Maps & Layers
- Online and offline maps
- Mapsforge, MBTiles and GeoPackage
- Raster overlays from GeoTIFF, KML or KMZ
- Layer visibility and map profiles
Features
ArxSilex MapTools
Maps, offline data, terrain, projects, navigation and live tools in one Android app.
Overview
What ArxSilex MapTools Helps You Do
Use the core tools for map work, geodata, orientation and field documentation.
Terrain & Viewrange
- HGT, DEM GeoTIFF, ASC and DTED
- Point elevation, profiles and barometer context
- Hillshade and contour lines
- Viewrange with observer height and terrain sampling
Data Center & Smart Import
- Automatic detection of suitable import targets
- Manage maps, layers, POI, terrain and themes separately
- Check offline status, active data and import history
- Inspect ZIP packages depending on content
Render Themes
- Import Mapsforge styles as ZIP
- Check compatibility and activation
- Combine profiles with map and theme
- Respect external theme licenses
Map Objects & Projects
- Markers, POI, routes, tracks, circles and areas
- Bearings, distances and intersections
- Project browser and filters
- .asmaps for backup and exchange
Search Grids & Coverage
- Split areas into search cells
- Mark visited cells from track movement
- Coverage strips with dynamic width
- Useful for systematic area work
Live Features
- Live groups nearby
- Live Center and participant status
- Remote ID via BLE, Wi-Fi NAN and Wi-Fi Beacon
- Device- and Android-dependent features
Backup & Restore
- Create app backups as .asmaps.bak files
- Back up projects, settings, profiles and local data selectively
- Optional password encryption
- Restore as a new project, replacement, merge or selective import
AR / LiveView
- Bearings and targets in the camera view
- POI, peaks, tracks and search grids as AR references
- Sensor and ARCore dependency
- Basic and Pro scope differ
Details
What These Features Do in Practice
See what each tool is useful for and which data or device features it may need.
| Feature | Purpose | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Viewrange | Calculates visible areas from a point using available elevation data. | Requires suitable terrain data; output depends on resolution and coverage. |
| Hillshade & Contours | Makes terrain shapes easier to read and complements elevation profiles and point heights. | Use HGT, DEM GeoTIFF, ASC or DTED. |
| Smart Import | Assigns files to suitable targets: project, map, terrain, raster overlay, layer, POI, route or track. | For containers such as ZIP or GeoPackage, the content matters. |
| Point Details | Map points can provide context for roads, POI, terrain, coordinates and imported layers. | Detail level depends on map, tags and imported data. |
| Remote ID | Receives public Direct Remote ID broadcasts via BLE, Wi-Fi NAN and Wi-Fi Beacon, displays them locally and exports history. | Supports Open Drone ID / ASTM F3411, ASD-STAN / EU Direct Remote ID and KML, GeoJSON and CSV for history export. |
| Live Groups | Local group positions and status nearby without an app-owned server. | Requires matching Bluetooth/Nearby permissions. |
| Backup & Restore | Saves selected app content as a .asmaps.bak file and restores it deliberately. | Backups can include projects, settings, profiles, POI, groups and local data; optional encryption is available. |
| AR/LiveView | Shows targets, bearings, POI, peaks, tracks or search grids in the camera view. | Sensor quality and device compatibility are decisive. |
Drone Remote ID
Receive nearby drone broadcasts
ArxSilex MapTools can passively receive public Direct Remote ID broadcasts, process them locally and show them on the map, in the Live Center and in exports. The app does not connect to or control the drone.
Reception paths
Supported paths include BLE legacy and BLE extended advertising, Wi-Fi NAN and Wi-Fi Beacon / vendor-specific information elements. Availability depends on phone, Android version, permissions and radio environment.
Protocols
The app parses Open Drone ID / ASTM F3411 and ASD-STAN / EU Direct Remote ID payloads. Service data frames, manufacturer data and Wi-Fi vendor information are used when they contain a valid Remote ID payload.
Live data
When broadcast, the app can display UAS ID, drone position, altitude, height, speed, heading, operational status, Self ID, operator ID, operator or take-off position, EU classification, RSSI, source, protocol and profile.
History and export
Remote ID history is optional and local. Export supports KML for maps, GeoJSON for GIS tools and CSV for spreadsheets.
| Data format | Support |
|---|---|
| Open Drone ID / ASTM F3411 | Basic ID, Location Vector, System, Operator ID, Self ID, Authentication and Message Pack. |
| ASD-STAN / EU Direct Remote ID | EU-compatible Remote ID payloads including classification and operator information when broadcast. |
| BLE | Open Drone ID service UUID 0xFFFA, manufacturer data and known vendor frames; legacy and extended advertising. |
| Wi-Fi NAN / Wi-Fi Beacon | Remote ID payloads from Wi-Fi Aware/NAN and beacon vendor IEs, depending on the device. |
| Export | KML (.kml), GeoJSON (.geojson) and CSV (.csv). |
GeoPackage
GeoPackage
GeoPackage remains intended for maps, tile containers and feature layers. Use HGT, DEM GeoTIFF, ASC or DTED for terrain features.
New Precision Features
Refine bearings, areas and routes more precisely
The current tools support more guided measurement and correction workflows so existing objects do not need to be recreated.
Guided cross bearing for distance work
The app guides the selection of suitable bearings, circles or measurement objects, calculates intersections and can save the result as a marker.
Edit areas later
Polygon areas can be refined through their vertices. Side lengths, interior angles and distances help correct boundaries in the field.
Edit routes later
Route points and segments can be adjusted later. Bearing, distances and direction angles remain visible and understandable on the map.
Current Scope
New and expanded features
These capabilities are especially relevant in the current app version and are grouped here.
Guided cross bearing
Bearings, circles and measurement objects can be combined in a guided flow to determine intersections and distances.
Area editing
Polygon areas can be refined later through their vertices while side lengths, interior angles and distances stay visible.
Route editing
Route points and segments can be adjusted later with bearing, distances and direction angles.
Compass calibration
Sensor status, true/magnetic north, tilt mode and correction for map, LiveView and AR are grouped in a dedicated view.
Remote ID details
Drone reception shows BLE, Wi-Fi NAN, Wi-Fi Beacon, operator/system data, diagnostics and optional export where device and signal source support it.