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Avenza Maps (www.avenza.com/avenza-maps) is an app for iOS, Android, and Microsoft that allows you to use GeoPDF's from your mobile device in the field. Currently Tribes can request a license for the commercial version by contacting BIA BOGS though the free version works fine with georeferenced pdf maps exported from ArcMap.

I make shovel test maps for our archaeologist to use in the field for Phase I Cultural Resource Surveys. Once I make my survey map in ArcGIS, I choose my save type as PDF at 300 DPI. In the advanced tab I mark "Export Map Georeference Information". Then I upload it onto the mobile device and our guys are good to go. Avenza Maps can even be used on the new Trimble TDC100's (www.trimble.com/mappingGIS/TDC100.aspx) if you need extra battery and accuracy in the field.

If you have any questions on how we make our shovel test maps or how we utilize Avenza please shoot me an email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Also on the Avenza Maps website is an excellent support page, with video tutorials ( www.avenzamaps.com/help/tutorials/ ). I'm especially interested in learning how to manage layers and shapefiles in the app, so that users have more control over map readability while navigating to location such as wildlife acoustic monitoring sites or evidence of potential trespassing by non-members on tribal lands. BOGS now also offers an in-person Avenza Pro workshop; see their latest training brochure for details.