Local, not cloud
Imported offline data is stored in app-owned storage or at a file location you choose. There is no ArxSilex cloud sync for maps, POI, terrain or projects.
Offline
Offline Data
Prepare maps, POI, elevation models, raster overlays and map styles so ArxSilex MapTools remains useful outdoors without mobile coverage.
Last updated: May 27, 2026
Data center
Prepare offline data deliberately
Offline use is more than one map file on the device. A useful field view depends on matching maps, POI, elevation models, overlays, profiles and map styles.
Import through file picker
The app uses the Android file picker. You select files deliberately; ArxSilex MapTools does not request broad storage access to the whole device.
Smart Import
Smart Import analyzes files by content and suggests a target: base map, layer, raster overlay, POI, terrain, render theme or project.
Offline status
The offline status shows whether map, POI, elevation data, active profile and map style are available for a position or whether online tiles would still be needed.
Profiles and visibility
Map profiles combine map, active layers, terrain, POI display and map style. This lets you switch between outdoor, field and specialist views.
Licenses and sources
OpenAndroMaps, OpenStreetMap, your own GIS data, authority maps or commercial data may have their own license terms. The app does not automatically bundle external map data.
Sources
Where can I get offline data?
ArxSilex MapTools does not ship third-party map data. Download the files from the relevant provider, check license and format, then import them deliberately into the app.
| Data type | Suitable sources | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Offline base maps | OpenAndroMaps General Maps OpenAndroMaps Countries and Regions Examples: Germany, Europe, USA, South and Middle America, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Oceania, Asia and Middle East, Russia, Africa | For OpenAndroMaps, choose a world, country or regional map on the source page. Import ZIP files with Karte_Map in the name as Map/Custom; import POI_Normal...poi.zip as POI. |
| POI, layers and OSM/GIS data | BBBike Extracts Geofabrik Downloads | BBBike and Geofabrik provide OSM extracts and GIS formats such as GeoJSON, Shapefile or GeoPackage. Not every raw format is directly an app map; import only supported formats. For Geofabrik, the relevant app format is usually .gpkg.zip when a GeoPackage download is available for the selected region. |
| Elevation and terrain data | Sonny LiDAR DTM Sonny DTM overview map USGS SRTM OpenTopography Copernicus Data Space | Sonny provides European digital terrain models as a source for terrain data. DTM 1" and DTM 3" are grids in arc seconds, roughly about 30 m and 90 m at the equator; DTM 20m and DTM 50m state the grid spacing directly in meters. Finer resolution needs more storage and import time. Use the overview map to find the matching coordinate/region, then select it on the source page. |
| Raster overlays and special maps | Open-data portals | Government portals, open-data portals or your own GIS projects may provide GeoTIFF, KML/KMZ, MBTiles or GeoPackage. Check georeferencing and usage rights before import. |
| Render themes | OpenAndroMaps Elevate | Use the OpenAndroMaps theme page for the Elevate mountain/hike theme. On Android, use the quick-install hint for the default maps app or download Elevate.zip and import it into ArxSilex MapTools as a theme. |
| License and freshness | - | Data sources may require attribution, registration, usage limits or their own update rhythm. The app does not operate these providers and does not replace their license texts. |
Formats
Which offline data is used for what
The app treats maps, layers, POI, terrain and themes separately. The same file format can have different targets depending on its content.
| Area | Supported data | Important for use |
|---|---|---|
| Offline base maps | Mapsforge .map, MBTiles .mbtiles, GeoPackage .gpkg | Mapsforge files, for example from OpenAndroMaps, are intended for vector maps. MBTiles and GeoPackage are used as tile containers or map catalog data. GeoTIFF is not a directly renderable base map here. |
| Layers and overlays | GPX, GeoJSON, KML, KMZ, LOC, JSON, GeoPackage, GeoTIFF, Shapefile ZIP | Vector and raster data can be prepared as additional layers. Visual GeoTIFF belongs to raster overlays; DEM GeoTIFF belongs to terrain. |
| POI and offline search | .poi, .db, .sqlite, .geojson, .json, .csv, .tsv, .txt, .zip | Searchable POI must be imported separately. An offline map file alone does not yet provide a complete local POI search. |
| Terrain and elevation features | SRTM .hgt, DEM GeoTIFF .tif/.tiff/.geotiff, ESRI ASCII Grid .asc, DTED .dt0/.dt1/.dt2, terrain ZIP | Used for point elevation, route elevation profiles, hillshade, contours and viewrange. GeoPackage DEM is not intended for these elevation queries. |
| Render themes and map styles | Compatible Mapsforge/Elevate-like theme ZIP files | Map and map style remain separate. External themes must be obtained separately and follow their own license. |
| Projects and exchange data | ArxSilex projects, GPX, KML, KMZ, GeoJSON, CSV, PDF, ZIP | Project and exchange formats can be stored or shared offline. Shared files leave the app only through your action. |
Preparation
Practical workflow before a trip
1. Choose the area
Check which region is really needed. Smaller, suitable datasets start faster and save battery and storage.
2. Import a base map
Import a Mapsforge .map file, MBTiles or a suitable GeoPackage. Then activate it in the map profile.
3. Import POI separately
If you want offline search, import POI data in addition to the map and check categories, size and indexing.
4. Add terrain
Import HGT, DEM GeoTIFF, ASC or DTED for elevation profiles, hillshade, contours and viewrange in the area.
5. Check status
Use offline status, Layers & Visibility and map profiles before entering an area without coverage.
Limits
What is different offline
Offline data is reliable as long as coverage, format and quality fit. Some features intentionally depend on external data or user action.
No automatic routing
The app displays and analyzes geodata, but it does not calculate automatic turn-by-turn routes along roads or trails like a routing service.
Coverage matters
Elevation data and POI only work where the imported files actually cover the area.
Online maps stay online
Google or OSM online maps can still request tiles from external providers. Choose imported maps and data for local use.
Storage and performance
Large maps, GeoTIFFs, terrain archives and POI databases need storage and can take time to import or index.
Deletion
Imported maps, layers, POI, terrain and themes can be removed in the relevant data areas. App data can also be cleared through Android.
ArxSilex MapTools
Related help pages
Import/export describes exchange formats in more detail. Permissions and privacy explain when files, location, online maps or third parties matter.