What is GeoPDF? Map Features and User Guide

With the digitization of maps , interactive location-focused map formats have emerged that go beyond traditional images. The most powerful of these is the GeoPDF format. This unique structure, which presents geographic information in PDF format, can be used on both desktop software and mobile devices. Furthermore, when used with GPS- enabled applications, it offers advanced functions such as live location tracking, surveying, and layer control.

Contents

What is GeoPDF?

In Which Areas Is GeoPDF Used?

How to Read Coordinates with GeoPDF?

Differences Between GeoPDF and Standard PDF

Advantages of GeoPDF Maps

Which Applications Open GeoPDF Maps?

Does GeoPDF Open Like a Regular PDF?

Do GeoPDF Maps Work on Mobile?

What is GeoPDF?

GeoPDF (Geospatial PDF) is an Adobe PDF format integrated with geographic coordinates ( coordinate system , projection, layers) . This format allows users to capture coordinate information on a PDF map, measure areas, and integrate with various systems (e.g., GPS devices or GIS software). Map layers can also be activated/deactivated and data filtering can be applied. This is the key difference between it and static images.

• Can read coordinates on the map

• Can turn layers on and off

• Can measure area or distance

• Can track live location (on mobile)

In Which Areas Is GeoPDF Used?

• Disaster and Emergency Management: GeoPDF maps support rapid decision-making for teams working in disaster areas. With offline capabilities, maps can be used even if communication is interrupted during a crisis.

• Agriculture and Nature Conservation: GeoPDF maps allow for field measurements in land detection, forest management and monitoring of protected areas, and the data collected can be instantly transferred to GIS systems.

• Mining and Energy Sector: Field personnel can easily analyze license areas, geological structures and infrastructure details with GeoPDF maps.

• Military and Security Applications: Meets offline, precise and reliable map needs in sensitive area planning and operation area mapping.

• Field Studies: In geology, engineering, and environmental studies, GeoPDF maps enable organized recording and rapid analysis of data collected in the field. Offline access allows for effective use even in remote areas.

• Nature Sports: GeoPDF maps provide reliable route tracking and navigation support for outdoor activities like trekking, cycling, and camping. Offline access on mobile devices increases security in areas where communication is disrupted.

• Urban Planning: GeoPDF maps are used for field review of zoning maps and implementation plans. Access to up-to-date plans allows municipalities and urban planners to expedite decision-making processes.

• Military and Tactical Map Sharing: GeoPDF maps provide a reliable, offline solution for sharing precise location data in operational areas. They facilitate coordination between teams in the field during tactical planning.

• Education: In geography and map reading courses, GeoPDF maps offer students an interactive learning experience. Students can develop both theoretical knowledge and practical skills by working with layered data.

• Tourism: With navigable maps of historical and cultural sites, visitors can use GeoPDF maps to navigate offline routes and access additional information about the area, making the tourism experience more enjoyable.

To use GeoPDF format in your maps: GeoPDF Maps

How to Read Coordinates with GeoPDF?

Via Adobe Acrobat Pro (with TerraGo plug-in):

1. TerraGo Toolbar must be installed

2. Click on the coordinate icon

3. Click on the desired point on the map

4. In the window that opens, latitude-longitude information appears.

Sample output: 39° 55' 30" N, 32° 51' 00" E (Ankara)

Differences Between GeoPDF and Standard PDF

GeoPDF	Standard PDF
There is coordinate information	No coordinate information
Map scale is dynamic (interactive)	Map scale fixed
There is layer management	No layer management
There is location tracking via GPS	No GPS location tracking

Advantages of GeoPDF Maps

• True position accuracy: compatible with GNSS (GPS, Galileo, GLONASS) coordinate systems

• Layer support: Data such as political , physical , road network, buildings can be controlled separately

• High print quality: Ideal for large-format posters or field prints

• Compatibility: Can be opened in many software such as Adobe Reader, Avenza Maps, QGIS

• Offline use: Can be used on mobile devices without internet

Which Applications Open GeoPDF Maps?

Free Solutions

• Avenza Maps (mobile): GPS-supported offline use, live location tracking, route creation

• QGIS (desktop): Basic GeoPDF opening and editing with the PDF Import plugin

• PDF-XChange Viewer: Basic viewing, limited support

Paid Software

• Adobe Acrobat Pro + TerraGo Toolbar: Layer control, coordinate reading, measurement

• Global Mapper: Advanced analysis and geodata processing

Frequently Asked Questions About GeoPDF

Does GeoPDF Open Like a Regular PDF?

Yes. However, additional features such as coordinate reading and layer control require specialized software (e.g. Avenza Maps or TerraGo).

Do GeoPDF Maps Work on Mobile?

Yes. Offline location tracking is possible, especially with the Avenza Maps app.

Why is GeoPDF so Large?

Because it contains high-resolution raster data and layer information, the file size is larger than standard PDFs.

Is it possible to create a free GeoPDF map?

A basic level of GeoPDF can be produced using open source software such as QGIS.

The GeoPDF Difference from Cartographero

Cartographero doesn't just produce GeoPDF maps; it also designs their content specifically for each user. It creates data layers specific to each project's needs and activates navigation, measurement, and analysis functions based on the map's intended use. Furthermore, our maps are delivered in high resolution and ready to print.

With Cartographero:

• Project-specific layer design and data processing.

• Multi-platform compatible, GPS supported outputs.

• User-specific filtering, search and analysis tools.

• Visual optimization suitable for sectoral needs.

With our field experience in Türkiye and around the world, we offer institutions not just a map but also geographic decision support tools that will accelerate and strengthen their operations.

Contact us to get detailed information about our GeoPDF mapping solutions and review our case studies.