Map-n-Compass supports file sharing using email or iTunes file sharing. These are two separate methods for sending and receiving files to and from the app. Keyhole Markup Language (KML) files containing courses or results can be transferred to and from the app using either file sharing method. But map tile database files, due to their large file size, can only be transferred using iTunes file sharing.

KML Files

Map-n-Compass utilizes KML course files that you create using Google Earth, provided that the files adhere to the app’s file-naming convention. Make sure that files are named correctly: Orienteering course files must include the text “O-Course” in their names, and ARDF course files must include the text “ARDF-Course” in their names. File names are not case sensitive. The file extension must be .kml, and of course the files must contain valid KML data.

Results files created by Map-n-Compass are also in KML format, and can be transferred between the app and a computer in the same manner as course files. Since Map-n-Compass assigns a name to results files at the time they are created, results file names are guaranteed to adhere to the app’s results file naming conventions when they start their life. You are free to rename results files if you like, but make sure that any results files loaded into the app adhere to these rules: Orienteering results files must include the text “O-Results” in their names, and ARDF results files must include the text “ARDF-Results” in their names. File names are not case sensitive. The file extension must be .kml, and of course the files must contain valid KML data.

Map Tile Database Files

Map-n-Compass supports Route-me DB tile source format. Map tile database files may be assigned any name you like, but they must have the supported file extension DB (*.db) , and of course they must contain valid SQL database file data. The process for converting an image file (e.g., .jpg, .png, .ocd, etc…) to a map tile database requires the following steps:

Email File Sharing

Email file sharing allows you exchange KML files between the app and anyone with an email account.

Inbound

You can receive KML files sent to you from others, or sent from your own PC or any device from which you access your email account. Files received as attachments are installed directly from your Apple device’s email client into Map-n-Compass.

Outbound

You can use email to send results and course KML files as attachments directly from Map-n-Compass without having to access your Apple device’s email client. Attachments can be results or course KML files.

Caution!: Your Apple device may utilize the cellular network for email if wifi internet service is not available. Do not send large KML files as attachments if you want to avoid expensive data usage charges!

Hint: Wait until you are in wifi coverage, or utilize iTunes file sharing for large files.

Sending KML Files by Email

You can send KML files as follows: Access email file sharing in Course-Edit mode by tapping once on the compass rose, and then select email file sharing:
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Next you will select the files you wish to attach to the email (you can attach multiple files to one email) then touch the send email button in the upper righthand corner of the file list. Enter the recipient(s) email addresse(s), any CC addresses (optional), add text to the body of the email (optional), and  then press . The app will confirm the success or notify of failure of the mailing.

Receiving KML Files by Email

You can receive KML files and install them in the app as follows: On your Apple device launch the native Mail app , then open an email containing attachments you would like to import to Map-n-Compass. Press and hold your touch on the attachment to be imported. After a few seconds a menu will pop up. On the pop-up menu select Open in “Map-n-Compass”. The app will start up and display the file in the app’s files folder.

Once the file is saved to the app, you can access it while in Course-Edit mode by tapping the compass rose and selecting the course files directory. If the file you transferred does not appear in the course files directory, check that the file naming conventions of the file are correct and that the file type is KML (*.kml).

iTunes File Sharing

Large files are best transferred using iTunes file sharing because the USB connection used for iTunes file sharing is fast and is not subject to mailbox size restrictions. iTunes file sharing allows you to download and upload map tile databases as well as results and course KML files to and from the app.

Map Tile Databases: Step-by-Step

Follow these steps to save map tile database files residing on your computer to your Apple device:

1. Connect your Apple device to your computer.
2. Launch iTunes.
3. Select your device from the list in the leftmost column under DEVICES.
4. Select “Apps” on the selection bar located near the top of the iTunes window.
5. Scroll to the very bottom of the Apps page, where you find “File Sharing“
6. Below File Sharing find and select the Map-n-Compass app from the Apps list.
7. Locate the field labeled “Map-n-Compass Documents” just to the right of the Apps list in the previous step.
8. At the bottom of the Map-n-Compass Documents field click the “Add…” button
9. Navigate to the folder containing the files you would like to transfer.
10. Click “Open” – this will write the selected file(s) to the app.

Once a map tile database file is saved to the app you can access it when the app is in Course Edit mode by tapping the map and selecting the map files directory. If the file you saved to the app does not appear in the map files directory, check that the file is type DB (*.db).

KML File Sharing: Computer to App

Follow these steps to save files residing on your computer to your Apple device:

1. Connect your Apple device to your computer.
2. Launch iTunes.
3. Select your device from the list in the leftmost column under DEVICES.
4. Select “Apps” on the selection bar located near the top of the iTunes window.
5. Scroll to the very bottom of the Apps page, where you find “File Sharing“
6. Below File Sharing find and select the Map-n-Compass app from the Apps list.
7. Locate the field labeled “Map-n-Compass Documents” just to the right of the Apps list in the previous step.
8. At the bottom of the Map-n-Compass Documents field click the “Add…” button
9. Navigate to the folder containing the files you would like to transfer.
10. Click “Open” – this will write the selected file(s) to the app.

Once a course file is saved to the app, you can access it from the Course-Edit mode by tapping the compass rose and selecting the course files directory. If the file you transferred does not appear in the course files directory, check that the file naming conventions of the file are correct and that the file type is KML (*.kml).

KML File Sharing: App to Computer

Follow these steps to save files from on your Apple device to your computer:

1. Connect your Apple device to your computer.
2. Launch iTunes.
3. Select your device from the list in the leftmost column under DEVICES.
4. Select “Apps” on the selection bar located near the top of the iTunes window.
5. Scroll to the very bottom of the Apps page, where you find “File Sharing“
6. Below File Sharing find and select the Map-n-Compass app from the Apps list.
7. Locate the field labeled “Map-n-Compass Documents” just to the right of the Apps list in the previous step.
8. Select any of the documents listed that you would like to save.
9. At the bottom of the Map-n-Compass Documents field click the “Save to…” button
10. Navigate to the folder where you would like to store the file(s).
11. Click “Open” – this will write the selected file(s) to your PC.

Once a KML file is saved to your computer, simply double-click on it to launch Google Earth and view the contents of the file.