iHikeGPS Tech Support/Contact | FAQ
Available on the App Store
Make Tracks on US Topo Maps on your iPhone®, iPad® and iPod Touch®, even where there is no cell network signal.

iHikeGPS Help

These instructions are available within the App by tapping


My Location Page:

TOUCHRESULT
1 finger slide

Drag map.

Turns off Auto-Center.
2 finger pinchZoom in or out.
2 taps inside map

Zoom in 2X.

Center on tapped position if Auto-Center is Off.
2 taps outside map

Show new map for tapped position.

Turns off Auto-Center.
3 taps

Return to original scale.

Center on tapped position if Auto-Center is Off.
4 taps

Zoom out: view whole quad.

Turns off Auto-Center.
5 taps

Total Reset:

  Return to original scale.
  Turn on Auto-Center.
  Show Map for Current Location.
Tap “My Location” tab

Turn on Auto-Center.

Show Map for Current Location.
Tap “Mark” buttonCreate a new Waypoint for where you are
or any place on a map you are viewing.
Tap “Mark”, then tap
Anywhere on the Map

Read the location coordinates for any point on the current map.

Measure the distance and bearing from your current location to anywhere on the map.

Automatic Current-Location Centering:

AUTO - CENTERRESULT
On

Current Location is kept centered on the screen.

Switches maps while hiking.
OffMap position stays fixed where you move it manually.
To turn OnTap the “My Location” tab while the map is showing.
To turn OffDrag the map.
Usual Top of My Location Page (#1*)
A “Go To” Waypoint or Route is Set (#2*)

* When a “Go To” waypoint or route is set, tap twice in the gray area of the bar to switch between (#1) and (#2).

When using a “Go To” waypoint or a route with waypoints, the Distance and Bearing are for the straight-line to the next waypoint. The ETA is to the next waypoint.

When using a path route, the Distance is the distance along the path to the end of the path. The Bearing is the direction to the next point on the path. The ETA is to the end of the path.

To use iHikeGPS, “Location Services” must be on.

If you ever see “ Location Services Off in Settings App ” at the top of the My Location Page:

  1. Start the Settings App.
  2. Tap “Location Services”.
  3. If Location Services is OFF, turn it ON.
  4. Scroll Down to iHikeGPS.
  5. Turn the Switch ON.



Track Page:


Don't Record a Track. Stop Recording.


Record a Track only when iHikeGPS is showing on the screen.


Record a Track even when using another App or the iOS device is sleeping.

(“Always“ is available on all iPhones except the iPhone 3G.)

When set to “Always”, iHikeGPS drains the battery more quickly and continues to record a track for as long as iHikeGPS remains in the Recents List.

TAPRESULT
Share

Send a track in GPX format, or send your current location.

Email queued in your out box. Sent when the Internet connects.
TrashDelete the entire track from the iOS device and from the iCloud backup.
2 tapsShow the last track section only.
3 tapsReturn to original display.

Using Tracks:

HOW TODO THIS
Email
track
Tap “Share”, then Email Track.
Save
track
Tap “Share”, then Send Track via iTunes to save a GPX file to
“ iHikeGPS Documents”. Access in iTunes.
Unclutter
screen
Manually: Delete past tracks.
Auto-Delete: After 4000 track points, the oldest track points are replaced
with new ones.
Record an
accurate
elevation
profile
Start iHikeGPS with a clear view of the sky.

Wait a few minutes for a lock on all satellites (indicated accuracy less than 50 ft).

Tap “Record Track: Always”. Go!
Tap “Record Track: Off” before you stop iHikeGPS at the end of the hike.

Track Gaps:

When It
Happens
Lose GPS Satellite reception.

Switch to Airplane Mode.

Set “Record Track” to Off.

With “Record Track” Set to When Live

       The iOS device goes to sleep.*

       You switch to another App.

With “Record Track” Set to Always

       You remove iHikeGPS from the Recents List.

       iHikeGPS stops because iOS needs the memory for another App.
Indication

No track on the map.

Dotted blue vertical lines on the elevation profile graph.
ResultThe distance traveled during a gap will not be shown on the elevation profile graph.

* For the iPhone 3G only: To record tracks, you must leave the screen on because the GPS chip function of the iPhone 3G is turned off when you put it to sleep.


Waypoints Page:

Waypoint Coordinates are in the WGS 84 Datum.

TAPRESULT
+ buttonAdd a new waypoint.
ShareSend as a GPX file.

Email queued in your out box.

Sent when Internet connects.
A waypoint nameView, Edit, Delete, Go To, or Cancel Go To that waypoint.
Delete AllClear all waypoints from the iOS device and from the iCloud backup.
Status barJump to the top of the list.

A maximum of 4000 waypoints can be stored.

Using Waypoints:

HOW TODO THIS
Find a latitude & longitudeLook up the location's name on Wikipedia.
Add a waypoint when on
the Waypoints page
Tap “+”.

Enter latitude &longitude. (Anywhere in the USA, use a minus sign in front of longitude numbers.)

Name your waypoint using letters, numbers & spaces.

Add a Note (optional).

Tap “Done” at the top.

Add a waypoint when on
the My Location page
Tap “Mark” to create a waypoint for your current location or anywhere on the current map.

Name your waypoint using letters, numbers & spaces.

Add a Note (optional).

Tap “Done” at the top.

Delete a waypoint

Tap the waypoint name.

Tap the “Delete” button.

      OR

Swipe waypoint name left or right.

Tap the “Delete” button.
Delete ALL waypoints

Create a backup by emailing the waypoints to yourself.

Scroll to the bottom of the page.

Tap the “Delete All” button.

Confirm by tapping Delete ALL Waypoints.
Edit a waypoint Tap the waypoint name.

Tap a text box.

Make your changes.

Tap “Done” at the top.

View the distance
between 2 waypoints
Tap the “Routes” tab.

Tap +

Tap “Waypoints”.

Tap the name of the 1st waypoint.

Tap the + button.

Tap “After this Waypoint”.

Tap the name of the 2nd waypoint.

Read the distance.

Tap “Delete Route” when you are done.
View a waypoint
on a map
Tap the waypoint name.

Tap View On A Map.

Email all waypointsTap “Share”, then tap Email All Waypoints.
Email one waypoint Tap the Waypoint you want to send.

Tap “Go To”.

Tap “Share”, then tap Email “Go To” Waypoint.

Tap the Waypoint again.

Tap “Cancel Go To”.
Save waypointsTap “Share”, then Send Waypoints via iTunes to save
a GPX file to “ iHikeGPS Documents”. Access in iTunes.
Transfer a GPX or
LOC waypoints file
to your iOS device
from another device

Attach the file to an email sent to the iOS device.

In Mail, push and hold the attachment icon.

Use iTunes:

  Go to Devices, your iOS device, Apps, File Sharing.

  Add the file.

Use Dropbox:

  Add the file to your Dropbox from another device.

  Get (free) and start the iOS Dropbox App.

  Tap the file to see its contents.

  Tap the “Share” Icon.

  Tap “iHikeGPS”.

Using “Go To” Waypoints:

A “Go To” Waypoint is a waypoint indicating your planned destination. It can be either the final destination of your hike or some important place along your way.

HOW TODO THIS
Set a “Go To” waypoint Add the waypoint if it is not already on the list.

Tap the Waypoint Name.

Tap the “Go To” button.
Clear a “Go To” waypoint

Tap the “Go To” Waypoint name (shown in green).

Tap the “Cancel Go To” button.

After setting a “Go To” waypoint on the Waypoints page, the top bar of the “My Location” page looks like this:
The Estimated Time of Arrival is recalculated every few seconds, based on the trail just traveled since the “Go To” waypoint was set, and assuming that the trail ahead is similar in twistiness, steepness, and direction. The ETA will not appear until you have hiked a couple of minutes with track recording turned on, so your speed can be more accurately determined.

The elevation difference will be shown only if the “Go To” waypoint has an altitude entry.

If your iOS device does not have a built-in compass or your speed exceeds 20 miles per hour, then the Course (the direction you are moving) will be shown instead of the compass reading.


Routes Page:

Route Waypoint Coordinates are in the WGS 84 Datum.

TAPRESULT
+ buttonAdd a new route.
ShareSend selected route as a GPX file.

Email queued in your out box.

Sent when Internet connects.
Don't Show a RouteNo route is shown on the “My Location” map.
A route nameSelect that route to view.
Only the selected route is shown on the “My Location” map
Edit or navigate that route.
Delete AllClear all routes from the iOS device and from the iCloud backup.
Status barJump to the top of the list.

A maximum of 200 routes can be stored.
Each route can have up to 100 named route waypoints or 4000 unnamed path points.

Using Routes:

HOW TODO THIS
Add a new Route
using existing
waypoints
Tap “+”.

Tap “Waypoints”.

Tap the name of the waypoint where your route will start.

Tap “+” on the first route waypoint line.

Tap “After this Waypoint”.

Tap the name of the second waypoint on your route.

Continue adding waypoints until the route is finished.

Name your route using letters, numbers & spaces.

Add a Note (optional).

Tap “Done” at the top.

Add a new Route
by converting
the current track
to a path to follow
Tap “+”.

Tap “Current Track”.

Tap “Edit”.

Name your route using letters, numbers & spaces.

Add a Note (optional).

Tap “Done” at the top.

Delete a route Tap for that route.
Tap the “Delete Route” button.

      OR

Swipe route name left or right.

Tap the “Delete” button.
Delete ALL routes

Create a backup by emailing each route to yourself.

Scroll to the bottom of the page.

Tap the “Delete All” button.

Confirm by tapping Delete ALL Routes.
Edit a Route Tap “Edit”.

Tap a text box.

Make your changes using letters, numbers & spaces.

Tap “Done” at the top.

View a route
on a map
Tap for that route.

Tap View On A Map.

Email a route Tap the Route you want to send.

Tap “Share”.

Tap Email Selected Route.
Save a Route Tap the Route you want to save.

Tap “Share”.

Tap Send Route via iTunes to save a GPX file to
“ iHikeGPS Documents”. Access in iTunes.
Transfer a GPX
route or track file
to your iOS device
from another device

Attach the file to an email sent to the iOS device.

In Mail, push and hold the attachment icon.

Use iTunes:

  Go to Devices, your iOS device, Apps, File Sharing.

  Add the file.

Use Dropbox:

  Add the file to your Dropbox from another device.

  Get (free) and start the iOS Dropbox App.

  Tap the file to see its contents.

  Tap the “Share” Icon.

  Tap “iHikeGPS”.

Types of Routes:

  Route with Waypoints

Before Tapping Edit


TAPRESULT
RoutesReturn to the Routes page.
View On A Map Picks the correct already-downloaded map.

Switches to the “My Location” page.

Shows the start of the route.
Navigate ForwardStart at route waypoint 1.

“Go To” each waypoint in order.

Navigate ReverseStart at the last waypoint.

“Go To” each waypoint in reverse order.

A waypoint name* (when navigating)Make this waypoint the “Go To” waypoint.
Cancel Forward  or  Cancel ReverseStop the currently active navigation.
Swipe waypoint name left or rightDelete that waypoint from the route.
EditEdit the Route
Delete RouteClear the whole route from the iOS device
and from the iCloud backup.
Status barJump to the top of the list.

* Route waypoint names are shown in Italics  to distinguish them from regular waypoints.

After Tapping Edit


TAPRESULT
Name textEdit the route name.
Note textEdit the route note.
View On A Map Picks the correct already-downloaded map.

Switches to the “My Location” page.

Shows the start of the route.
Insert a waypoint before or after this waypoint.
A waypoint name*Edit the waypoint name, note, location and altitude,
or delete the waypoint from the route.
DoneSave the changes to the route.
CancelKeep the route as it was with no changes.
Delete RouteClear the whole route from the iOS device
and from the iCloud backup.
Status barJump to the top of the list.

* Route waypoint names are shown in Italics  to distinguish them from regular waypoints.

If a route waypoint is identical to a regular waypoint, then they are linked so only one of them shows on the map. You can break the link by editing the route waypoint, or by editing the regular waypoint when the route containing the route waypoint is not selected. Deleting one of the linked waypoints will not delete the other.

  Route with a Path

Before Tapping Edit


TAPRESULT
RoutesReturn to the Routes page.
View On A Map Picks the correct already-downloaded map.

Switches to the “My Location” page.

Shows the start of the route.
Navigate ForwardFollow the path from start to finish.
Navigate ReverseFollow the path in the opposite direction
Cancel Forward  or  Cancel ReverseStop the currently active navigation.
EditEdit the Route
Delete RouteClear the whole route from the iOS device
and from the iCloud backup.

After Tapping Edit


TAPRESULT
Name textEdit the route name.
Note textEdit the route note.
View On A Map Picks the correct already-downloaded map.

Switches to the “My Location” page.

Shows the start of the route.
DoneSave the changes to the route.
CancelKeep the route as it was with no changes.
Delete RouteClear the whole route from the iOS device and from the iCloud backup.

  Route with a Multiple Section Path

Before Tapping Edit


TAPRESULT
RoutesReturn to the Routes page.
View On A Map Picks the correct already-downloaded map.

Switches to the “My Location” page.

Shows the first visible path section on it.
Navigate ForwardStart at the beginning of the first path section. Follow the path to the end of the last section, including gaps.
Navigate ReverseStart at the end of the last path section. Follow the path to the beginning of the first path section, including gaps.
Cancel Forward  or  Cancel ReverseStop the currently active navigation.
Swipe a path Section left or rightDelete that path Section from the route.
Swipe a Gap left or rightDelete the Gap to join the two adjacent path
Sections together.
EditEdit the Route
Delete RouteClear the whole route from the iOS device
and from the iCloud backup.
Status barJump to the top of the list.

After Tapping Edit


TAPRESULT
Name textEdit the route name.
Note textEdit the route note.
Visible SwitchHide or Show that path Section on the “My Location” map.
View On A Map Picks the correct already-downloaded map.

Switches to the “My Location” page.

Shows the first visible path section on it.
for a SectionDelete that path Section from the route.
for a GapDelete the Gap to join the two adjacent path Sections together.
DoneSave the changes to the route.
CancelKeep the route as it was with no changes.
Delete RouteClear the whole route from the iOS device and from the iCloud backup.
Status barJump to the top of the list.


Map List Page:

To add a new map to your iOS device's memory, you must have a WiFi connection or cell service.

After tapping the + button in the top bar of the Map List page:

TAPTO DOWNLOAD A MAP
Current LocationFor where you are. Then tap USGS or Forest Service.
Relative to Current MapNorth, South, East, or West of the map currently
showing on the “My Location” page.
Same Map Location Use when you have a USGS map and you want a
Forest Service map for the same area.
On-Map Locator *Find the place you want on a Google map.
Place Name or Quad NameSearch for Latitude and Longitude by:
    Topo quad name
    City
    Address
    Geographic feature
Add a comma, a space, and the 2 letter state abbreviation.
Latitude & LongitudeFor anywhere in the USA, use a minus sign
in front of longitude numbers.

The map list shows the USGS and Forest Service topo map quads that you have downloaded to the iOS device's memory from the iHikeGPS server.

* The On-Map Locator also shows the border lines of your already-downloaded topo maps:

If you have trouble finding the correct map, try these web sites:

WEBSITETO FIND
Topographical Maps.com

Topo quad names.

Tap on state to see an index map.
TopoQuest.com

Latitude and Longitude.

Enter landmark name to search USGS list.

On the Map List page:

TAPRESULT
Edit buttonChoose map(s) to delete from the iOS device.
Don't Show a Topo MapShow Track, Waypoints, Routes and Current Location
on a white background.
USGS 24K Map
for Current Location
Switches USGS 24K maps as you travel to always show
your current position.
Forest Service or 63K Map
for Current Location
Switches alternate maps (where available)
or 63K Alaska maps as you travel.
A quad nameSelect that map to view.
Search BarFind an already-downloaded map by quad name or
by latitude and longitude.
CancelStop search, remove on-screen keyboard.
Status barJump to top of the list.

There are 3 ways to choose which already-downloaded map is shown on your “My Location” page:

  • On the Map List page, tap a map name. A checkmark ✔ indicates your selection. View on the My Location page.
  • On the Map List page, tap “USGS 24K Map for Current Location”. The program will choose the correct map for your location from your downloaded maps. The name of the chosen map will appear in green text. View on the My Location page.
  • On the Map List page, tap “Forest Service or 63K Map for Current Location”. iHikeGPS will choose the correct map for your location from your downloaded maps. The chosen map will appear in green text. View on the My Location page.

Maps Available within iHikeGPS:

The USA mainland and Hawaii:
US Geological Survey (USGS) 24K maps are available for everywhere. US Forest Service 24K maps exist only for certain national forests and grasslands, and their adjacent areas. See list of available areas.

Alaska:
USGS 63K maps are available for everywhere. USGS 24K maps are available only for some densely populated areas. US Forest Service Maps do not exist for Alaska.

You can store a maximum of 200 maps at one time in the iOS device's memory.

Map Legend:


Import:

Use email or iTunes.

Email Tracks, Waypoints or Routes To iHikeGPS:

  1. Create an email with a GPX or LOC file attachment on another device.
  2. Send it to your iOS device's email address.
  3. Open it in Mail :
  1. Press and hold your finger on the attachment icon until these buttons appear.
  1. Tap: Open in “iHikeGPS”.

Tab bar badges show the number of new waypoints and routes imported.

The iHikeGPS Routes page shows the newly imported tracks and routes.

The iHikeGPS Waypoints page shows the newly imported waypoints:

To use the waypoints, follow these instructions.

Use iTunes to Send Tracks, Waypoints and Routes To iHikeGPS:

  1. Connect the iOS device to your computer.
  2. Start iTunes on your computer.
  3. Select your iOS device in the left column.
  1. Click “Apps” in the top bar.
  1. Scroll down the page. Under “File Sharing”, click “iHikeGPS”.
  1. To the right, under “ iHikeGPS Documents”, click .
  2. Select a GPX or LOC file which is under 5 MBytes in size, then click .
  3. Start iHikeGPS on your iOS device.

Tab bar badges show the number of new waypoints and routes imported.

The iHikeGPS Routes page shows the newly imported tracks and routes.

The iHikeGPS Waypoints page shows the newly imported waypoints:

To use the waypoints, follow these instructions.

If the file being imported contains a waypoint with the same name as an existing waypoint, but a different position, the new waypoint will be renamed rather than overwriting the existing waypoint. For example a waypoint with a duplicate name of “Campsite” would be renamed “Campsite01”.

Export:

Use email or iTunes.

Email Tracks, Waypoints or Routes From iHikeGPS:

  1. Tap , or .
  2. Tap .
  3. Tap or
    Tap or
    Tap .
  4. Enter an email address in the To: area.
  5. Optionally change the Subject and the body of the email.
  6. Tap .

Send Tracks, Waypoints or Routes From iHikeGPS through iTunes:

  1. Tap , or .
  2. Tap .
  3. Tap or
    Tap or
    Tap .
  4. Connect the iOS device to your computer.
  5. Start iTunes on your computer.
  6. Select your iOS device in the left column.
  1. Click “Apps” in the top bar.
  1. Scroll down the page. Under “File Sharing”, click “iHikeGPS”.
  1. To the right, select a GPX file.
  1. Click .
  2. Select a folder, then click .
  3. Open the GPX file using the mapping program of your choice, such as MacGPS Pro on the Mac or OziExplorer on Windows.
  4. To remove a file from “ iHikeGPS Documents”, select it, then push the “delete” key.

Choose your Settings for iHikeGPS:

Start the Settings App.
Scroll down to iHikeGPS. Tap it.

OPTIONAVAILABLE SETTINGS
Auto-Lock

ON *      Use the system Auto-Lock setting.

OFF       Never Auto-Lock.
Proximity Sensor

ON        Turn off the screen when near an object.

OFF *    Don't use the Proximity Sensor.
Position Format

ddd.ddddd° *      Degrees

ddd°mm.mm'     Degrees Minutes

ddd°mm'ss.s"     Degrees Minutes Seconds

UTM / UPS         Grid Coordinate System
Distance Units statute miles *     speed: miles per hour

nautical miles      speed: knots

kilometers            speed: km per hour
Elevation Units

feet *

meters
Direction Units

° True *              Degrees clockwise from True North

° Magnetic       Degrees clockwise from Magnetic Compass North
Show Waypoint Notes

ON *     Waypoint Notes overlaid on the map.

OFF     Waypoint Notes not visible on the map.
* Default Setting
  Not all iOS devices have a proximity sensor.
iOS devices with no Compass always show ° True.

To use iHikeGPS, “Location Services” in the Settings App must be on.

If you ever see “ Location Services Off in Settings App ” at the top of the My Location Page:

  1. Start the Settings App.
  2. Tap “Location Services”.
  3. If Location Services is OFF, turn it ON.
  4. Scroll Down to iHikeGPS.
  5. Turn the Switch ON.


Battery Life:

You can turn off several settings to reduce the iOS device's drain on its battery when you are using iHikeGPS on a long hike. Adjust the following settings in Apple's “Settings” App:
  • Tap “Wi-Fi”, then Turn off Wi-Fi.
  • Tap “General”, then tap “Bluetooth”, turn Bluetooth off.
  • Tap “General”, then tap “Network”, turn off “Enable 3G” and “Cellular Data”. (Turn these back on if you need to download a map.)
  • Tap “Mail, Contacts, Calendars”. Tap “Fetch New Data”. Turn off “Push” and tap “Manually”.
  • Tap “Brightness”, then turn down the screen brightness to the lowest acceptable level.
Also:
  • Plug the iOS device into a car charger on your way to the trailhead so that you start the hike with a completely charged battery.
  • On the Track Page, select “Always”. Put the iOS device to sleep when you are not looking at it. When you stop for lunch or to enjoy the views, on the Track Page select “Off”. (Don't forget to turn Track Recording back on before resuming your hike.)
  • (For the iPhone 3G only: In the Settings App, turn on the Proximity Sensor. Switch to the Track screen when you are not actually looking at the map, and then use the iPhone's proximity sensor to dim the screen. If you put the iPhone in your pocket, or put the upper left corner of the face of the iPhone against some object, the proximity sensor will turn off the battery-draining screen illumination, as it does when you hold the phone up to your ear during a phone call.)

If you follow all the steps, you may be able to record tracks for about 10 hours of actual hiking (4 hours on the iPhone 3G). Use an external battery pack to extend this time.

We Listen to You:

Question or Suggestion?   lwjames@iHikeGPS.com   (303) 258-0576

Safety:

This iOS App must not be relied on as any part of a primary means of navigation. It must not be used in a way that safety or property depends on its successful operation. Always carry a compass and a paper map as a backup. Don't run your battery down so far that you can't make an emergency call if needed. James Associates Inc. accepts no liability, including incidental or consequential damages, for any injury or damages that may occur from the use of iHikeGPS.

©2012 James Associates Inc.
iHikeGPS.com

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