Trail Conference Maps on Your Apple Smartphone or Tablet!!

**Click to see list of More Than 40 Maps Now Available on the PDF Maps app!**

The Trail Conference is very excited to announce that select, enhanced trail maps are now available for use on Apple smartphones and tablets!  (An Android app is currently in beta testing and should be available soon) Using the PDF Maps app from Avenza, you can pinpoint your location on a map, mark waypoints and geotag photos, measure distances, and much more! Click here to go to the App Store now or search for "Avenza PDF Maps" in the Apple App Store on your mobile device, then "nynjtc" to find our maps.

Read on for information about this brand new offering from the Trail Conference!

Use the following links to navigate to the different sections within this informational guide:

1. Introduction: What is the PDF Maps app? 
2. How do I get trail maps on my smartphone or tablet? 
3. What features are included with the PDF Maps app?
4. What are some specific ways I might use these maps?
5. Other Frequently Asked Questions
6. Where can I find additional information?
7. What trail maps are currently available through the PDF Maps app?

Introduction: What is the PDF Maps app?

PDF Maps is an award-winning, free map app from Avenza Systems Inc., a company recognized worldwide as a leader in map development software.  The app is currently available on Apple iOS devices (iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch) and is a powerful geospatial PDF reader that allows you to easily download and interact with maps in new and exciting ways.  A map store within the app gives you access to thousands of maps from around the world, from outdoor recreation maps to city transit maps.  This "iTunes for maps" includes free maps as well as maps available for purchase.  The Trail Conference has become a vendor in this map store and has made most of its published trail maps available through the PDF Maps app.

Note: At present, the Avenza PDF Maps app is only available on Apple mobile devices (iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch); an app for Android devices is currently in beta testing and should be available soon in 2013, with other mobile platforms to likely follow. Stay tuned.

How do I get trail maps on my smartphone or tablet?

Follow these 5 easy steps to get trail maps on your device:

1. Download and install the free PDF Maps app from the App Store or iTunes.
   • Click here to go to the App Store directly or search for "Avenza PDF Maps" in the Apple App Store on your mobile device.
   • PDF Maps requires iOS 4.0 or later running on an iPhone 3GS or better, 3rd generation iPod Touch or better, or any iPad.
2. Once installed, navigate to the Map Store and search for "nynjtc" to find our selection of both free maps and maps available for purchase (the Search function is accessed by tapping the Magnifiying Glass button).
3. Tap on a map to view a preview and description.
   • Free maps can be downloaded directly by tapping 'Free' and then 'Install Now'.
   • Maps available for purchase can be downloaded through an in-app purchase using your Apple iTunes account.  Tap the price, and then 'Buy Now' (you may be prompted for your iTunes account password).
   • Your device must be connected to the internet (wi-fi or cell signal) to download maps.
4. The app will switch to the Maps library, and once the map is downloaded and extracted, it will appear in your Map Library.
5. Tap on the map to open it and start using the map!

What features are included with the PDF Maps app?

The PDF Maps app includes a number of interactive features that allow you to use our Trail Conference trail maps like never before.  Each map is a geospatial PDF, or a PDF that contains geospatial information such as real world location.  This geospatial information makes it possible to locate specific points and measure distances right on the map.  Here are some of the major features of the app (note that some features require a GPS-enabled device and/or an internet connection):

• Use simple multi-touch gestures to pan around maps, zoom in/out, add waypoints and more.
• Use your device's built-in GPS (iPhone and certain iPad models) to see your real-time location on the map.

Add waypoints at your current location and even import or export waypoints.

• Find locations by entering coordinates in a variety of popular coordinate systems.
• Attach photos to a waypoint.

Measure distances and areas easily and accurately.

• Navigate with a built-in compass that orients the map based on direction.
• Access thousands of maps, including USGS topo maps and a growing catalog of Trail Conference maps, directly within the app using the Map Store.
• Use your maps off-line in areas without any mobile coverage, since the maps download to your device's memory.

View the current map area in the Maps app (streets and satellite imagery) on your device.

• Search for points of interest on a map, based on search engine results.

Enlarge maps using high-resolution mobile device displays.

• Carry all your maps on one small device.

What are some specific ways I might use these maps?

Out on the trails, there are many ways you can use the PDF Maps app to enhance your experience.  One hiker noted that he found these maps "to be a fun addition to my hiking arsenal, and one that adds no extra weight, for once!" (read his in-depth review of these maps by clicking here).  Here are just a few examples of how to use this app:

• Plan your route with the 'Measure' tool to make sure you know how long your route will be.
• Use the 'Compass' tool to orient the map in the right direction so that you can safely proceed on your intended route.
• View satellite imagery of your location by using the 'Open in Maps' tool (internet connection required).  This brings up the Google Maps imagery found in the Maps app, and this additional imagery may help you navigate to a certain feature.
• If you aren't quite sure where a parking area is located, use the map with GPS to guide you to the parking area (Caution: do not use the app while driving!  Have a passenger help navigate, or pull off the road to consult the map).  When you arrive at the parking, the GPS location symbol should match up with the parking symbol on the map.
• If you know the coordinates of a feature you want to find, you can enter the coordinates as a Placemark and see the location on the map.
• You can view the coordinates of your current position, which can be helpful information to provide to someone that may be looking for you (especially search-and-rescue efforts).
• Use the 'Find Places' tool to locate nearby points of interest right on the map (internet connection required).  This acts like a Google search right on the map.  Find a nearby campground or hotel accommodations, or find a great nearby restaurant after a long day's hike.
• You can use the 'Add Placemarks' tool to record locations of features along your route.  You can record a Placemark at a regular interval to keep track of the exact route you have taken.  You can also record a Placemark at features such as a fantastic viewpoint or a waterfall so that, perhaps on a future trip, you can see where those features are located on the map.
• You can also add photos to a Placemark so that you might later recall where a particular photo was taken.
• If you use Google Earth or other mapping program on your computer, you can import KML files and export KML/GPX files that include Placemarks.  This allows you to import Placemarks to place on the map, or export Placemarks you recorded on your trip.  The Export function makes sharing of Placemarks easy to accomplish (internet connection required).
• If you are out on the trail and notice a Trail Problem that the Trail Conference should be aware of, or even a problem with the map itself that should be corrected, record a Placemark and send it along to us with a report of the problem.
• If you discover other useful ways to use these maps out on the trail, please let us know by leaving a comment at the bottom of this page!

Other Frequently Asked Questions

• I'm a TC member.  Do I get a discount on the digital maps like I do on our print maps?
  • No, we are not able to offer discounts to members on these digital maps.
• I already bought the published print maps.  Do I get a digital copy for free or at a discount?
  • No, we are not able to offer discounts for combining print and digital maps.  These digital maps, while containing the same trails as the print maps, provide an entirely new and enhanced functionality.  Unlike the print maps, these digital maps take full advantage of tying in with GPS-enabled devices, allow distances to be measured and coordinates and locations to be pinpointed, provide an opportunity to view satellite imagery of an area, use a built-in compass to orient the map, and they can also be enlarged on high-resolution mobile device displays to scales much better than the print map.
• Is the map an actual PDF that I can view on my computer like any other PDF?
  • No, the digital map is not a PDF that can be viewed on your computer.  The digital map is designed to work solely within the PDF Maps app.
• Can I print out a copy of this digital map?
  • No, the app does not allow you to print the digital map.  The digital map is designed to work solely within the PDF Maps app.
• Do I need a GPS-enabled mobile device to use this app?
  • No, you do not need a GPS-enabled mobile device to use this app (currently, both the iPod Touch and iPad Wi-Fi-only model do not have GPS).  However, you are not able to access much of the functionality of the app, including pinpointing your location or recording Placemarks at places you have been.  You are still able to view maps, measure distances, and find coordinates, but overall, the app is designed to work best with GPS-enabled devices.
• Do I need an internet connection (Wi-Fi or cellular connection) to use this app?
  • Yes and no.  An internet connection is required to download the app and download maps from the Map Store.  Once a map is downloaded, however, it is stored on the device.  Therefore, the map and much of the functionality of the app is available without an internet connection (including using GPS, recording Placemarks, measuring distances, and finding coordinates).  Certain tools do require an internet connection (using Google Maps satellite imagery, using search engine functions, and exporting Placemarks), so be aware that these functions are not available without a connection.
• Will you be offering all of your print maps as digital maps?
  • Yes, and in fact, we have just finished making all of our published trail maps available through the app (see list below).  We will be continuing to add more maps, including additional free maps.
• Should I still have a printed map with me?
  • Yes!  These digital maps are not a replacement for printed maps that every trail user should have on hand.  Batteries can die, software can have issues, and weather can become problematic, so we certainly suggest you carry printed maps just in case.
• Are you planning to provide maps in other digital formats (for instance, as PDFs that can be viewed and printed on a computer or as maps useable on dedicated GPS receivers)?
  • At the moment, we feel the PDF Maps app provides us with the best opportunity to provide our high-quality maps in an enhanced digital format.  We have spent several years investigating how to provide maps electronically, and we will continue to explore any future possibilities.
• Is the Trail Conference going to have their own App sometime in the future?
  • We have not fully explored the creation of a Trail Conference App, but cannot say whether we may pursue such an App in the future.
• When will this App be available on other non-iOS (Apple) platforms?
  • Avenza recently released an Android beta testing app that we are helping to test, so this should be available soon in 2013.  Other versions for Windows Mobile and Blackberry may follow.
• Can I use my own maps in this App?
  • Yes, you can import your own geospatial PDF or geoTIFF maps for use in this app.  Visit Avenza's support site for more details.
• Who should I contact if I have issues with this App?
  • You can direct any inquires about App issues to Avenza (www.avenza.com/support).  See below for specific support links.

Where can I find additional information?

• Avenza PDF Maps Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) - Avenza provides a comprehensive FAQ section about the app and its functionality, so visit this site first for more information.
• Avenza PDF Maps Support Forum - Get answers to your questions from other users and Avenza forum administrators.
• PDF Maps YouTube Video Overview - This video goes through many of the functions included in the PDF Maps app.
• Check out some great reviews and other recent articles about the PDF Maps app from Avenza:
  
  • Comprehensive Local Hiker Review - Field Test: NY-NJ Trail Conference Digital Maps in Harriman State Park (June 2012)
    
  • Wall Street Journal Marketwatch - Avenza Receives 'Geospatial World Innovation Award' for Mobile Mapping (4/25/2012)
    
  • San Francisco Chronicle - Avenza PDF Maps is the answer on the trail (3/4/2012)
  • Business Review Canada - Top Mobile Productivity Apps for the Overwhelmed (4/12/2012)
  • GeoPlace.com - PDF Maps App Frees Mobile Users from Internet Connection (3/9/2012)
  • GISuser.com - Avenza's Successful PDF Maps App Surpasses 100 Vendors in its Burgeoning Digital Map Store (2/14/2012)
  • Wall Street Journal Marketwatch - Avenza's Popular PDF Maps App Introduces Waypoint Importing (1/10/2012)
  • Yahoo! - Have Map Will Travel: Avenza's PDF Maps App Launches on iOS (10/25/2011)
  • The American Surveyor - Avenza PDF Maps Wins IMTA's 'Best Use of New Technology & New Media' Award (10/3/2011)

What trail maps are currently available through the PDF Maps app?

The Trail Conference has added more than 40 great maps to the PDF Maps map store, with more to come soon.  The selection includes both free maps as well as maps available for purchase.  Member discounts are not available on Trail Conference maps sold through the Avenza PDF Maps map store.  Also note that these are individual maps and not sets of maps like our printed maps.

You can find the maps by searching for "nynjtc" (tap the magnifying glass in the map store to search) or by looking in the Tourist, Parks, or Recreation categories.

The following map titles can be found in the PDF Maps map store (if using your mobile device with the PDF Maps app already installed, just click on the title to open the map in the app; if you do not have the app installed, the link will not work):

• Map 100 - Sterling Forest
• Sterling Forest State Park, Appalachian Trail, Tranquility Ridge County Park, Highlands Trail
• Map 101 - East Hudson (South)
• Hudson Highlands State Park, Hudson Highlands Gateway Park, Manitoga, Manitou Point Preserve, Appalachian Trail
  
• Map 102 - East Hudson (North)
• Hudson Highlands State Park, Fishkill Ridge Conservation Area, Mount Beacon Park
• Map 103 - East Hudson (Fahnestock)
• Fahnestock State Park, Appalachian Trail
• Map 104 - Shawangunk (South)
• Minnewaska State Park Preserve, Sam's Point Preserve, Long Path
  
• Map 105 - Shawangunk (North)
• Mohonk Preserve, Mohonk Mountain House, Minnewaska State Park Preserve
  
• Map 106 - Shawangunk (Mohonk Mountain House)
• Mohonk Mountain House, Mohonk Preserve
  
• Map 108 - Hudson Palisades (#1)
• Palisades Interstate Park, Flat Rock Brook Nature Center, Tenafly Nature Center, Lost Brook Preserve, Long Path
  
• Map 109 - Hudson Palisades (#2)
• Palisades Interstate Park, Tallman Mountain State Park, Blauvelt State Park, Clausland Mountain County Park, Buttermilk Falls County Park, Rockleigh Woods Sanctuary, Lamont Reserve, Long Path
  
• Map 110 - Hudson Palisades (#3)
• Hook Mountain State Park, Nyack Beach State Park, Long Path
  
• Map 111 - Hudson Palisades (#4)
• Rockland Lake State Park, Hook Mountain State Park, Haverstraw Beach State Park, Long Path
  
• Map 112 - Hudson Palisades (#5)
• High Tor State Park, South Mountain County Park, Gurnee County Park, Long Path
  
• Map 113 - West Hudson (East)
  • Storm King State Park, Black Rock Forest, Highlands Trail
    
• Map 114 - West Hudson (West)
  • Schunemunk Mountain State Park, Long Path, Highlands Trail
    
• Map 115 - North Jersey (East)
• Campgaw Mountain Reservation, Long Pond Ironworks State Park, Norvin Green State Forest, Ramapo Mountain State Forest, Ramapo Valley Reservation, Ringwood State Park, Highlands Trail
• Map 116 - North Jersey (West)
• Abram S. Hewitt State Forest, Pequannock Watershed, Wawayanda State Park, Appalachian Trail, Highlands Trail
• Map 118 - Harriman-Bear Mountain (South) - 2013
  
  • Southern Harriman State Park, Long Path
• Map 119 - Harriman-Bear Mountain (North) - 2013
  
  • Northern Harriman State Park, Bear Mountain State Park, Appalachian Trail, Long Path
    
• Map 120 - Kittatinny (South 1)
  
  • Southern Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, Worthington State Forest, Appalachian Trail
    
• Map 121 - Kittatinny (South 2)
  
  • Southern Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, Appalachian Trail
    
• Map 122 - Kittatinny (North 1)
  
  • Northern Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, Stokes State Forest, Appalachian Trail
    
• Map 123 - Kittatinny (North 2)
  
  • Northern Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, High Point State Park, Huckleberry Ridge State Forest, Appalachian Trail
    
• Map 125 - Jersey Highlands (East)
  • Pyramid Mountain, Farny State Park, Wildcat Ridge Wildlife Management Area, Pequannock Watershed, Highlands Trail
• Map 126 - Jersey Highlands (West)
  • Mahlon Dickerson Reservation, Mount Hope Historical Park, Rockaway River Wildlife Management Area, Highlands Trail
• Map 127 - Jersey Highlands (Allamuchy/Stephens)
  • Allamuchy Mountain State Park, Stephens State Park, Highlands Trail, Morris Canal Greenway
• Map 128 - Jersey Highlands (High Mountain)
  • High Mountain Park Preserve
• Map 141 - Catskill (Northeastern) - 2013
  • Blackhead Range, Hunter Mountain, Devil's Path, Escarpment Trail, Tremper Mountain, Overlook Mountain, Kaaterskill Falls, North/South Lake Area, Long Path
    
• Map 142 - Catskill (Central) - 2013
  
  • Panther Mountain, Balsam Mountain, Belleayre Mountain, Dry Brook Ridge, Balsam Lake Mountain, Halcott Mountain, Bearpen Mountain, Long Path
• Map 143 - Catskill (Southern) - 2013
  • Slide Mountain, Burroughs Range, Peekamoose Mountain, Beaver Kill Range, Long Path, Finger Lakes Trail, Vernooy Falls, Long Path
• Map 144 - Catskill (Western) - 2013
  
  • Delaware Wild Forest, Trout Pond, Little Pond, Mongaup Pond, Frick Pond, Finger Lakes Trail
    
• Map 140 - Catskill (North Lake) - 2013
  
  • North/South Lake Campground, Escarpment Trail, Kaaterskill Falls, Long Path, North Mountain
• Map 147 - Catskill (Long Path North) - 2013
  
  • Huntersfield Mountain, Ashland Pinnacle, Richmond Mountain, Mount Pisgah, Mount Hayden, Long Path

• Appalachian Trail - Dutchess & Putnam Counties, NY
• Appalachian Trail - Pochuck Boardwalk, NJ
• Bear Mountain Day Hikes, NY
• Campgaw Mountain County Reservation, NJ
• Catskill Day Hikes - Hunter Mountain Fire Tower, NY
• Jenny Jump State Forest, NJ
• Rockleigh Woods Sanctuary & Lamont Reserve, NJ
• Silas Condict County Park, NJ
• Teatown-Kitchawan Trail, NY
• Wonder Lake State Park, NY

...We're continuing to add maps, so check back often for new additions!

Remember: Batteries die. Our printed maps are light-weight backups AND they are printed on waterproof, tear-resistant Tyvek, so be sure to visit our online store for all your print map needs!