OkMap

OkMap is a suite of mapping and GPS applications that use offline maps, web maps, and custom maps for rescue activities, hiking, mountain biking, 4x4, navigation, and geocaching. The software allows you to georeference scanned maps, download cartography from web servers, plan routes with automatic calculation of elevation gain and times, and navigate in real-time with onboard tools. Data can be transferred to GPS devices and shared via a client-server architecture.

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• Georeferencing of raster maps. The program allows you to calibrate scanned paper maps (JPG, PNG, TIFF, BMP formats) by assigning geographic coordinates to each pixel using control points. It uses standard projection algorithms and an EPSG database with over 5500 projections and 697 datums. The resulting map can be used on portable GPS devices or in the mobile version.
• Map download from web servers. OkMap Desktop includes access to 193 online map servers (OpenStreetMap, Google, Apple, ESRI, Kompass, USGS, Italian IGM). Maps are automatically downloaded georeferenced and can be used as a background for creating routes. The user can add custom TMS or WMS servers.
• Creation and editing of GPX data. The software manages waypoints, tracks, and routes in GPX format. Tracks can be drawn freehand or point by point directly on the map. Editing tools include track joining and splitting, point simplification, altitude smoothing, reverse track calculation, and segment management.
• Automatic calculation of altitudes and travel times. Using SRTM, GeoTIFF, or ASCII altimetric data, OkMap assigns altitude to each point of a track. Travel time is estimated using an algorithm that considers the terrain slope, distance, and activity type (hiking, cycling, vehicle). DEM data is automatically downloaded based on the map area.
• Generation of custom maps for GPS. The mosaic and tiling function converts georeferenced maps into formats compatible with Garmin GPS (KMZ), OruxMaps, OkMap Mobile, and iOS/Android applications. It supports ECW format images and generates KML transparencies with control over drawing order and JPEG quality.
• Detailed track statistics. The program produces over 60 performance indicators: distances, times, elevation gains, speeds, slopes. It includes estimates of sun exposure, temperature, fatigue, calories burned, weight loss, and water consumption. Data is presented in tables and comparative charts.
• Real-time GPS navigation. By connecting a GPS to the computer, OkMap displays the current position on the map and allows you to follow a track or route with deviation alerts. The onboard computer displays navigation indicators (heading, speed, distance to destination). Data can be sent by email or to a remote server.
• 3D visualization and integration with Google Earth. Raster maps and GPX data can be viewed in three dimensions by exporting to Google Earth. Integration with Google Maps allows for reverse geocoding and quick coordinate location.
• Vector data and place name management. The software imports Shapefile files and OpenStreetMap data (points, lines, polygons). Place names are created manually or imported from OziExplorer, Garmin POI, and GPX, with scale-based visibility control and label rotation.
• Photo georeferencing. Digital images are georeferenced manually or using a recorded track, utilizing ExifTool to write the coordinates into the EXIF metadata. Photos are displayed as icons on the map with an indication of the camera's orientation.
• Sharing position and waypoints via a web server. The OkMap Server architecture allows multiple users (Desktop or Mobile) to send and receive positions and waypoints with photos in real-time or deferred mode. Communication uses SSL encryption and credential authentication, storing data in a Microsoft SQL Server database.

The development of OkMap began in the early 2000s as a proprietary software initiative for Windows systems. The first stable version was released in 2004, focused on raster map georeferencing and GPS data management. The developers maintain the program continuously, with periodic updates that add new features and correct errors; the change history shows versions published up to 2024. The application is written in C# on the Microsoft .NET framework (currently version 4.8), using components such as WebView2, Newtonsoft.Json, and libraries for handling EPSG projections. The development team, based in Italy, has also released OkMap Mobile for Android and OkMap Server for Windows hosting environments.

Alternatives to OkMap:

Universal Maps Downloader

Universal Maps Downloader is a Windows application that enables the downloading and local storage of map tile images from an extensive list of online mapping services.

Price: Free   Size: 25.2 MB   Version: 10.233   OS: Windows