Formats

Import & Export

Supported import and export formats with notes on limits and recommended formats.

Import

Importable File Formats

ArxSilex MapTools analyzes files by extension and content. Depending on the file, several import targets may be offered.

FormatExtensionDetected contentTypical useStatus
.asmaps project.asmapsApp project with objects and metadataBackup, restore, sharingSupported
MapTools app backup.asmaps.backupBackup archive with manifest, checksums and selected app contentRestore, merge or selective importSupported
GPX.gpxRoutes, tracks, waypointsOutdoor and GPS exchangeSupported
KML / KMZ.kml, .kmzPlacemarks, lines, polygons, GroundOverlaysGIS, Google Earth, raster overlaysSupported
GeoJSON / ArcGIS JSON.geojson, .jsonVector layers with points, lines, polygons, multi-geometries, GeometryCollections and Esri featuresOpen data, web GIS, GIS exchange, developer dataPro / content- and CRS-dependent
CSV / TSV / TXT.csv, .tsv, .txtTabular POI or measurement dataLists and structured point dataYes (Free and Pro) / depends on content
Mapsforge.mapOffline vector mapBase maps without mobile coverageSupported
MBTiles.mbtilesTile containerOffline raster maps; vector MBTiles (MVT/PBF) are not renderedSupported
GeoPackage.gpkgMaps, vector layers or tile containersGIS data and map packagesPro / content-dependent
Elevation data / terrain.hgt, .tif, .tiff, .geotiff, .asc, .dt0, .dt1, .dt2Elevation data from HGT, DEM GeoTIFF, ASC or DTEDElevation profile, point elevation, hillshade, contoursSupported / Pro depending on format
Raster overlay.tif, .tiff, .geotiff, .kml, .kmzGeoreferenced images or GroundOverlaysAerial imagery, special maps, field overlaysPro / content-dependent
POI database.poi, .db, .sqliteSearchable POI dataOffline searchContent-dependent
LOC.locWaypointsGeocaching and point listsSupported
ZIP package.zipElevation data archive, map style, POI or suitable vector layer containerBundled importsContent-dependent

Vector layers

GeoJSON and ArcGIS/Esri JSON import

ArxSilex MapTools imports GeoJSON and ArcGIS/Esri JSON files as vector layers. .geojson is recommended; .json is recognized by content inspection.

FormatSupport
GeoJSONPoints, lines, polygons, multi-geometries and GeometryCollections
ArcGIS/Esri JSONPoints, MultiPoints, Polylines, Polygons/Rings and FeatureSets
PropertiesAttributes/properties are preserved
StylesSimple GeoJSON styles such as line color, fill color, opacity and line width are preserved
Polygon inner ringsSupported, for example areas with holes
Elevation / Z valuesRead when present
File extensions.geojson recommended; .json is recognized by content inspection

CRS / EPSG

Coordinate systems

Unsupported or unknown coordinate systems are not placed incorrectly; they are safely rejected during import.

CRS / EPSGMeaning
EPSG:4326 / 4269WGS84 / geographic coordinates
EPSG:3857 / 102100 / 102113Web Mercator
EPSG:25832 / 25833ETRS89 / UTM zones 32N and 33N
EPSG:32632 / 32633WGS84 / UTM zones 32N and 33N
EPSG:3035LAEA Europe
EPSG:31466-31469DHDN / Gauss-Krueger zones 2 to 5

GeoTIFF and CRS

GeoKeys instead of a short EPSG allowlist

MapTools uses the same central CRS engine for GeoTIFF, coordinates and online maps. The deciding factor is whether the file consistently identifies a registered, transformable and raster-enabled CRS.

Identify the CRS

ProjectedCSTypeGeoKey or GeographicTypeGeoKey is evaluated as an EPSG code. Model type, units, ellipsoid and additional GeoKeys must not contradict the definition.

Reproject locally

Geographic and projected rasters are transformed through the central engine into the WGS 84 map view. This supports many more curated CRS than the former small list.

Reject safely

Unknown CRS, missing required grids, contradictory metadata or non-raster definitions are rejected instead of placing an image in the wrong location.

Even with a matching CRS, tie points or transformation matrix, pixel interpretation, bands, bit depth, compression and raster dimensions must be supported. A GeoTIFF without unambiguous CRS metadata is not a reliable basis for positionally accurate rendering.

Import

Geodata import in project context

ArxSilex MapTools supports GeoJSON, ArcGIS/Esri JSON, GPX, KML/KMZ, CSV, Shapefile ZIP, GeoPackage, MBTiles, Mapsforge data, HGT, GeoTIFF and MapTools project files.

Targets, not just files

During import, content is assigned as editable map objects, vector layers, POI data, offline maps, elevation sources or raster overlays.

GeoJSON

Point, MultiPoint, LineString, MultiLineString, Polygon, MultiPolygon and GeometryCollection stay structured. Properties, bounding boxes and available metadata are considered.

ArcGIS/Esri JSON

Feature data with Points, MultiPoints, Polylines and Polygons is processed. spatialReference and wkid are evaluated; known CRS are converted to WGS84.

Export

Exportable Formats

.asmaps projects are suited for exchanging individual projects. For broader safekeeping, ArxSilex MapTools can create .asmaps.backup app backups, optionally encrypt them with a password and restore them later as a new project, replacement, merge or selective import.

FormatExtensionContentUse
MapTools app backup.asmaps.backupSelected app content, manifest, checksums and optionally encrypted dataComplete app backup and restore
.asmaps project.asmapsApp project with objects and metadataComplete backup and exchange
GPX.gpxRoutes, tracks and waypointsGPS devices and outdoor apps
KML / KMZ.kml, .kmzPlacemarks, lines, areas and possibly overlaysGoogle Earth, GIS and map tools
GeoJSON / JSON.geojson, .jsonGeometries and propertiesWeb GIS, development and archiving
CSV.csvTabular dataSpreadsheet analysis
ZIP.zipBundled exchange or backup fileMulti-format export and backups
PDF.pdfReports or summariesDocumentation
Remote ID.kml, .geojson, .csvReceived Remote ID history with positions and optional operator fieldsDocumentation and analysis

Remote ID

Remote ID reception and export formats

Remote ID data is read from public broadcasts and processed locally. The optional history can be exported as map, GIS or spreadsheet data.

Format / sourceSupported contentTypical use
Open Drone ID / ASTM F3411Basic ID, Location Vector, System, Operator ID, Self ID, Authentication, Message PackLive display of received Direct Remote ID broadcasts
ASD-STAN / EU Direct Remote IDEU profile, classification, operator and system data when present in the broadcastEU-compatible Remote ID evaluation
BLE, Wi-Fi NAN, Wi-Fi BeaconService data, manufacturer data, vendor-specific information elements and valid Remote ID payloadsReception through the Android device's available radio paths
KML (.kml)Drone points, tracks and optional operator/pilot positionsViewing in map tools and Google Earth
GeoJSON (.geojson)FeatureCollection with drone points, LineString tracks and optional operator featuresGIS analysis and further processing
CSV (.csv)Schema version, timestamp, drone ID, coordinates, altitude, height, speed, heading, status, source, protocol, profile, RSSI, flags, Self ID, classification, auth hash and optional operator fieldsSpreadsheets, field documentation and analysis

Terms

Separate maps, vector layers and raster overlays clearly

ArxSilex MapTools uses these terms deliberately. They make it clear whether a file is used as a base map, editable geometry, image overlay or elevation data source.

TermShort definitionExamples
MapsBase maps used as the main working view.OpenStreetMap, OpenAndroMaps, offline .map, MBTiles as a base map
Vector layersAdditional object, line or polygon data above the map. The content consists of points, lines or areas and can often be displayed or evaluated individually.GPX, KML, GeoJSON, Shapes, KML polygons, GeoJSON areas, GPX tracks as overlays
Raster overlaysGeoreferenced image or tile data above the map. They are placed as a finished image surface and are not interpreted as individual objects.GeoTIFF, MBTiles, image maps, aerial imagery, scanned maps, georeferenced plans
Elevation data / terrainData sources for elevation values and terrain analysis. They are not a visible map in the narrow sense, but provide height information.HGT, DEM GeoTIFF, ASC, DTED
Map styleRendering rules for vector maps. The style defines colors, symbols, paths, POIs, contour lines and other map elements.OpenAndroMaps render theme, Elevate Theme
POI dataSearch and display data for places and points of interest.OpenAndroMaps .poi, custom POI files

Vector layers

Vector layers contain individual geometries. They are useful for planning data, boundaries, search areas, routes, tracks and imported project information.

Raster overlays

Raster overlays are finished image surfaces above the map. They are useful for aerial imagery, historical maps, scans or special map views. Opacity is often adjusted so the base map remains visible below.

Show or use

Maps, vector layers and raster overlays can be shown on the map. Elevation data is usually used by tools: point elevation, elevation profile, hillshade, contour lines and viewrange.

Offline data

Download sources belong on the offline data page

The format overview explains what can be imported. Concrete hints for suitable download sources for maps, POI, terrain and overlays are kept centrally on the offline data page.

Backup

App Backup and Restore

A .asmaps.backup can contain selected app areas, such as projects, recovery data, settings, profiles, import batches, POI databases, groups, offline maps, layers, terrain and map styles. During restore you decide whether the content is imported as a new project, replacement, merge or selective import. For conflicts, existing data can be skipped, copied or replaced.

Classification

Important Limitations

GeoPackage remains supported for maps, tile containers and vector layers. GeoPackage DEM is currently not recommended for terrain; use HGT, DEM GeoTIFF, ASC or DTED for elevation features.

Working model

Distinguish export, project archive and backup

The three paths serve different purposes: exchange formats, a portable project or restoration of app areas.

Format export

GPX, KML/KMZ, GeoJSON and other formats exchange supported object types with other programs.

MapTools project

.asmaps preserves project structure, metadata and supported MapTools objects for project-based exchange.

App backup

.asmaps.backup can store several app areas, optionally password-protected, and provides controlled restore options.

Review sources

The assistant blocks empty sources and shows warnings about unsupported properties before writing.

External files remain untrusted

MapTools validates file type, content, sizes and names. You should still verify the origin and rights of imported or exported data.

GIS / GPS

Shapefile ZIP / Mapsforge XML / QR / InfoTap

The provider alone does not determine compatibility. File format, content, CRS, licence and its role as map, layer, overlay, POI or elevation source all matter.

Shapefile ZIP

.shp + .dbf + .shx

Mapsforge XML / ZIP

XML / ZIP

QR

QR

InfoTap

TXT / PDF

XYZ / TMS / WMTS / WMS / OGC API Features / WFS

XYZ, TMS, WMTS, WMS, OGC API Features and WFS are configured through HTTPS endpoints. Service metadata, layer selection, licences and credentials therefore remain separate from imported offline files.

InfoTap

InfoTap

The point report combines information from the active map slot: coordinates and terrain, local Mapsforge data, WMS/WMTS FeatureInfo and OGC API Features or WFS hits when the source provides them.

Copy report

TXT

Share TXT

TXT

Save TXT

TXT

Save PDF

PDF

Before export, MapTools sanitises control and bidirectional characters, limits oversized content and redacts recognisable passwords, tokens, API keys, cookies, Authorization values and sensitive URL parameters. Still review reports before sharing because unknown provider-specific field names cannot always be identified.

Point details with Copy report, Share TXT, Save TXT and Save PDF.
Point details with Copy report, Share TXT, Save TXT and Save PDF.

Detailed guides

Understand the import task panel

Queued, running, completed, failed and cancelled imports are shown as separate tasks.

Close is not cancel

The × hides up to the three most recent visible rows but does not stop work. A new task makes the panel visible again; use the task's Cancel action when available.

Queue and recovery

Up to two non-conflicting tasks can run in parallel; tasks using the same resource wait. Duplicate submissions are rejected. Wait for the final status and inspect recovery notices after interruption.

Current functionality

Current functionality

ZIP archives are checked as a list of data sets: vector, raster, POI, terrain and project data remain separately selectable. Multiple GPX, KML, KMZ, GeoJSON and LOC files can become individual layers; mixed imports are prepared and rolled back without visible partial imports if an error or cancellation occurs.

Import data

Include object attachments

Depending on the export selection, photos, PDFs and audio notes belonging to the project or selected objects are embedded in the project file.

Include object attachments

Images, PDFs and audio notes are embedded in the .asmaps project file only when that option is selected, and are assigned back to the matching objects or project during import.

ArxSilex MapTools (.asmaps)

Complete MapTools projects with app-specific objects, collections and metadata.

Images, PDFs and audio notes are embedded in the .asmaps project file only when that option is selected, and are assigned back to the matching objects or project during import.

Share attachment

Attachments can contain private images, documents, voices and location metadata. Include them only deliberately.

Attachments are managed locally in private app storage. Camera and microphone operate only during a capture explicitly started by the user; export and sharing require a deliberate selection.

Detect automatically

MapTools checks the file first and then shows suitable contents and import targets. Nothing is imported without confirmation.

Android filters by reported file type. The file extension and content are checked again before import.

Attachments can contain private images, documents, voices and location metadata. Include them only deliberately.