Tag Archives: Mobile Mapping

Keep your OCAD App and Projects up to date

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These days, many computer programs update themselves automatically and save data to the cloud. However, since the OCAD App can be used offline (doing field work in remote locations), data is stored locally on the device. If the mobile device breaks, is lost or experiences an unexpected software error, the app’s data will be lost too.  

Unfortunately, the saying “shit happens” is sometimes true, so we encourage our users to follow these best practices to minimize data loss in an emergency as much as possible.

Upload projects regularly

Manually upload the project to the OCAD Server, for example during your lunch break and at the end of the day. For this, the mobile device must have internet access via a SIM card, Wi-Fi or a mobile hotspot.

In OCAD Desktop, the project can be imported via the OCAD App Data Exchange for further processing.  If you have done multiple uploads, you would only need to import the latest one to get all your changes.

Install app updates

We publish regular updates to improve the app and expand its functionality.

Apps are automatically updated by default on iOS and Android. You can also update the app manually. *

You can view the current app version at the bottom of the Projects page, the current version is 1.2.4 and 1.3.0 is coming soon!

Note: we recommend uploading projects before updating the app to minimize the risk of issues arising during the update process.

Conclusion

Be proactive: Upload data regularly and keep the app up to date.

* For those of you who were part of our beta-testing program you may need to leave this to enable updates, contact support if you need assistance.

GPS in Orienteering Map Making

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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.

OCAD App – Public Release

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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!

Review of OCAD Development 2025

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We hope you all had a good start to the new year and wish you all the best for 2026.

In this blog post, we look back at the most important OCAD innovations of the past year.

Improved PDF Export for Course Setting

You can now define a reverse side for PDF exports. This option allows you to export a PDF with two pages for double-sided printing. See this blog post for more information and application examples.

The reverse side option adds to a long list of useful features to make it easier to export orienteering courses. These include the Define Paper Size feature for displaying a print area and the Canvas feature for exporting orienteering maps in different scales or layouts.

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License Management Improvements

OCAD licenses can be transferred if, for example, another person is to work with OCAD or OCAD is to be used on another device.

To transfer an OCAD license, you should use the License Transfer Utility in the OCAD Help menu. This function deactivates the OCAD license on your computer and allows you to activate this license on another device.

OCAD Single User licenses can now be activated independently on a new device, even if the old device is no longer accessible!

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Base Colors: Color Management Made Easy

We added an option to the Colors dialog to define Base Colors, to makes color management easier for people who print maps.

This way, only a few base colors need to be defined, and each color in the color table can be assigned to one of those base colors, which determines its color value. When changing the CMYK values of the base colors, the derived colors change too.

See this blog post for more information.

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OCAD App – Beta Release

At the end of 2025, we were able to announce another milestone in the history of OCAD AG. We released a beta version of the OCAD App, which replaces the OCAD Sketch App.

With the new app, we are taking mapping on mobile devices to a whole new level. While the previous OCAD Sketch App only allowed you to sketch, the new OCAD App enables you to edit the entire map. There are also many improvements to make mapping in the field even more ergonomic and efficient.

Discover the OCAD App at www.ocad.com/app.

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