Map Printing

Print tool

Karttahimmeli has built-in print tool that respects active filters. You can print, for example, map showing only selected team areas.

Printing is opened from map view: first select desired map and filters, then open print tool. The print tool is found behind the map selection button in the lower right corner.

iPhone compatibility

Printing is not available in the iPhone app. Use the browser version (Safari or Chrome) on iPhone instead.

Selecting print area

Print area is selected from map in two ways:

1. Single map sheet: click desired location and print area centers there. Click same location again to remove selection.
2. Grid: double-click creates map grid automatically, then expand by clicking neighboring cells. Good for larger command wall map.

To deselect a page, click it again. Clear all selections with the bin icon .

Grid and north-up orientation

Grid selection works only when map is in normal (not rotated) orientation. With magnetic-north rotation, grid cells become skewed.

Scale and print settings

Print at correct scale

Always print at 100% size, not "fit to page". Many printers default to fit-to-page, which shrinks map and breaks scale.

Top text ("This area is not printed") is only a reminder of printer margins, it does not appear on actual print.

Before selecting print area, you can set:

• Scale - for example 1:10,000
• Paper size - A4, A3, etc.
• Magnetic north up - map rotates so magnetic north is at top

Both north orientations support printing magnetic north direction lines, which are needed for taking compass bearings.

You can also add text to be printed in the map margin, for example the command post phone number or team identifier.

Recommended settings for search team map

• Map: Mapant or terrain map
• North lines: yes (magnetic)
• Property boundaries: not recommended (can mislead in terrain)
• Map lightening: consider if there are many markings

Command wall map

For command post, larger grid map can be printed:

1. Select larger paper size (A3 or multiple A4 sheets)
2. Double-click and expand grid as needed
3. Add comment text (for example command post number or operation ID) which is printed at bottom of map

Printing can be repeated as operation progresses so map reflects latest entries.

Search and addresses in printing

Before printing, verify map is centered to correct location. Address search is behind magnifier button. Enter street address or place name and map moves automatically.

Coordinate search

Search field also accepts coordinates in multiple formats (WGS84 decimal degrees, degrees and minutes). Karttahimmeli tries to detect format automatically.

Exporting Maps to a Drone Controller

Karttahimmeli supports exporting maps in MBTiles format, which is an offline map format compatible with drone controllers. This allows you to load the operation area onto the drone controller in advance — even in areas with no network connectivity.

How it works:

1. Select the desired area using the print tool as usual.
2. Choose MBTiles as the export format.
3. Transfer the downloaded file to the drone controller (e.g. DJI RC or similar).
4. The controller uses the map offline during the flight.

The key benefit is that the drone controller displays exactly the same operational picture — including markings — as the rest of the team sees in Karttahimmeli. This improves shared situational awareness, especially in areas with poor or no mobile data coverage.

Logging Drone Observation Points Using the Search Function

Drone controller QR codes offer a convenient way to transfer coordinates directly into Karttahimmeli. Many controllers display the drone's location or an observation point as a QR code, which is essentially a Google Maps link containing coordinates.

Workflow:

1. Scan the QR code shown on the drone controller screen with your phone.
2. A Google Maps link opens, showing the coordinates.
3. Copy the link or the coordinates directly into Karttahimmeli's search field.
4. Karttahimmeli centres the view on the correct location — add a marker with the plus button and record the observation details as usual.

This is particularly useful in exercises where the goal is to practise transferring drone observation points to the team: a target found by the drone can be pinned on the shared map within seconds, with no manual coordinate entry required.