Pre-launch app — sign up now and save 50%

Sign up
Tutorial

Connecting TopoGPS to MilMap

TopoGPS is popular with hikers and mountaineers for its detailed topographic maps. Here is how to export your routes to MilMap for operational processing.

J

Jan Kaas

MilMap Editorial

January 23, 2025

5 min read

TopoGPS and MilMap working together

TopoGPS is an excellent app for navigating with topographic maps — the detailed contour lines and terrain info are ideal for hiking and mountaineering. MilMap provides the operational layer: MGRS coordinates, PDF export, SALUTE reports, and weather integration. Together they form a powerful combination.

Exporting a route from TopoGPS

Open TopoGPS → go to 'Routes' → select the route → tap the share icon (square with arrow) → choose 'GPX'. You can send the file via email, save it in iCloud Drive, or send it via AirDrop to a Mac.

Track vs. Route

TopoGPS distinguishes between a 'route' (a planned line through points) and a 'track' (a recorded GPS trail). Both can be exported as GPX. A route contains the planned waypoints; a track contains all GPS points recorded while walking (can be hundreds of points). For MilMap, a route is usually sufficient, unless you want an exact reconstruction of a walked path.

Importing into MilMap

Open MilMap on the desired map → 'Import' → select the GPX file from TopoGPS. MilMap shows the imported waypoints on the map and automatically converts to MGRS. For tracks with many points (>50), you can let MilMap simplify the route via the 'Optimise route' option.

Combine the best of both

Use TopoGPS for exploring terrain and recording tracks in the field. Use MilMap for operational planning, coordinate exchange with others, briefing documents, and SALUTE reporting. Export from TopoGPS, import into MilMap, add operational information, and export as PDF.

Share this article