Vector layers
Vector layers contain individual geometries. They are useful for planning data, boundaries, search areas, routes, tracks and imported project information.
Practice
Offline Data
Prepare maps, POI, overlays, themes and terrain for offline use.
Workflow
Suggested Flow
Use these steps to combine maps, data and tools for the task.
- Choose data sourceTreat map, overlay, POI, terrain or theme as separate data types.
- Use smart importImport the file and check the suggested target.
- Activate terrainUse HGT, DEM GeoTIFF, ASC or DTED for elevation profiles, hillshade, contours or viewrange.
- Map presetsA map preset saves all four map slots, their order and active slot, including map sources, styles, layers, terrain, overlays, routing preferences and map-object visibility. UI profile, coordinates, colors, icon favorites and menu order remain global settings.
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.
| Term | Short definition | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Maps | Base maps used as the main working view. | OpenStreetMap, OpenAndroMaps, offline .map, MBTiles as a base map |
| Vector layers | Additional 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 overlays | Georeferenced 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 / terrain | Data 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 style | Rendering rules for vector maps. The style defines colors, symbols, paths, POIs, contour lines and other map elements. | OpenAndroMaps render theme, Elevate Theme |
| POI data | Search and display data for places and points of interest. | OpenAndroMaps .poi, custom POI files |
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.
Download
Download data from the provider first
Choose one file. The app analyzes whether it is a map, vector layer, raster overlay, POI dataset, elevation source, map style or ArxSilex MapTools project and then suggests the safest import target. Map source and offline maps are managed in the map browser.
Map browser
Use linked data folders
The Data folders tab links several Android document folders as a clear local library without automatically copying or activating their contents.
1. Link a folder
Select the folder in Android's system dialog, optionally set a display name and choose whether it is visible app-wide or only in the current project. MapTools stores the folder reference and persistent read permission, not a manually entered file path.
2. Browse deliberately
The browser shows only the current level, folders and supported files. Subfolders are read only when opened; there is no recursive full scan.
3. Choose an action for each file
File details show type, size and source. Depending on the format, actions include Analyze file, Import into project, Link original file or Import a managed copy. Nothing is activated or assigned to a map slot automatically.
4. Direct or managed access
Mapsforge .map and HGT files can be read directly when the Android document provider supports random access. GeoTIFF, ASC, DTED, MBTiles, GeoPackage, POI, ZIP and structured project formats use the appropriate managed import.
5. Storage and backup
If a source is unavailable or read permission is missing after changing devices, it remains visible as a reference that can be reconnected. Backups store only this reference, not the external original files. Removing a link does not delete the folder or its files.
The normal Android file picker, Open with MapTools and Share to MapTools remain available independently of linked folders.
Import and terrain
Unambiguous packages and overlapping elevation data
ZIP packages with maptools-package.json identify maps, POIs, elevation data and raster overlays unambiguously and verify path, size and SHA-256 checksum. An invalid or newer manifest stops the import with a visible error. Packages without a manifest are still recognized from formats and names.
Highest detail first
When several enabled elevation files cover a point, MapTools uses the source with the finer spatial resolution first. If it returns NoData there, the next suitable source is queried automatically. NoData sentinel values such as −32768 m are not shown as real elevations.
Combined hillshading
The finer source supplies hillshade where a complete valid neighbourhood is available. Gaps and uncovered areas are filled from coarser enabled sources without darkening overlaps twice.
Use one source only
To force one particular elevation model, leave only its elevation data enabled in the layer view.