Map import guide

Open a block on your own map.

Every alert comes with a KML, the block's shape in a file your mapping app can read. Here are short, current steps for the four common ones, on phone and on desktop.

Plan for no signal. Download the KML at home, on wifi, and save it offline in the app while you still have a connection. At the block there is usually no cell service, so the file needs to already be on your phone.

CalTopo

Phone
  1. Open the map you want it on, then tap the center map-item button at the top of the screen.
  2. Tap the import button at the top right.
  3. Choose the KML file. The block imports onto the map. (The app reads .gpx, .json, and .kml.)
Desktop
  1. In the left column under Map Objects, choose Import.
  2. Select the KML. Markers go to the marker folder; the polygon goes to your Lines and Polygons folder.
Auto-refreshing option: CalTopo can read a KML network link, so a saved map updates itself instead of needing a fresh import. Pick the network-link option in the export menu if you want that.

Source: CalTopo Training, Importing Objects.

Gaia GPS

iPhone
  1. Email the KML to yourself and open the mail on your phone.
  2. Long-press the attachment, tap Share, and choose Gaia GPS.
  3. The block imports. Keep each file under 15 MB (split larger ones).
Android
  1. Email the KML to yourself, open the email, and tap the attachment to download it.
  2. Open the file from your My Files app and, if asked which app, choose Gaia GPS.
Desktop (gaiagps.com)
  1. Use the import tool on the site and select the KML. Up to 1000 features per file.

Source: Gaia GPS Help (iOS, Android, web).

Avenza Maps

Phone (iPhone or Android)
  1. Open the map, then go to its Map Layers menu (or use the Layers tab).
  2. Choose Import, then pick the source: your device, Dropbox, cloud storage, or a web URL.
  3. Select the KML or KMZ. The block's shape loads as a layer.
Importing through the Map Layers menu links the block to the map you have open. Importing through the Layers tab lets you choose which maps to attach it to, or leave it unlinked.

Source: Avenza Maps, Importing map features.

Google Earth

Desktop / web
  1. Open Google Earth, click New, then Open local KML file.
  2. Select the KML. You do not need to be signed in.
Android app
  1. Open the app, tap Menu, then Projects.
  2. Tap Open at the top, then Import KML File, and pick the file.
For a large or complex file, Google Earth Pro on desktop handles it most reliably.

Source: Google Earth Help, import KML.

Not getting the alerts yet?

Join Cutblock Watch and the KML arrives with every block, ready to drop into the app you just set up.

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