GPS helps you to determine your position in the terrain when mapping, especially when the base data isn’t very accurate. But how exactly does GPS work, and what should you bear in mind when using it?
On the website GPS in Orienteering Map Map Making, you’ll find a summary of useful information about GPS and instructions on how to use GPS with OCAD.
You’ll also learn what equipment will help you achieve satisfactory results as a map maker.
We are hosting a webinar to introduce you to our new OCAD App and explain step by step how you can use it.
Date: Wednesday, 11.03.2026
Time: 19.00-20:30 (UTC+01:00) Amsterdam, Berlin, Bern, Rom, Stockholm, Wien
Take the opportunity and ask us questions about the app directly during the webinar.
We look forward to your participation.
This was the question that participants in the Swiss Orienteering course setting competition had to answer when they set an M10 and a WE course.
In its report, the jury summarized the most important points of a good sprint course and explained its decisions. Definitely worth reading.
The winner, Silvan Ulmann, is a familiar face: he was the course setter for the Knock-Out Sprint at the World Cup Final in Uster, which was voted Course of the Year 2025 in a WorldofO poll.
Winning courses of Silvan Ulmann: Concept / M10 / WE
OCAD AG provided each of the top three finishers in the course setting competition with a free annual license.
We have officially released the OCAD App!
We are pleased to introduce the new app to you in this short video.
The OCAD App was developed to make mapping directly in the field as efficient and ergonomic as possible on mobile devices.
Let us introduce you to a few smart features of the new app that you will love.
Single Color Erasing
The eraser tool (1) can be used to delete all sketches when the user taps and drags the eraser across the map.
The single-color eraser allows the user to erase sketches of a specific sketch color. In this example the black sketch color is selected, and the “erase single color” behavior (2) is activated to only erase the black ‘T’ and preserve the other sketches.
Configurable Zoom Buttons
The App has three configurable buttons which can be set to different zoom scales. They are not set to any specific numeric scale.
When tapping one of these zoom buttons the app will go to the specified scale, auto-rotate and auto-center the map (if the device has a compass and GPS).
The Re-Shape Selection Behavior
The geometry of an existing object can be changed by using the re-shape behavior. Select an object and tap the re-shape behavior button. Starting on the edge of the object, draw the new geometry.
Re-using Geometry – Following
When using the curve behavior, it is possible to follow the geometry of one or more other existing line or area objects by using the follow option.
In the following example the green area is drawn following the track.
You can find more information about the app at www.ocad.com/app.
Have fun exploring the OCAD App and its new features!
We have published an update to the OCAD App (version 0.9.1.60) with new features.
Note: The OCAD App is still in the beta phase. We plan to officially release the app in the coming weeks.
The most important changes
How to update the App?
Open the OCAD App in Google Play Store (Android) or in Testflight (iOS) to update it. Your projects will be preserved after the update.