Can anyone tell me how to take a scan of a trail map (Like this https://www.njhiking.com/nj-hiking-ma...-trail-map.pdf ) so as to be able to use it with the location/GPS feature on a iPhone?

I can trace it on a piece of clear plastic and tape it to my iPhone to overlay the Maps program, but there must be a better way which I've been unable to find.

Thanks

Only thing I can think of is to get one of those running map apps where you can trace the trails/roads you run to figure out exactly how far you went, & just spend a day checking your location periodically & tracing the trail system as you go. I don't think there's a way to add a trail lines to the pre-existing iPhone map.

EDIT: Scratch that, there's an app that does it for you while you ride: https://www.trailsoffreedom.com/top-4...p-apps-of-2011

But even so, it will take a day of riding all the trails in the park area to record it onto your iPhone.

dont think youll be able to scan an existing map into a phone and then do a gps overlay. Your best bet will be like suggested above. Try AllSportGPS. Its a free app at least on android that ive been using. Keeps track of all sorts of stats along with where you went and theres a few different map choices to view as far as elevation topo etc.

OP-

I may be full of crap, but:

I don't think that will be possible with the type of example you gave. The scale or distortions for clarity will most likely not lend themselves to the maps that you can use on your device.

I would suggest trying Google's application 'My Tracks', which will chart your ride by GPS and will overlay your route directly on Google Maps. Of course this means that you will need a decent connection to the GPS sattelite. My Tracks will work continuously, or I think you can stop periodically and note waypoints.

I guess what it comes down to is that the given trail map needs to be based on the same data set as your GPS; well, in many cases that common base is gonna be Google Maps. I know Google is kinda the big juggernaught, but it is very widely used.

Sorry, I don't have a lot of experience with My Tracks, I've only used it on some road rides and hikes. But it does seem to overlay your route quite nicely over Google Maps. The application also does the usual cyclometer stuff as well as elevation data.

As far as I know, My Tracks is in beta. I think there are options for sharing and consolidating with other users' data.

And, I'll just finish off by saying that I have not used any Garmin system stuff for this. Perhaps someone here will chime in.

No suggestions here.

For areas where there are reception issues I've downloaded PDF maps for reference using GoodReader, but you can't reference those against a GPS system.


I guess my question would be - if you have no reception problems - why not just use Google maps directly or any tracking application?