OCAD App

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Achtung.PNG The OCAD App is currently in beta testing. Although we have thoroughly tested the app, errors may occur. Achtung.PNG

What is the OCAD App

The OCAD App complements the Desktop version of OCAD and is designed for mapping in the field.
As a further development of the OCAD Sketch App, the OCAD App allows not only sketching but also 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.
The OCAD App runs on mobile Android and iOS devices. Downloading and using the app is free of charge.
An OCAD Desktop license is required to create a map and to print or export it. Please visit also our website for Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) and further information about the App. OCADApp BuerenflueEntireMap.jpg

Installation of the OCAD App

Click on the link on your mobile device or scan the QR code to download the beta version of the OCAD App.
Downloading and using the app is free of charge.

Android
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ocad.app
QrCodeAndroidBetaRelease.png

iOS
https://testflight.apple.com/join/T9hgNVH2
QrCodeiOSBetaRelease.png


The following versions are known to work well:

  • iOS 18.5 and later
  • Android 13 and later

Minimum versions are:

  • iOS 16 or later
  • Android 8 or later

How to work with the OCAD App

The OCAD App is designed for mapping in the field.
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 a map, generate background maps, and later export and print the map, an OCAD Desktop license is required.


The interaction between OCAD Desktop and the OCAD App works as follows.

Workflow OCAD App.png

1. Create a project in OCAD Desktop

Start in OCAD Desktop with a new map or open an existing map that you want to update or review.
Optionally, supplement your map with LiDAR data, aerial images, official survey data, or Web Map Services (WMS).


2. Transfer project from OCAD Desktop to OCAD App Data

With OCAD Cloud Transfer, you can easily transfer your map and background maps to your mobile device.
To do this, create a new transfer project in OCAD Desktop in the OCAD App Data Exchange and upload it to the OCAD Cloud (OCAD Desktop version 20.8.0 or later needed).
You will receive a QR code that you can scan with your mobile device to download the project.
Alternatively, the transfer can also be done via a USB cable.

-> More about the OCAD App Data Exchange Export.


3. Edit project on the app

Now you can get started with the OCAD app. In the app, you can sketch or directly draw and edit map objects.
Your background maps together with GPS help you determine your position.

-> More about how the OCAD app works in the OCAD App Manual


4. Transfer project from the OCAD app to OCAD Desktop

When you have finished your field work, you can upload the project from the app to the OCAD Cloud.
Back in OCAD Desktop, go to OCAD App Data Exchange again to import your data.
During the import, OCAD checks for synchronization conflicts, e.g., if the same object has been changed in the app and in OCAD Desktop.

-> More about the OCAD App Data Exchange Import


5. Continue editing the project in OCAD Desktop

In OCAD Desktop, you can draw sketches, continue editing your map, export or print it.
If you have not yet finished recording, you can upload the updated project to the OCDA Cloud again.

-> More about Re-uploading a project

OCAD App Manual

The functionality of the app is described on the OCAD App Manual page.

Ocadapp SettingsDrawing.png

OCAD App Data Exchange

To transfer a project from OCAD Desktop to your mobile device, see the OCAD App Data Exchange documentation.

OCADAppDataExchange Edit.png

Best Practices

Before Field Recording

  • Download the transfer project to your mobile device at home and open the project briefly to check it.
  • Arrange Export
Only export background maps that you really need in the field (e.g., no orthophotos in the forest)
If the perimeter is <= A4: Export the entire map
If the perimeter > A4, but no or only 1-2 background maps: Export entire map
If the perimeter > A4 and many background maps: Export only part of the map

During Field recording

  • Avoid map editing on OCAD Desktop while the project is edited on the mobile device(s).

Otherwise, data synchronization can be very challenging due to conflicts.

  • Switch off the GPS (Settings > Positioning: Switch off ‘Show current position’ and ‘Logging and Tail’) when you do not need it, e.g. for sprint maps or when reception is very poor.

After field recording

  • Import the data into OCAD Desktop after you return from field work. The uploaded data will be deleted from the server after 7 days.
  • After importing, create a backup copy (Menu File > Create Backup).
  • Delete old and unused projects on the desktop and in the app to keep a better overview.

Re-uploading a project

You have several options:

No renewed upload of the project from OCAD Desktop

You can reopen the same project in the app and continue editing it.
You should only do this if you have not imported the project into OCAD Desktop or edited the map between field recordings. Otherwise, this information will be missing in the app.

Update the same project in OCAD Desktop

If you imported and edited the project in OCAD Desktop between surveys, you can upload a new version for a new field survey for the same project.
No background maps will be updated, which makes the transfer faster.

Create a new transfer project

If you want to upload different background maps, a different area, or with a different transfer option, it is recommended to create a new transfer project.

Collaboration between different mappers

Once you have uploaded a transfer project, you will receive a QR code that you can share with other mappers.

They can use the QR code to download the project to their mobile device, edit it, and upload it again.

The uploaded files from the mappers can only be imported into the specific OCAD file from which the transfer project was generated.

You can...

- use only one transfer project and distribute the QR code to several different mappers. In this case, it makes sense to deactivate the ‘Allow map editing’ option so that the map makers can only create notes but cannot edit map objects. Otherwise, conflicts can easily arise if several mappers edit the same object (e.g., a contour line that runs across the entire map).
- create multiple transfer projects and share the QR code with one mapper per project. This can be useful for clearly defining the mapping areas and allowing map editing.

Limitations

As mentioned above, the OCAD App complements the desktop version of OCAD with a focus on digital mapping.

Orienteering

  • It's not possible to create a map and to print or export it.
  • Only basic functionality to draw and edit maps. No DEM Wizard, Symbol Editor, Database, ect.

Course Setting

  • Only sketching is possible for course setting projects.
  • Controls numbers are show at default position and not according Preview in OCAD Desktop.

Please note that the app is constantly being developed and additional functionality is being added.

Further Information

  • To test the OCAD App, you can open a sample project in the app.
  • Please visit our website for Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) and further information about the app.
  • Device requirements and recommendations for suitable mobile devices.