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Thread: New Smart MVUM Maps for Colorado

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    Default New Smart MVUM Maps for Colorado



    For years now, Stay The Trail has hosted Motor Vehicle Use Maps (MVUMs) and overlaid them in the Google mapping system. We consistently were asked if there was a solution to easily utilize these maps on a handheld smartphone or tablet. The day has finally come...free MVUM mobile mapping is here!

    Stay the Trail Colorado provides a central webpage where the public, organizations and agencies can download all US Forest Service Motor Vehicle Use Maps (MVUM) for National Forests and Grasslands located in Colorado. These maps are kept up to date as the US Forest Service updates their maps. Funding for this effort is provided by Colorado Parks and Wildlife in the form of grant funding that comes from registration of OHVs in Colorado.

    Stay the Trail and Great Outdoors Consultants have made the MVUMs “smarter” by making sure they all have geospatial information (the map knows where it’s located in the World) and by providing them in multiple formats. Smart MVUMs are provided in the following formats.

    Geospatial PDF Files

    Some National Forests are publishing PDF versions of MVUMs that are already geospatial which means that you can see map coordinates in Acrobat Reader using the geospatial location tool (found in the analysis toolbar/ menu). These maps can also be imported into some mapping programs such as Global Mapper. MVUMs that did not have geospatial information were processed to add geospatial information using Global Mapper software. All PDF MVUMs were exported in the following coordinate system: UTM – Zone 13 North – NAD1983 - meters

    Geospatial PDFs can also be used on Apple and Android smart phones/tablets using Avenza’s free application called PDF Maps.

    Attachment 152490

    After the PDF MVUM is downloaded on the mobile device, cellular coverage is not needed to use it. This application shows the current GPS location of the user on the map and allows them to perform some basic GPS recording tasks! The application allows you to show the location of geotagged photos you’ve taken with your mobile device right on the MVUM map. PDF Maps has an online map store that allows users of the app to find MVUMs by name or their current location! This app is being used to distribute free maps for the National Park Service, USGS Topo maps and other free maps. The store also allows for sale of commercial maps such as National Geographic maps. All MVUMs found on the Stay the Trail webpage are now also available through the Avenza map store for free!

    1. Go to “App Store”, search for “PDF Maps” and install
    2. Open “PDF Maps”, select “Store” function from the lower bar
    3. Select the search function in top right corner.
    4. Search for “Stay The Trail” or “MVUM” or a Ranger District, select from the pins that appear
    5. Use the “Free” button to download to the phone.
    6. Downloaded maps show up in the “Maps” list on the lower left
    7. Select appropriate map for the district’s trails you will be using. Your location appears using GPS sensor.

    Note: The android version of the PDF Maps app is a beta version and is not currently linked to the Avenza map store. Maps can be loaded in the Android version by linking to the Stay the Trail webpage MVUMs, by emailing the PDF file or a link to it.

    Weblinks:
    http://staythetrail.org/mvum/index.php - All Colorado PDF MVUMs on one webpage
    http://www.avenza.com/pdf-maps - information about the application
    http://www.pdf-maps.com/get-maps - search for Colorado MVUMs on your computer – preview only

    Google Earth Files

    Geospatial PDF MVUM files were rasterized in Global Mapper software and then clipped to the map frame (excluded the legend). The rasterized MVUM files were then exported to Google Earth .kmz files. These files can be loaded into Google Earth desktop and mobile applications. To load a .kmz file on your mobile device, email yourself the appropriate .kmz file or a link to the .kmz file on the Stay the Trail webpage. Google Earth mobile will show your current location on the MVUMs. MVUMs in this format allow the user to load adjacent MVUMs and look at them in 3D. Google Earth also allows the user to add other vector data on top of the MVUM such as trails or other data they have. A brief description of the MVUM file and a link to the Stay the Trail webpage are included in the .kmz files so the user can access the legend and other information that has been removed from the .kmz version of the MVUMs. All Google Earth MVUMs were exported in the following coordinate system: Latitude-Longitude - WGS84 - decimal degrees.

    Weblink:
    http://www.staythetrail.org/mvum/kmz/ - All Colorado Google Earth MVUMs on one webpage

    Geotiff Files

    Geospatial PDF MVUM files were rasterized in Global Mapper software and then clipped to the map frame (excluded the legend). The rasterized MVUM files were then exported to geotiff (.tif) files. Geotiffs are raster files that include geospatial information. These files can be loaded into Arcmap, Global Mapper, Terrasync, Arcpad and other GIS/GPS programs. They can also be loaded into Avenza PDF Maps mobile application! MVUMs in this format allow the user to load adjacent MVUMs and look at them side-by-side. GIS programs allow the user to add other vector data on top of the MVUM such as trails or other data. A brief description of the MVUM file and a link to the Stay the Trail webpage are included as text files so the user can access the legend and other information that has been removed from the .tif version of the MVUMs. All geotiff MVUMs were exported in the following coordinate system: UTM – Zone 13 North – NAD1983 - meters.

    Weblink:
    http://www.staythetrail.org/mvum/geotiff/ - All Colorado Geotiff MVUMs on one webpage

  2. The Following 6 Members Say Thanks to Stay The Trail For This Post:

    Backcountryislife (April 29th, 2013),Fatboris (May 10th, 2014),glacierpaul (March 30th, 2013),Jim (March 29th, 2013),SubAlpine (May 13th, 2014),TxCowgirlInCo (August 17th, 2015)

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    Default Re: New Smart MVUM Maps for Colorado



    Interesting, I'll take a look. I would have expected GPX files but these certainly sound good too!
    ___________
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    Default Re: New Smart MVUM Maps for Colorado



    Going to do this later too.

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    Default Re: New Smart MVUM Maps for Colorado



    Chris previously posted:
    "Interesting, I'll take a look. I would have expected GPX files but these certainly sound good too!"

    There would have been more flexibility with a GPX file but I'll have to play around with the PDF app and see what it's like.

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    Default Re: New Smart MVUM Maps for Colorado



    This could be really useful. I am going to have to look at what kind of file Backcountry Navigator can ingest for the maps.

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    Default Re: New Smart MVUM Maps for Colorado



    I downloaded the PDF Maps app to my iPhone and then downloaded the Boulder Ranger District MVUM. Very cool.

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    Default Re: New Smart MVUM Maps for Colorado



    I did too, I just need to see it in action to "get it"
    ___________
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    Default Re: New Smart MVUM Maps for Colorado



    Chris previously posted:
    "I just need to see it in action to "get it""

    It's a lot like looking at a pdf of the MVUM on your computer.

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    Default Re: New Smart MVUM Maps for Colorado



    What's smart about looking at a pdf?
    ___________
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    Default Re: New Smart MVUM Maps for Colorado



    Used this on Saturday, worked great to know where the legitimate spurs were for a snow covered trail.

    No cell service but still had maps. Nice.


  12. The Following Member Says Thanks to alexb For This Post:

    Backcountryislife (April 29th, 2013)

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    Default Re: New Smart MVUM Maps for Colorado



    We used it while at Lefthand Canyon. We had it on an iPad with a GPS antenna plugged into it. Very cool- and it takes the doubt out of which trail is what and what is and what isn't a trail.

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    Default Re: New Smart MVUM Maps for Colorado



    I just downloaded Avenza PDF Maps to my new 1st gen iPad along with the Boulder, Canyon Lakes South, and Clear Creek MVUMs and it looks great! When I take it out on the trail it will put my location right on the map, correct?

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    Default Re: New Smart MVUM Maps for Colorado



    Max previously posted:
    "When I take it out on the trail it will put my location right on the map, correct?"

    I think so. I used it when Chris and I ran West Magnolia and Caribou last year (I was also using Every Trail Pro). And under "tools," you can choose "Create GPS track."

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    Default Re: New Smart MVUM Maps for Colorado



    alexb previously posted:
    "Used this on Saturday, worked great to know where the legitimate spurs were for a snow covered trail.

    No cell service but still had maps. Nice.

    "

    Awesome phone mount! I think a build thread is in order.

    I'm not joking, I'm putting my boy on building me one of those ASAP, good cheap mod!

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    alexb (May 10th, 2014)

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    Default Re: New Smart MVUM Maps for Colorado



    Let's pretend that I'm not too bright, it's fairly easy to do. Is there a way to load these into a Garmin? Also, based on the way I'm reading this, even with no service I can still pull up a map and as I drive the trail it will show my current location and be interactive? Because if that's the case I don't need the Garmin.

    I don't need to understand the how, just if my interpretation is correct. You could tell me there is a magical monkey riding in a flying wheelbarrow who transmits the information telepathically to my iPhone and I'd probably believe you.

    Thanks!

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    Default Re: New Smart MVUM Maps for Colorado



    I don't think many gps units will accept PDF maps, but there are several places to get those maps (trail damage, etc.) but I have been using the PDF maps app for over a year and it is awesome. Seems like my phone has a smoother tracking ability than my Magellan and the phone interface is much more user friendly than my gps and has a rechargeable battery.

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    Default Re: New Smart MVUM Maps for Colorado



    I have Avenza loaded up on the iPhone and am messing around with it to see how it works and think I have it figured out somewhat. That said I did some searching and Chris recommended the Bad Elf in another thread. Does that hold a signal when wheeling up in the mountains? I've used a Garmin and signal gets spotty. Is there an external mounted antenna, maybe something with a magnet that you can put on the roof/hood to get an even stronger signal or is the Bad Elf sufficient for most trails?

    If I've hijacked the thread and this belongs elsewhere, please let me know.

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    Default Re: New Smart MVUM Maps for Colorado



    You don't need an external GPS like the Bad Elf model for an iPhone with GPS built in. You don't need cell service to use the GPS in an iPhone up in the mountains.

    You should be fine, try it out the next time you're driving around up there and don't have a signal.

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    Default Re: New Smart MVUM Maps for Colorado



    x2 on what max said, Bad Elf is as good or bad as any GPS signal wherever you might be. I pre-load maps and trails on my iPad (3G w/GPS) so that when I lose the signal it still works.
    ___________
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    Default Re: New Smart MVUM Maps for Colorado



    Good to know, I'm used to my Garmin losing signal if the bird flying over my Heep is too big.

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