Support

Offline use

Does it work without internet or a signal?

Yes. GPS does not use the cell network or the internet. Position, grid, compass, waypoints, routes, track recording, alarms and tools all work in airplane mode. You only need a connection for online maps of areas you have not downloaded, for downloading areas, and for online elevation profiles.

How do I download an offline map?

1. Centre the area you are going to on the map screen.
2. Open Tools → Terrain Data and leave Include vector map (OpenFreeMap) on.
3. Tap Download. The vector map, terrain data for slope shading and contours, and peaks, huts and water sources download together.
4. Switch to the vector map with the Switch map button on the map screen. It opens in airplane mode too.

For the vector map only: Tools → Map Sources → Vector map (offline). One area can hold up to 12,000 tiles; split very large areas into several downloads.

Does Apple Maps work offline?

Apple does not make offline downloads from the Maps app available to third-party apps. Without a connection, use the vector map or your own MBTiles maps.

How do I add my own map (MBTiles)?

Settings → Map → Offline maps (MBTiles) → Import MBTiles…. You can also copy files into MilGPS's Documents/MBTiles folder with the Files app or Finder. Raster MBTiles with PNG/JPG tiles are supported.

Map and position

How do I switch between Apple Maps and the vector map?

Tap the Switch map button on the right of the map screen, or pick the engine in the map layers menu.

My position is wrong or jumps around

• Move to a spot with a clear view of the sky; accuracy drops in valleys, forest and between buildings.
• Check the accuracy indicator at the top (green ≤ 10 m).
• Battery saver makes location updates less frequent; turn it off for precise work.
• In iOS Settings → Privacy → Location Services → MilGPS, Precise Location must be on.

How do I change the grid format or precision?

Settings → Location Formats: three format slots, the datum and grid precision from 1 m to 1 km.

How is magnetic declination set?

Settings → Magnetic Declination. Automatic mode uses the built-in World Magnetic Model (WMM2025); you can also enter it manually.

Does track recording work in the background?

Yes. While a track is recording or an arrival/off-course alarm is on, MilGPS keeps using your location in the background and iOS shows the location indicator. For long recordings, turn on battery saver and carry spare power.

Mountain tools

Barometer and storm warning

Settings → Display → Barometer must be on. The storm warning and its 3-hour pressure-fall threshold are under Settings → Alarms. Calibrating the altimeter at a known altitude improves accuracy.

Is the slope shading an avalanche forecast?

No. The colours show slope angle only. Follow official bulletins for avalanche danger.

Data

How do my waypoints get to my other devices?

Turn on Settings → Data → iCloud sync. Waypoints, overlays and routes sync across devices signed in to the same Apple Account; tracks stay on the device.

I want a backup

Settings → Data → Export all as GPX, then save the file to Files, email or another app.

How do I delete my data?

Deleting the app removes everything on the device. For the iCloud copy use Settings → Data → Delete iCloud copy. Details: Privacy Policy.

Other

Can I change the app language?

Yes, Settings → Language. There are 17 languages; the new language applies the next time MilGPS opens.

Is there a night mode?

Settings → Display → Night mode (red) turns the whole screen red to protect your night vision.

I want to see the introduction again

Settings → Display → Show introduction.

Reporting a bug

What were you trying to do, what did you expect, and what happened? Your iPhone model, iOS and MilGPS versions and a screenshot help a lot.