We share maps of our trips using CalTopo.com. We also use it extensively to prepare data prior to a trip as it has a full set of tools to create, edit, join, split, and simplify tracks and routes. CalTopo also has many power-user features such as fire history, snow sensor overlays and an excellent map-printing tool.
Viewing CalTopo maps works on a smartphone but it is much easier to use all of the functionality if you use a large screen, so we recommend using a desktop computer or laptop.
Here are the most critical things you need to know to successfully view our maps and copy our data. The numbered list refers to the numbers in the image.
- Configure the information you see. By default CalTopo shows the labels of markers and lines. Since our maps frequently have many markers, the labels often obscure the view. Under Settings, set Display -> Show Labels to None. The other settings are less critical but you can tune them to your liking. Once changed, your settings are stored as cookies so your view of any CalTopo map will reflect your most recent setting.
- The map type currently displayed is shown in the upper right corner. To change this, place your cursor on the bubble with name of the currently displayed map type. The map types we use most frequently are MapBuilder Topo, Scanned Topo (within USA), TF Outdoors, and Global Imagery. Note that if you pay an annual subscription fee you also get access to Google Maps and Google Street View.
- Folders of data are listed on the left. Toggle the check boxes to show and hide data.
- View a profile of a line by clicking the graph icon next to the line. The profile will appear at the bottom of the page. You can get more details by clicking the word expand in the upper right of the profile. Alternatively, you can get to the same information by left clicking on a line and then clicking Terrain Stats or Profile.
- Export data in a variety of formats. To get our data so you can make your own CalTopo map, use Download GeoJSON File, and then import that file into your own CalTopo map. If you want to import our data into Gaia GPS iPhone app, export it in gpx format.
- Documentation is available by clicking on Help.
Having trouble exporting the OCT, in 1 master folder, and 10 section folders within the master; the caltopo site doesn’t help this somewhat technical dummy. I assume I can possibly transfer it to my Garmin GPS card.
Bob “Trekker”
Bob, Your question is very vague so I’m not sure how to help. I’ll try to write a short description for a technical “dummy”.
GPX is a standard format understood by most mapping tools.
To export the data in GPX format, go to “Export” in the upper left and choose Download GPX file. You can make sure your export worked by opening CalTopo.com (not our map, but just CalTopo.com with no data showing) in a new browser window and then importing the file you just exported. If the data imports successfully then you’ve confirmed that the gpx file is valid.
If you want to maintain the folder structure, then choose Export->Download GeoJSON file. This is a different format than GPX. Again, you can test to make sure the exported file works as expected by opening CalTopo in a new browser window and importing it there.
I don’t know if Garmin will accept GeoJSON format files but I’d be surprised if they don’t take GPX format file as that is very commonly used across many different mapping tools.
I hope this helps. Amy
Hello Amy and James, thanks for your detailed descriptions. I would like my CalTopo maps look like the sample you show on this page, mine look very different and I don’t find the settings to get to that reduced and clear look. How could I send you a screenshot of my map? Thanks, Ralf
Ralf – There are two things that will give you a reduced and clear look. First is the map type you choose. In the image on this page we have chosen Forest Service – FSTopo 2013 (white). That map type is only available for USFS lands. The second most common thing that will add lots of clutter to the map is if you have it set to display labels. Under Settings, change “Show Labels” to “None”. If those don’t solve your problem, you can make use of the Help and Support resources — https://caltopo.com/help