LightTrailGPSPro - GPS Tracking & Trail Navigation

Map & Navigation

Info Panel

The Info Panel displays three critical GPS values at the top of your screen, updating in real-time with each GPS reading. Essential for knowing your location quality before starting a recording.

Field	What It Shows
Altitude	Your elevation above sea level (meters or feet)
Speed	Current movement speed, updates while moving
Accuracy	GPS precision — lower = better. Aim for <10m before recording

Accuracy Guide

3-5m: Excellent — clear sky, strong signal
5-10m: Good — typical outdoor conditions
10-20m: Fair — partial obstruction
20m+: Poor — indoors or dense canopy

📡 info-panel.png

Map Selection

Choose from four map providers, each optimized for different activities and terrain visualization needs.

Map	Best For	Features
Outdoor	Hiking, trail running	Contour lines, trail markings, terrain shading
Topo	Detailed topography	High-detail contours, elevation data
City	Urban navigation	Streets, buildings, urban landmarks
Satellite	Terrain analysis	Real aerial imagery, hybrid labels

How to Change

Tap Maps button in control panel
Browse available map styles
Tap to select — map reloads instantly

🗺️ map-selection.png

👆

Map Gestures

Control the map with intuitive touch gestures. Every interaction is designed to feel natural and responsive.

Gesture	Action
One finger drag	Pan the map in any direction
Pinch in/out	Zoom — centers on point between fingers
Two finger rotate	Rotate map orientation
Single tap	Select trail, waypoint, or track
Long press	Open context menu at that location

👆 gestures.png

Follow Location Mode

Keep the map centered on your GPS position as you move. Essential for navigation while hiking.

Behavior

Map automatically moves as you move
Your position always stays at screen center
Two-finger gestures (pinch, rotate) do NOT disable follow
Single-finger pan intentionally disables follow
Tap Follow button again to re-enable

How to Enable

Tap Follow button (📍) in control panel
Button highlights when active
Map animates to center on your location

📍 follow-mode.png

Rotate with Device

The map rotates based on your phone's compass, so the top of the screen always shows the direction you're facing.

Behavior

Top of map = direction you're physically facing
As you turn, the map rotates with you
Perfect for orienting yourself on the trail
Requires Follow mode to be active first

How to Enable

Enable Follow mode first
Tap Compass button
Button highlights when active

🧭 rotate-mode.png

Context Menu

Long-press anywhere on the map to access location-specific actions without navigating menus.

Option	What It Does
Create Waypoint	Mark this location (Map Spot, Trail Marker, or Alert)
Weather at Location	Get temperature and conditions for this point
Navigate to Point	Set as target, shows distance and direction
Copy Coordinates	Copy GPS lat/lon to clipboard for sharing

How to Use

Press and hold on any map location (~0.5 seconds)
Feel haptic feedback when menu triggers
Tap desired action

📋 context-menu.png

📏 Measurement

Ruler — Free Mode

Measure straight-line distances between any points on the map. Useful for quick estimates and planning.

Key Points

Measures straight-line (crow-flies) distance
Tap multiple points to create segments
Total cumulative distance shown
Does NOT account for terrain — actual hiking will be longer

How to Use

Expand control panel, tap Ruler (📏)
Tap first point on map (start)
Tap second point (end) — distance appears
Tap more points to extend measurement

📏 ruler-free.png

Ruler — Track-Bound Mode

Measure distances along a loaded GPX track or a selected OSM trail, following the actual path. Measurement syncs with elevation chart and statistics.

Works On

GPX Tracks: Any loaded GPX file
OSM Trails: Any highlighted/selected trail from Trail Discovery

What Happens

Ruler snaps to nearest track/trail point when you tap
Distance follows actual path curves (not straight line)
Elevation chart highlights the measured segment
Statistics update to show segment: distance, gain, loss, time

How to Use

Load a GPX track OR select an OSM trail
Enter ruler mode
Tap on the track/trail near start point
Tap on the track/trail at end point
View along-path distance and synced stats

📐 ruler-track.png
Ruler on track

📈 ruler-chart-sync.png
Chart highlight

⏺️ Track Recording

Start & Stop Recording

One tap to start, one tap to stop. Your GPS path traces on the map in real-time with elevation-based coloring.

Before Starting

Wait for GPS fix (arrow visible on map)
Check accuracy in Info Panel — aim for <10m
Grant "Always" location permission for background recording

How to Record

Tap Record button (⏺️) — turns red when active
Recording widget appears at top of screen
Start moving — path traces on map
Tap Stop when finished
Choose Save or Discard

⏺️ recording-active.png
Active recording

💾 recording-save.png
Save/Discard dialog

Recording Widget

Real-time statistics displayed at the top of the screen while recording. Tap to expand for more details.

Stat	Description
Distance	Total distance traveled so far
Time	Elapsed recording time
Gain ↗️	Total elevation climbed
Loss ↘️	Total elevation descended

Widget Features

Tap to expand/collapse detailed view
Pause button available in expanded view
Updates continuously as you move

📊 widget.png

Pause & Resume

Take breaks without ruining your track data. Pause stops distance tracking; resume continues where you left off.

While Paused

Distance stays frozen — walking doesn't add distance
GPS still updates — arrow shows your position
No track points recorded — creates gap in path
Perfect for lunch breaks, exploring side areas

How to Use

Tap recording widget to expand
Tap Pause (⏸️)
Button changes to Resume (▶️)
Tap Resume to continue tracking

⏸️ pause.png

📱

Background Recording

Recording continues when you lock your screen, switch apps, or put your phone in your pocket. Never miss a step.

Android

Foreground service starts automatically
Notification shows recording status and stats
Tap notification to return to app
Works with screen off

iOS

Background location mode activates
Blue status bar indicates location in use
Keep "Always" permission granted

🔔 background.png

📊 GPX Track Analysis

Load GPX Files

Load any standard GPX file from your device. Track appears on the map with full analysis and statistics.

How to Load

Tap Trails in control panel
Select Load GPX
Navigate to your GPX file
Track appears on map with stats panel

What Loads

Track points draw as colored path
Waypoints appear as markers
Statistics calculate automatically
Map zooms to fit the track

📂 load-gpx.png

🎨

Elevation-Based Coloring

Tracks display with colors indicating terrain type. See at a glance where the climbs and descents are.

Color	Meaning	Grade
🟢 Green	Flat sections	0-5% grade
🟠 Orange	Ascending (climbing)	Uphill
🔵 Blue	Descending (downhill)	Downhill

Visual Markers

Start marker: Circle at track beginning
End marker: Diamond at track end
Helps orient yourself on the trail

🎨 coloring.png

📈

Elevation Profile Chart

Interactive chart showing the vertical profile of your track. Visualize every climb and descent along the route.

Chart Elements

X-axis: Distance along track
Y-axis: Elevation
Colors: Match track coloring (green/orange/blue)
Tap/drag: Shows elevation and distance at that point

Interactions

Tap to see elevation at specific point
Corresponding location highlights on map
Drag to scrub through the track

📈 chart.png

Difficult Sections

Steep or challenging terrain is automatically detected and highlighted with a distinct visual overlay.

Visual Indicators

Yellow dashed overlay on very steep portions
Indicates sections requiring extra caution
Based on grade analysis of the track
Visible on both map and elevation chart

⚡ difficult.png

Alert Points & Popups

Warning markers appear at critical locations. Tap any alert for detailed grade information and safety guidance.

Grade	Description	Slope
A	Very steep descent	> -15%
B	Steep descent	-15% to -10%
C	Moderate descent	-10% to -5%
D	Moderate ascent	+5% to +10%
E	Steep ascent	+10% to +15%
F	Very steep ascent	> +15%

How to View

Tap on any ⚠️ alert marker on the track
Popup shows grade, category, and description
Includes safety recommendations

⚠️ alerts.png

Trail Report

Comprehensive terrain analysis with detailed tables, statistics, and section-by-section breakdown.

Report Sections

Route Description: Summary of trail characteristics
Terrain Summary: Breakdown of terrain types
Grade Profile Table: Distance by grade category
Difficult Sections List: Each challenge with details
Timing Estimates: Pace recommendations

How to Access

Load a GPX track
Tap Trail Report button in stats panel
Full-screen report opens
Scroll through all sections

📋 report.png

Track Statistics

Essential metrics calculated automatically when you load any track.

Stat	Description
Distance	Total track length
Elevation Gain	Total meters/feet climbed
Elevation Loss	Total meters/feet descended
Estimated Time	Approximate hiking duration
Min/Max Elevation	Lowest and highest points

📊 stats.png

Track Settings

Customize how statistics are calculated based on expected terrain difficulty.

Setting	Effect
Terrain Complexity	Easy/Moderate/Difficult — adjusts time estimates
On-Track Distance	Threshold for "on track" vs "off track" detection

⚙️ settings.png

Track Filter

Filter the track view to show specific sections for detailed analysis.

Filter	Shows
No Filter	Entire track
To Max Altitude	From start to highest point
To Max Distance	From start to furthest point

Direction Toggle

From Start: Filter from track beginning
From End: Filter from track end (reversed)

🔍 filter.png

Save, Share & Manage

Full track management: save to device, share with others, or manage your tracks.

Action	What It Does
Save	Save track as GPX file to device
Share	Send via email, messaging, cloud
Rename	Change track name
Reverse	Flip direction — start becomes end
Delete	Remove track from app

💾 save.png

Offline Maps Download

Download map tiles along your track for use without cell service. Navigate remote areas with confidence.

How to Download

Load/select a saved GPX track
Tap Offline Map button
Select map type: Outdoor and/or Satellite
Tap Download
Wait for completion — continues in background

What Downloads

Tiles at multiple zoom levels
Covers the track corridor
Both map types if selected

🗺️ offline-select.png
Map type selector

⏳ offline-progress.png
Download progress

Height Map Auto-Download

For tracks created from OSM trails or Track Builder, elevation data downloads automatically. No user action required.

When It Triggers

Convert an OSM trail to GPX
Exit Track Builder (saving path to GPX)
Download starts automatically in background
Elevation profile appears when complete

What Updates

Elevation chart and coloring
Statistics (gain, loss, min/max)
Difficult sections and alerts

🏔️ height.png

🔎 Trail Discovery & Search

OSM Trail Highlight

Instantly highlight all OpenStreetMap trails in the visible map area. Discover hiking paths, cycling routes, and nature trails anywhere in the world without knowing their names.

How to Discover

Navigate/zoom to an area you want to explore
Tap Trails button in control panel
Select Discover in Area
All OSM trails in view highlight on the map
Tap any highlighted trail to see its name and info

What You Can Do

View trail info: Name, type, length (if available)
Convert to GPX: One tap to create full GPX track
Use with Ruler: Measure along the selected trail
Auto height map: Elevation downloads automatically after conversion

🔎 discovery-highlight.png
Highlighted trails

ℹ️ discovery-info.png
Trail info popup

Trail Search by Name

Search for trails by name to find specific routes anywhere in the world. Perfect for finding famous trails like the Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, or local favorites.

How to Search

Tap Trails button in control panel
Select Search by Name
Type trail name (full or partial)
Tap Search/Submit
Browse results — tap one to select
Map navigates to the trail location

Search Tips

Use official trail name for best results
Include location: "Blue Ridge Trail Virginia"
Try partial names if full name unknown
Results show trail name and approximate location

After Finding

Tap Convert to GPX for full track features
Height map downloads automatically
All GPX analysis features become available

⌨️ search-input.png
Search input

📋 search-results.png
Results list

✏️ Route Planning

Track Builder — Drawing

Create custom routes by drawing directly on the map. Freehand drawing with distance tracking.

How to Draw

Expand control panel, tap Builder (✏️)
Touch map where you want to start
Drag finger along desired route
Release to complete segment
Continue adding segments

Builder Widget

Distance: Total path length
Undo: Remove last segment
Redo: Restore undone segment
Fit: Zoom to show entire path

✏️ builder.png

🔗

Track Builder — Trail Merge

Merge existing OSM trails into your custom route. Selected trails highlight in pink with directional arrows.

How to Merge

Tap on a visible trail to select it
Draw your path close to the selected trail
Trail turns pink with arrows at ends
Circle marker shows intersection point
Tap an arrow to append that trail segment

Visual Indicators

Pink trail: Selected, ready to merge
Arrows at ends: Tap to append in that direction
Circle: Where your path meets the trail

🔗 merge-before.png
Pink trail + arrows

✅ merge-after.png
After appending

Convert to GPX

Exit Track Builder to save your drawn path as a full GPX track with automatic elevation data.

How to Save

Tap Exit or Done in Builder
Choose Save to GPX
Enter track name
Height map downloads automatically
Full GPX features become available

💾 convert.png

📍 Waypoints

Waypoint Types

Three waypoint types for different purposes. Each displays with a distinct icon on the map.

Type	Purpose	Use For
Map Spot	General marker	Parking, campsites, viewpoints, water
Trail Marker	Trail-specific	Junctions, trailheads, distance markers
Trail Alert	Warning/caution	Hazards, steep drops, water crossings

How to Create

Long-press on map location
Tap Create Waypoint
Select type: Map Spot, Trail Marker, or Alert
Waypoint appears at that location

📍 waypoints.png

Waypoint Details & Editing

Tap any waypoint to view details. Edit name and description, or delete when no longer needed.

Popup Shows

Waypoint name
Type (Map Spot, Trail Marker, Alert)
GPS coordinates
Description/notes
Edit and Delete buttons

Trail Alert Details

Shows grade category (A-F)
Slope percentage
Detailed safety description
Recommendations (poles, caution, etc.)

📝 waypoint-detail.png

🌡️ Weather

Temperature Overlay

See temperature distribution across the map with color-coded areas and numeric labels.

Color	Temperature Range
🔵 Blue/Purple	Cold (below 0°C / 32°F)
🟢 Green	Cool (0-15°C / 32-60°F)
🟡 Yellow	Mild (15-25°C / 60-77°F)
🟠 Orange	Warm (25-35°C / 77-95°F)
🔴 Red	Hot (above 35°C / 95°F)

🌡️ weather-temp.png

Radar / Precipitation

Current and forecasted precipitation with intensity coloring and nowcast labels.

Color	Intensity
🟢 Light green	Light rain/drizzle
🟡 Yellow	Moderate rain
🟠 Orange	Heavy rain
🔴 Red	Very heavy rain/storms

🌧️ weather-radar.png

Weather Animation

Animate weather through time to see how conditions will change. Watch precipitation move across the map.

How to Use

Enable weather mode
Tap Play (▶️) in weather widget
Watch overlay animate through time
Time display shows current frame
Tap Pause (⏸️) to stop

▶️ weather-anim.png

Weather at Specific Location

Get detailed weather for any point on the map. Check conditions at your destination before you leave.

How to Check

Long-press on any map location
Tap Weather at Location
Popup shows temperature, conditions, wind

Use For

Check summit weather vs. trailhead
See if destination has different conditions
Verify weather at campsite location

📍 weather-point.png

🎨

Theme Selection

Choose light or dark theme, or let the app follow your device's system setting.

Theme	Best For
Light	Bright outdoor conditions, sunlight readability
Dark	Night use, OLED battery savings
System	Automatic switching with device schedule

How to Change

Expand control panel, tap Settings (⚙️)
Select theme: Light, Dark, or System
Theme applies immediately

Control Panel

Quick access to all features. Collapsed view shows essentials; expand for full controls.

Collapsed View

Maps: Change map style
Trails: Load GPX, search trails
Follow: Center on GPS
Record: Start/stop recording
▲: Expand for more

Expanded View

Weather: Weather overlays
Ruler: Measure distances
Builder: Create custom routes
Compass: North lock / rotate
Settings: App preferences

Your Complete Outdoor Adventures GPS Companion

Everything You Need

Map & Navigation

Info Panel

Map Selection

Map Gestures

Follow Location

Rotate with Device

Context Menu

Measurement

Ruler — Free Mode

Ruler — Track Mode

Track Recording

Start/Stop Recording

Recording Widget

Pause & Resume

Background Recording

GPX Track Analysis

Load GPX

Elevation Coloring

Elevation Chart

Difficult Sections

Alert Points

Trail Report

Statistics

Track Settings

Track Filter

Save & Share

Offline Maps

Height Map

Trail Discovery & Search

OSM Trail Highlight

Trail Search by Name

Route Planning

Track Builder

Trail Merge

Convert to GPX

Waypoints

Map Spot

Trail Marker

Trail Alert

Share & Import

Weather

Temperature

Radar / Precipitation

Weather Animation

Weather at Point

Settings & UI

Theme

Control Panel

Map & Navigation

Info Panel

Accuracy Guide

Map Selection

How to Change

Map Gestures

Follow Location Mode

Behavior

How to Enable

Rotate with Device

Behavior

How to Enable

Context Menu

How to Use

📏 Measurement

Ruler — Free Mode

Key Points

How to Use

Ruler — Track-Bound Mode

Works On

What Happens

How to Use

⏺️ Track Recording

Start & Stop Recording

Before Starting

How to Record

Recording Widget

Widget Features

Pause & Resume

While Paused