iBuildMap

iBuildMap is a tool to build custom annotated maps.

Plans can be annotated with lines, polygons, cordons, markers and overlay images.

Its then easy to share custom maps and plans with other people. Plans can be shared over AirDrop with any compatible device for quick local sharing or even emailed.

Plans and maps can be created by drawing straight onto the map or marked using the devices GPS capability. Plans can also be built up by importing data from GeoJSON or KML files from a variety of online sources. This also means iBuildMap can be used as a viewer for GeoJSON and KML, with the ability to edit the data and combine with other information.

The app provides a simple interface to record multiple surveys. Each survey then maps out a portion of real ground according to a set of GPS coordinates. All the user has to do is stand in the corner points and tap the ‘Mark Point’ button. Polygons of any shape, size and complexity can be created. Individual points can then be edited for maximum accuracy if required.

The app also includes ‘auto-mode’ for larger surveys. Once auto-mode is started the screen can be locked to save battery life and the app records your location as you move. This way huge areas can be mapped out on foot or in vehicles.

Areas of ground can be overlaid with any image bringing about all sorts of possibilities. New construction ideas or plans can be placed on top of satellite images to enable visualisation of the finished project. An example use could be overlaying expected ground dimensions with those found and mapped out… Ensuring the real life property boundary matches what is expected. The users location is shown on the custom map, making it possible to check that the users position is inside or outside the layer or their position within the superimposed image.

Photos of an area can be taken and embedded into the plan. Along with the image the location of the photo and the direction the photo is facing is also stored and included.

Plans can then be shared device to device without the need for a cell or wifi signal or emailed to other users. Plans are exported in iBuildMaps native file format and the open source GeoJSON and KML formats.

Complex or commonly used plans can be saved into ‘layer collections’ and reused to make creating large, complex custom maps easy and quick. Also GeoJSON / KML files can be imported and used to create plans or layer collections for reuse.

Locations are displayed with their coordinates in WGS84 format and w3w addressing format.

Disclaimer:

iBuildMap uses a background mode to continue to map out surveys when the user selects auto-mode and the screen is locked.

Not all features in iBuildMap can be represented in the KML format so the app converts the data so that the KML resembles the original data as closely as possible.

iBuildMap supports the simplestyle-spec for styling compatibility with other common online systems

Please note
“Continued use of GPS running in the background can dramatically decrease battery life.”