OCAD Sketch App

OCAD Sketch App - Beta Release. We have tested the OCAD Sketch App intensively and successfully on various devices over the last few weeks. However, errors may still occur. Therefore, we recommend to create regular backups. If you have any feedback, please use the Share Feedback tool in the General Settings.

Introduction

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.

Installation of the OCAD Sketch App

The beta version of the OCAD Sketch App is not yet available in the Apple App Store and Google Play.
You need to use the following links to download the OCAD Sketch App beta version to your mobile device.
Click on the link on your mobile device.

• iOS: LINK WILL DESPLAYED HERE AFTER OFFICIAL BETA RELEASE
• Android: LINK WILL DESPLAYED HERE AFTER OFFICIAL BETA RELEASE

After the official release, the app can be downloaded and used for free in the Apple App Store (iOS), or Google Play (Android).

Further Information

• Short presentation video LINK WILL DESPLAYED HERE AFTER OFFICIAL BETA RELEASE
• Detailed explanation video EN LINK WILL DESPLAYED HERE AFTER OFFICIAL BETA RELEASE
• Detailed explanation video DE LINK WILL DESPLAYED HERE AFTER OFFICIAL BETA RELEASE
• Please visit https://www.ocad.com/app for Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) and further information about the App.

OCAD Sketch App Data Exchange

Use the OCAD Sketch App Data Exchange tool to export data to or import data from the OCAD Sketch App.

Export data to App

Open the OCAD Sketch App Data Exchange tool from the File menu.

Manage Transfer Projects

Select Transfer project

• Create a new transfer project. Enter a project name. The given name will be displayed in the OCAD Sketch App.
• Rename an existing transfer project.
• Delete an existing transfer project.
  

Deleting a project in the desktop version of OCAD means that sketches for this project no longer can be imported via OCAD Cloud Transfer, even when recreating a project with the same name!

Transfer direction

Select a transfer project in the list above and choose the transfer direction. If you select a transfer project for which data has already been uploaded, its data will be overwritten.

Export data to App: Use this option if you like to export your map and background maps to the app for field work. This option is described below.
Import data from App: Use this option if you like to import sketches from field work into OCAD Desktop, e.g. for final drawing. Read more about this step in the Import data from App Section.

Arrange Export

Extent

Entire map: Includes the extent of the entire map and all its background maps.

Part of map: Choose a predefined extent or define a new one. You can define a new extent by clicking on Define or open the Setup Part of Map dialoge and save an extent there.

Background Maps

Choose the background that shall be exported to the OCAD Sketch App. Use SHIFT key to select multiple files.

Resolution

Select a map resolution. This is used for the ocd map file which is displayed as a PNG image in the Sketch App.

The resolution should be better than your thinnest lines.

Default settings: map scale > 1:5000 with 762 dpi | map scale <= 1:5000 with 1270 dpi

Execute data processing

Execute data processing to prepare the data for export .

Note: This step can take several minutes if you have chosen a large extent or large background maps.

Transfer and Share

Choose one of the Data transfer options.

OCAD Cloud Transfer

The project is uploaded to the OCAD Transfer Cloud which creates a QR code to download the project to your mobile device.

Choose this option and click Upload to OCAD Cloud Transfer.

A green hint shows you if the upload was successful and the QR code is shown in the Share section.

Scan the image directly with your mobile device (Photo or QR Scan App) and confirm to open the link. The project will be loaded automatically into the OCAD Sketch App.

As an alternative you can Copy the QR code to the clipboard and may send it to someone by email.

The files will be removed from the OCAD Cloud Transfer after 7 days. Once you downloaded the data to your mobile device, the data will remain there even if the project is removed from the OCAD Cloud Transfer.

Close the dialog.

Data exchange folder

This option is probably smooth if you use a data exchange service App like DropBox, iCloud or OneDrive on your mobile device.

1. Choose this option and choose or create a Sketch App Data Exchange root folder on the DropBox etc. (e.g. C:\Users\Username\Dropbox\OcadSketchAppExchange).
2. Click Copy to data exchange folder to copy the files to the destination folder.
   

In fact the files are copied to a subfolder _DesktopToApp\[ProjectName] of your chosen root folder.
OCAD remembers the Sketch App Data Exchange root folder and it will be set by default for upcoming transfer projects.

Close the dialog.

USB cable

Copy the project folder manually to your mobile device.

Choose this option and click Open folder.

The Windows Explorer opens at the folder which contains the project folder.

Now copy the entire project folder to the OCAD Sketch App files folder on your mobile device (e.g. \Android\data\com.ocad.mobile\files).

Close the dialog.

Import Data from App

Open the OCAD Sketch App Data Transfer tool from the File menu.

Manage Transfer Projects

Select Transfer project

To Import data from the OCAD Sketch App, you need to select the project that was used for the export.

Transfer direction

Choose Import data from App if you like to import sketches from field work into OCAD Desktop, e.g. for final drawing.

Transfer Options

Choose one of the Data transfer options.

OCAD Cloud Transfer

Click the Get importable files button to import the files.

Data exchange folder

Copy the relevant files* on your mobile device to the data exchange folder e.g. Dropbox]\OCAD Sketch App\_AppToDesktop\[ProjectName

* Relevant files: map.ocd (the field work sketch is saved here) | position.db (GPS positions are logged here, if the option was activated)

Click the Get importable files button to import the files.

USB cable

Copy the relevant files* from your mobile device to this folder in the OCAD AppData folder:
C:\Users\[USERNAME]\AppData\Roaming\OCAD\OCAD 2018\Tmp\_OcadSketchAppDataTransfer\_AppToDesktop\[ProjectName]

Click the Get importable files button to import the files.

* Relevant files: map.ocd (the field work sketch is saved here) | position.db (GPS positions are logged here, if the option was activated)

Arrange Import

Choose files for import

Choose the files you want to import.Use Shift key to select multiple files.

GPS log import settings

Optional: Assign a line symbol to the GPS log track.

Click Import data to import the file(s).

Close the dialog.

Usage

Open a project

You can load multiple projects on one device. Learn more in the OCAD Sketch App Data Exchange section how to transfer a project to your mobile device.

Click on a project to open it.

The first time you work with the app. you will be asked if OCAD Sketch App is allowed to retrieve the device location. Agree, if you want to work with internal GPS.

If your device has no compass, you will get notified when starting a projcet. Features requiring compass won't work in this case.

General Settings

Open the general settings to adjust your username, get help or share feedback with the developpers.

Project Settings

• Restore backup: Option to restore a backup version of your project. Activate the Save backup versions checkbox in the Settings tab.
• Send to OCAD Cloud Transfer: Upload your project to the OCAD Cloud Transfer, so you can import the project later on in OCAD Desktop.
• Delete from phone: Delete the projcet from your mobile device.

OCAD Sketch UI

Finger gestures

2 Fingers
Use 2 Finger gestures to Zoom, Pan and/or Rotate the map.

1 Finger
Use 1 Finger gestures the active tools from the bottom toolbar:

• Pan / Draw Sketch / Erase Sketch
• Double click with 1 Finger to zoom in

Undo Redo (Draw/Erase)

Undo the last draw/erase operation

Redo the last draw/erase operation

Layers

Show/hide/dim layers (map and background map)

You can make a background map visible or hide it by clicking the checkbox.

Drag a background layer to a different position.

Dim a background map, i.e. make the background map appear brighter. Slider to the right means the background map is displayed in its original colors. Slider to the left means the background map appears completely white.

The map.png is transparent by default.

Whether the other background maps are transparent or not, depends on their Transparent option in OCAD Desktop.

Settings (GPS, Compass, North lines...)

• Show current position: Shows your current position based on your device GPS. Your project must me correctly georeferenced and you must be within the project extent to see your position.
• Show position precision: Shows the expected precision of your current position.
• Log position to file: Logs your position to a gpx file, which can later be imported in OCAD Desktop.
• Show positions log tail: Shows the postition log tail. Adjust the tail color and tail length if needed.
• Show north lines Show north lines on the map. Adjust the Distance between north lines if needed.
• Show compass Shows compass. Only available if your device has a build-in compass.
• Save backup versions Backs up your project automatically acrroding to the Backup inverval specified.

Project Management

Close Project Closes your project.

Align North / Maximize

If map view is rotated -> Reset map view rotation (north lines parallel to device screen).

If map view is not rotated -> Show entire map.

Zoom

Zoom in

Zoom out

You can also zoom in/ zoom out with 2 fingers gestures.

Position

Single Tap: Center map to current position (1 x)

Double Tap: Center map to position (permanently).

Center map works only if Show current position is turned on.

Compass

Single Tap: Rotate map view to current magnetic north (1 x)

Double Tap: Rotate map view to magnetic north (permanently).

If your device has no compass, this tool will not be visible.

Pan

Pan the map with a pen or 1 finger gestures. Double click to zoom in.

You can also zoom in/ zoom out with 2 fingers gestures.

Draw Sketch

Click on the Draw Sketch button. Now you can start sketching with the specified line color/width.

You can either draw with your fingers or with a capacitive pen, which is beneficial for precise drawing (e.g. Samsung S Pen on Samsung Galaxy Note/Tab). In cold weather, a pen and gloves are suitable.

All your drawing will be saved automatically. You do not have to save the file. Once you are done with sketching, just close the project.

Choose Sketch Width / Color

Click on the Choose Sketch Width / Color button if you like another color or line width for sketching.

There are 6 different line width and 13 different colors available. On devices with a small screen (e.g. smartphones), you can scroll to the left to see all colors.

Line widths are: 0.01mm | 0.02mm| 0.4mm | 0.5mm| 0.6mm| 1mm

Important ISOM 2017 width 10'000 scale:

Contour / Narrow ride: 0.21mm

Index Contour / Impassable Cliff: 0.38mm

Form Line: 0.15mm

Impassable cliff / Road: 0.52mm

Passable Cliff: 0.38mm

Small foothpath: 0.27mm

Important ISSprOM 2019 width 4'000 scale:

Uncrossable Walls/ Fences / Hedges: 0.4mm

Step or edge of paved area: 0.1mm

Contour: 0.21mm

Erase Sketch

Erase objects by running the eraser over them.

Start/Stop GPS Tracking

Current color/width is used.

Double Tap creates a point feature (Start/Stop at same position)

GPS Tracking supports you to determine your current position. You can either use the internal GPS of your device (default) or connect to an external GPS.

GPS recording is active, even if you switch to another map (e.g. browse in the internet or make a phone call while mapping). Only if you close the OCAD Sketch App, the position recording will stop.

Demo Project

Do you want to test the OCAD Sketch app but don't have a project available right now? Then download our demo project.

Step 1: Download the OCAD Sketch App to your mobile device.

Step 2: Scan the following QR code with your mobile device.

Step 3: Open the demo project.

Note:
Since you are most likely outside the project area, the position display will not work.
You cannot upload the demo project to OCAD Cloud Transfer.