MCG Maps

How to Create a GeoPDF with CalTopo

Create and export a georeferenced PDF map from CalTopo to import into MCG Maps.

When to create your own GeoPDF

If you need a map of a particular area, you can create and export a georeferenced PDF with CalTopo for use in MCG Maps.

This is also useful when you don't have a current incident GeoPDF available for testing MCG Maps. Try different locations, map extents, scales, and map content.

Create a map in CalTopo

Choose the area and map content you need. For testing, you do not need to reproduce an incident map; any useful geographic area is fine.

  1. Open CalTopo.
  2. Navigate to the area you want to map.
  3. Choose the basemap and map layers you want to use.
  4. Add any CalTopo markers, lines, or other map features you want included in the finished map.
  5. Position the map around the area you want to export.

Create the GeoPDF

The generated PDF should retain the geospatial information MCG Maps needs to relate positions on the PDF to real-world coordinates.

MCG Maps must still validate the PDF during import. Some GeoPDF structures or coordinate systems may not be supported.

  1. Open CalTopo's Print menu.
  2. Choose the option to print the map to PDF or JPG.
  3. Set the map extent and scale you want to use.
  4. Make sure PDF is selected as the output.
  5. Generate the map.
  6. Download the finished PDF.

Import it into MCG Maps

You can import the downloaded GeoPDF from inside MCG Maps or send it to MCG Maps from another app.

To import from MCG Maps, open the destination Incident, choose Add Map, and select Import from Device.

You can also open the PDF in Safari or Files, use the Share menu, choose MCG Maps, and then select the Incident where you want the map imported.

Try to break it

Testing different GeoPDFs helps identify compatibility problems that may not appear with known test maps.

Try different geographic areas, scales, map sizes, basemaps, and CalTopo layers.

If you create a GeoPDF that MCG Maps will not import, displays incorrectly, or places locations incorrectly, please send the PDF to support@mcgmaps.com.

A GeoPDF that exposes a problem is particularly useful during the beta.