
Only when the app is closed, the GPS stops recording.
Can I connect an external GPS?
Yes, this is possible.
On Android devices:
Download a Bluetooth GPS/GNSS app (e.g. Bluetooth GPS; Bluetooth GNSS).
Activate developer mode (About phone –> Tap build number the required number of times –> you should receive a prompt that Developer Mode has been activated
Select a mock location app –> Choose the Bluetooth GPS app installed before
Enable Bluetooth
Connect the device to the Bluetooth GPS/GNSS receiver
Start the Bluetooth GPS app and connect to the Bluetooth GPS receiver
On iOS devices:
On iOS devices, you can connect an external GPS receiver via Bluetooth without an additional app. However, not all external GPS devices are supported.
If you could connect an external GPS to the OCAD Sketch App via Bluetooth, it will also work for the OCAD App.
See also this document for more information: Using external GPS signals on Android and iOS tablets
Pricing
How much does the OCAD App cost?
The OCAD App can be downloaded and used for free and it’s possible to edit other users’ projects with the OCAD App.
However, to prepare the data for the OCAD App and to process it after the recording, you need OCAD Desktop.
You can buy an OCAD Subscription in our webshop.
Support?
Where do I contact if I have problems, comments or questions?
You are welcome to send us an email at info@ocad.com.
