Avenza PDF Maps App Guide

App Installation

  1. Using the App Store for iPhones or the Google Play Store for Android phones, search “Avenza PDF Maps”.
  2. Install the free app.
  3. Open the app and accept the terms and conditions.

Please note: This App utilizes the built in GPS chip inside iPhones, iPads, Androids, etc. so it does not require data or a cellular connection to be used. However, data or Wi-Fi must be used in order to share/export data.

Getting Started

  1. Create a Dropbox account. This will allow you to import and export saved maps to and from your device when volunteering with the Michigan DNR.
  2. Under the top heading “Maps”, select the plus sign at the top of the screen.
  3. Select “From Dropbox”
  4. Create a Dropbox account using your name, email, and a password you create.
  5. Allow PDF Maps to access your Dropbox account.
  6. Get acquainted with how to use the maps.
  7. Under the top heading “Maps”, tap “Getting Started, on map”
  8. This map gives instructions on how to do basic actions such as zooming in and out, placing a pin, reading the latitude and longitude, etc.
  9. To practice, place a pin somewhere on the map by centering the small, grey circle in the middle of the screen where you want the pin to be. Click on the picture of a pin above the map to make it drop. From there, you can click on the pin you dropped and edit the information that is saved along with that pin.
  10. Examples of information that can be saved along with a pinned location: latitude, longitude, pictures, and any other descriptive information.

Using Maps

  1. In order to browse all maps created, select “Store” at the top of the screen.
  2. Tap on any of the categories or “Find Maps” which allows you to see what maps are available near your location. This also allows you to find maps from every area of the world.
  3. Please note: When volunteering with the Michigan DNR, you will be provided with instructions from your Natural Resource Steward about which map to use for the activity you will be doing.
  4. Once you have been given information regarding the correct map you will be using, install it.
  5. At any time you want to access a specific map, go to the “Maps” heading and it should be saved under that section.
  6. When the correct map has been opened, it will function in the same way the map in the “Getting Started” section did.
  7. If you are physically located in the area covered by the map, you can at any time select the arrow near the top of the screen and a blue dot will appear where you are.
  8. If you are not on the map, a message will appear that says “Not currently on map”.
  9. Even though you might not be on the map, you can still use the grey circle to place pins and obtain/collect information on the location of that pin.
  10. If you know your position is within the map extent and you’re still getting “Not currently on map”, close and restart the application.

Using Map Functions

  1. Dropping a pin at your location.
  2. If you are on the map, click the arrow button to locate yourself. This centers the grey circle on your location so when you select the pin button (near the top of the screen), it drops where you are and gives you the latitude and longitude.
  3. Editing information saved with a pin.
  4. Click on the “Placemark #” bubble that appears above the dropped pin.
  5. By selecting the current name, you can rename it.
  6. A description of the pin can be added.
  7. Example: Additional information regarding a cluster of invasive plant species or the frequency of a turtle you found.
  8. Relevant photos can be uploaded along with the pin.
  9. Under the pin information, select “Photos”
  10. Either upload a picture already taken from the photo gallery of your device or use the camera to take a picture instantly.
  11. GPS coordinates will be saved with the pin.
  12. When using a map given to you by your Natural Resources Steward, there will be additional information to fill out on the pin editing pagedepending on the type of activity you are participating in.
  13. Example: For mapping/reporting invasive species, you’ll need to enter the species, population (1-5), and density (sparse, patchy, dense).
  14. Pins will automatically be saved onto your map.

Remember, your map and all pins on it can be accessed at any time through the “Maps” heading at the top of the screen!

Organizing Your Maps

  1. Under the “Maps” section, you can add different folders to put individual maps into. This will be extremely helpful if you plan on making and utilizing multiple maps.
  2. At the top of the screen, click on the folder with a plus sign next to it.
  3. Name the folder and select “Ok”.
  4. In order to move maps into the folder, click and hold on the map you wish to move and new icons should appear at the top of the screen. Tap the folder with an arrow on it then select the folder you wish to move it to.

Exporting Data

  1. To export data, you’ll need a connection to the internet (whether through a data plan or Wi-Fi).
  2. Open the map of the Placemarks or Tracks you want to export. Click the button to the right of the lat/long on the bottom of the screen.
  3. Select the Placemarks you’d like to export.
  4. Click the button on the bottom right of the screen (box with an up arrow).
  5. In Export Settings:
  6. Choose your filename
  7. For SEND TO, select “Email”
  8. For FORMAT, select “CSV”
  9. Click “EXPORT” in the upper right corner of the screen
  10. An email will openwith your data file already loaded. Enter comments as needed and mail to Alicia Ihnken ().

For questions, contact:

Alicia Ihnken

Stewardship Analyst

Michigan Department of Natural Resources Parks & Recreation Division, Stewardship Unit

Phone: 517-284-6129