Introduction
What is the OCAD Sketch App?
- The OCAD Sketch App runs on mobile Android and iOS devices.
- The OCAD Sketch App enables ergonomic and efficient mapping in the field.
- The transfer from the OCAD Desktop version to the app can easily be done via the OCAD Cloud transfer.
- The app can be downloaded and used for free in the Apple App Store (iOS), or Google Play (Android). Search for OCAD Sketch.
The OCAD Sketch App complements the desktop version of OCAD. It is designed for mapping in the field – both for new mapping as well as revisions, feedback from course planners or map reviewers. Drawing pen, different colors and line widths and eraser enable fast and ergonomic sketching. GPS routes can be tracked and the compass can be used to adjust the map orientation. Map projects are transferred from desktop version of OCAD to the OCAD Sketch App and synchronized back after mapping. The download and use of the app is free of charge.
Quick Start
How to install the OCAD Sketch App?
The OCAD Sketch App can be downloaded free of charge from the Google Play Store (Android) or Apple App Store (iOS). Search for OCAD Sketch.
How does the OCAD Sketch App work?
- Please find detailed information on our OCAD Wiki.
- Explanation Video on YouTube.
Target Audience
Why did we develop the OCAD Sketch App?
Digitalization does not stop in orienteering. Thanks to better and better mobile devices, the need arose to be able to use the devices for mapping as well. With the OCAD Sketch App we offer users of Android and iOS devices a possibility for digital field recording.
Mobile map recording with the OCAD Sketch App has several advantages:
- Ability to switch between different background maps.
- Use of GPS for position determination and tracking.
- Availability of different colors and line widths, as well as an eraser tool.
- Manage multiple projects on one device.
- Encourage collaboration thanks to OCAD Cloud Transfer.
Who is the OCAD Sketch App for?
For map makers: the OCAD Sketch 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.
Usage
Do I need an OCAD Subcription Desktop license for the OCAD Sketch App?
Not necessarily. The OCAD Sketch App can be downloaded and used for free. To create projects yourself and to prepare data for the OCAD Sketch App and to process them after recording, you need an OCAD Subscription Desktop license. With older OCAD versions (OCAD 12, OCAD 11, OCAD 10, OCAD 9), you can not export data to or import data from the OCAD Sketch App. However, you can also edit other users’ projects with the OCAD Sketch App.
Which OCAD editions are compatible with the OCAD Sketch App?
All OCAD Subscription editions are compatible with the OCAD Sketch App. All editions (Course Setting, Starter, Orienteering and Mapping Solution Edition) can create, export and import projects via the OCAD Sketch App Data Exchange tool.
Is the OCAD Sketch App Data Exchange tool available in OCAD Trial?
Yes
Do I need internet to use the app?
No. Internet connection is only needed to exchange projects between the OCAD Desktop version and the app via OCAD Cloud Transfer.
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 Sketch App differ from the desktop version?
The OCAD Sketch App does not allow OCAD symbols to be drawn directly, only sketched.
The OCAD Desktop only runs on Windows PCs and Windows tablets. The OCAD Sketch App only runs on Android and iOS devices.
The OCAD Desktop is optimized for desktop PC’s. The OCAD Sketch App is designed specifically for mobile fieldwork and therefore the Sketch module can be used more efficiently than with the desktop version.
The OCAD Sketch App can be downloaded and used for free from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android).
How much battery does the 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 first 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 records the user’s position even when the app is not active and only runs in the background. 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. However, on iOS devices, not all GPS receivers can be used.
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:
Enable Bluetooth
Connect the device to the Bluetooth GPS/GNSS receiver
Improve Position accuracy –> Bluetooth scanning
Technical questions
Where can I download the OCAD Sketch App?
The OCAD Sketch App can be downloaded free of charge from the Play Store (Android) or App Store (iOS). Search for OCAD Sketch.
The OCAD Sketch App is also available in Huawai’s AppGallery. However, the App has not been tested, nor will it be supported on Huawei devices.
On which operating systems does OCAD Sketch App run?
OCAD Sketch App runs on Android version 5 and above and at least iOS 12.5 , iOS 13 or higher recommended.
The app can be installed and used on tablets as well as smartphones.
The OCAD Sketch App does not run on an iMac or MacBook (macOS) or on Windows devices.
We have put together a few recommendations for suitable devices on our OCAD Wiki page.
Will the OCAD Sketch App run on a Windows tablet or Windows phone?
No.
Pricing
How much does the OCAD Sketch App cost?
The OCAD Sketch App can be downloaded and used for free.
To prepare the data for the OCAD Sketch App and to process it after the recording, you need OCAD Desktop.
Support?
Where do I contact if I have problems, comments or questions?
You are welcome to send us an email at info@ocad.com.
OCAD Desktop Trial
Try OCAD Desktop free for 14 days.
Please register to request the trial version.
