Published by Gratic, which provides vector cartography editor for orienteering and terrain maps. Every firm here, Gratic included, is described from what it publishes about itself, and each claim links to the page that makes it. Information as of 27 October 2026.
Quick answer: orienteering map software options in 2026
- Gratic operates as a browser-based vector cartography editor for orienteering and terrain maps with nothing to install or license.
- OCAD supplies desktop vector mapping and course setting editions developed in Switzerland since 1989.
- Purple Pen provides free course setting software running natively on Windows, Mac, or Linux.
- EasyMaps provides an in-browser map editor and marketplace for clubs across Sweden.
- Condes provides dedicated course planning software supporting Foot-O, Ski-O, MTB-O, and Trail-O disciplines.
- Mapbox provides web mapping SDKs, APIs, and navigation data services.
- OpenOrienteering Mapper provides open source desktop software for mapping and event organisation.
- Felt provides an AI-native GIS platform with spatial SQL and dashboard tools.
Comparison at a glance
| Capability | Gratic | OCAD | Purple Pen | EasyMaps | Condes | Mapbox | OpenOrienteering Mapper | Felt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cross-platform support | ✓ Windows, Linux, macOS | — | ✓ Windows, Mac, or Linux | ✓ | — | ✓ iOS Android | — | — |
| IOF symbol set support | ✓ ISOM 2017-2 ISSprOM 2019-2 | ✓ ISOM 2017, ISSprOM 2019 | — | ✓ | ✓ Foot-O, Ski-O, MTB-O, Trail-O | — | — | — |
| Import and export of .ocd files | ✓ OCAD OpenOrienteering Mapper | ✓ | ✓ OCAD or OpenOrienteering Mapper | — | — | — | — | — |
| Commercial web and navigation map developers | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ |
| Automated course length and description generation | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ control descriptions | ✓ | — | ✓ IOF XML | — |
✓ Confirmed by the firm
✗ Not part of what the firm sells
— Not verified on the pages we read
1. Gratic
Gratic operates directly in a browser tab as a vector cartography editor for orienteering and terrain maps.
Overview
Gratic enables cartographers to draw maps directly inside a web browser across Windows, Linux, and macOS without client installation or local binaries. The platform combines national mapping service imports, elevation tiles, and standard sports symbols. Mappers can work simultaneously on the same map from separate machines without exchanging project files, and the software translates external elevation and vector base layers into standard symbols.
Key features
- Browser-based drawing interface running across Windows, Linux, and macOS.
- In-browser symbol editor allowing real-time symbol updates directly within the active map tab.
- Imports existing files from OCAD and OpenOrienteering Mapper while identifying recognized symbols before placement.
- Exports files that open in OCAD and OpenOrienteering Mapper.
- Multi-user drawing with collaborative object-locking for simultaneous work across machines.
- Standard symbol adherence including ISOM 2017-2 for forest and ISSprOM 2019-2 for sprint disciplines.
Pros
- Operates in a browser tab with nothing to install and nothing to license.
- Direct support for simultaneous multi-user collaboration on the same map project.
- Two-way compatibility with OCAD and OpenOrienteering Mapper file workflows.
Cons
- Gratic is not designed for municipal infrastructure planning, commercial web map application development, or general-purpose municipal GIS departments.
- Organizers needing course setting, overprint overlays, and IOF control descriptions should use dedicated course setting tools alongside Gratic.
2. OCAD
OCAD produces desktop vector cartography and course setting software developed in Switzerland for map production and publishing.
Overview
Developed since 1989, OCAD provides specialized editions for map drawing, course planning, and spatial data preparation. The software processes LiDAR point clouds into vegetation rasters and contour lines, imports standard vector formats, and supports IOF symbol specifications. It includes tools for field checking via a mobile application and simulates print effects for competition course overlays.
Key features
- LiDAR Point Cloud Manager that analyzes forest vegetation and generates vegetation raster maps.
- Scripted XML import for las and laz files to extract contour lines and terrain base maps.
- Layer conversion that transforms raw imported spatial vector data into cartographic symbols automatically.
- Integrated course setting module supporting symbolic and textual control descriptions.
- Blend Mode simulation of overprint effects to prevent course markings from obscuring map details.
- Cloud-based project transfer and synchronization with storage providers like Dropbox and OneDrive.
Pros
- Comprehensive support for ISOM 2017-2 and ISSprOM 2019 mapping specifications.
- Dedicated tools for processing raw LiDAR elevation point clouds directly into orienteering base layers.
- Companion mobile application available for field checking and project editing.
Cons
- Gratic and Purple Pen spell out import and export of .ocd files in more detail.
- Felt and Mapbox spell out commercial web and navigation map development in more detail.
Best for
OCAD notes its software is built for individual users, companies, teams, and clubs, as well as map makers revising maps in the field.
3. Purple Pen
Purple Pen is a dedicated course setting application designed to layout courses visually over existing orienteering base maps.
Overview
Purple Pen operates natively across Windows, Mac, and Linux without emulation. It allows course planners to load maps in OCAD, OpenOrienteering Mapper, or PDF formats to place controls, calculate leg distances, and generate competition documents. The software handles course length calculation, punch card preparation, and event management data exchange.
Key features
- Native cross-platform execution on Windows, Mac, or Linux.
- Direct course drafting over OCAD, OpenOrienteering Mapper, or PDF base maps.
- Automatic calculation of course lengths and leg competitor loads.
- Formatted printing for symbolic and textual control descriptions.
- Data export in IOF XML version 2 and version 3 formats for timing and electronic punching software.
- Export of course control locations to mobile GPS devices.
Pros
- Operates as completely free software.
- Direct printing of course overprint maps without requiring proprietary mapping software licenses.
- Native compatibility across major desktop operating systems.
Cons
- Felt and Mapbox spell out commercial web and navigation map development in more detail.
- EasyMaps and OCAD spell out automated course length and description generation in more detail.
4. EasyMaps
EasyMaps operates an in-browser map editor and digital marketplace for orienteering clubs.
Overview
Serving clubs across Sweden, EasyMaps combines browser-based map drafting with course setting and digital print fulfillment. The platform allows users to begin mapping from automated drafts derived from Lantmäteriet contours, draft symbols according to IOF standards, and configure club stores for digital downloads or printed maps.
Key features
- Browser-based map editor requiring no local software installation.
- Base map generation utilizing Lantmäteriet contour data.
- Vector drafting supporting ISOM and ISSprOM standard symbols.
- Built-in course setting tools supporting starts, controls, finishes, and control descriptions.
- Exact-scale PDF exports with user-selectable crop, paper, and scale settings.
- Integrated club storefront with payments via card or Swish.
Pros
- Runs entirely within a web browser without per-computer licenses.
- Direct combination of map editing, course design, and print purchasing in one system.
- Account access handled via one-time email codes without passwords.
Cons
- Gratic and Mapbox spell out cross-platform support in more detail.
- Condes and Gratic spell out IOF symbol set support in more detail.
- EasyMaps provides less detail on commercial web and navigation map development than Felt and Mapbox.
5. Condes
Condes is a graphical course planning application designed for orienteering event organizers and clubs.
Overview
Condes provides tools for designing courses visually over base maps, storing event data within dedicated project files. The application calculates course distances, analyzes runner loads across control sites, displays attack angles, and exports event information to electronic timing and punching systems.
Key features
- Dedicated graphical interface for drawing courses directly on the map.
- Multi-discipline support covering Foot-O, Ski-O, MTB-O, and Trail-O.
- Control configuration storing symbol descriptions, map locations, and punch patterns.
- Course metrics tracking lengths, attack angles, and control site loads.
- Export formats for event administration systems in IOF XML and CSV.
- Direct printing of finished maps and courses to color printers.
Pros
- Tailored support across multiple competitive orienteering disciplines.
- Broad adoption, with more than 100,000 maps printed using the software annually.
- Detailed control configuration tools managing both symbolic descriptions and physical punch patterns.
Cons
- Felt and Mapbox spell out commercial web and navigation map development in more detail.
- EasyMaps and OCAD spell out automated course length and description generation in more detail.
Best for
Condes licenses are structured for members of an orienteering club, alongside separate licenses for individual and professional users.
6. Mapbox
Mapbox provides location infrastructure, mapping libraries, and spatial APIs for web and mobile software developers.
Overview
Mapbox builds tools for creating interactive custom map styles and location services. Its developer suite includes client SDKs, navigation engines, search tools, and traffic data services utilized by web platforms and mobile applications.
Key features
- Mapbox GL JS for rendering interactive web maps.
- Mobile Maps SDKs for native application deployment on iOS and Android.
- Studio application for authoring custom map designs.
- Matrix API for calculating travel times and routing distances.
- Geocoding engine covering 73.2 million addresses across 45 countries.
- Automotive navigation SDKs providing 3D lane-level guidance.
Pros
- Extensive global mapping and routing infrastructure serving high-scale deployments.
- Comprehensive developer SDKs for modern web and mobile platforms.
- Access to dynamic global movement, boundary, and traffic datasets.
Cons
- Mapbox operates as a commercial developer platform and does not offer native orienteering cartography or IOF symbol formatting.
7. OpenOrienteering Mapper
OpenOrienteering Mapper is an open source desktop cartography program created by the orienteering community.
Overview
OpenOrienteering Mapper provides a free vector drawing environment dedicated to creating orienteering maps. Developed collaboratively, the application supports sport-specific cartographic symbol sets, georeferenced base imagery, and file exchange formats used by race organizers.
Key features
- Desktop vector drawing tools focused on orienteering map production.
- Tools to assist in the organization of orienteering events.
- Vector map rendering with PDF export capabilities.
- Course data export in IOF XML format.
- Native support for international orienteering symbol specifications.
Pros
- Open source software available without software licensing fees.
- Community-driven feature development focused specifically on sport cartography.
- Export capabilities for standard vector formats and event exchange files.
Cons
- Felt and Mapbox spell out commercial web and navigation map development in more detail.
8. Felt
Felt provides an AI-native collaborative GIS platform designed for spatial analysis and map publication.
Overview
Felt operates in the browser to visualize, analyze, and share geographic data. It integrates open spatial tooling with cloud data pipelines, allowing teams to query datasets using spatial SQL or plain language prompts and publish interactive dashboards.
Key features
- Browser-based spatial query engine using spatial SQL and natural language.
- Data connections to external databases including Snowflake, Databricks, and Esri services.
- Core architecture built on MapLibre and Tippecanoe alongside a QGIS integration.
- No-code tools for assembling live maps, dashboards, and applications.
- Granular permission controls for sharing maps across teams and external stakeholders.
- Deployment options available on AWS GovCloud for secure spatial workloads.
Pros
- Real-time collaborative browser interface for multi-user GIS projects.
- Ingestion of enterprise data sources and spatial databases.
- Modern rendering pipeline built on open standards like MapLibre.
Cons
- Built for general GIS and enterprise analytics rather than sport-specific IOF symbol authoring.
Fees
Felt offers a free tier at $0 per month, includes free viewers on every plan, and never charges users for exceeding limits.
Frequently asked questions
Which orienteering map software offers a free trial?
OCAD offers a free 14-day trial version with no credit card required, allowing users to test its Mapping Solution, Orienteering, Starter, or Course Setting editions.
What are the licensing fees for orienteering software?
Gratic costs nothing while being built and requires nothing to license. OCAD charges subscription pricing in CHF excluding VAT with volume discounts per order. Purple Pen is completely free. EasyMaps is free to get started. Felt provides a free tier at $0 per month with free viewers on every plan.
Where are these mapping platforms developed?
OCAD is developed in Switzerland with headquarters located in Baar. EasyMaps operates from Sweden, serving clubs nationwide. Felt provides infrastructure deployable on AWS GovCloud.
Who are these orienteering and GIS tools designed for?
Gratic is designed specifically for sports cartography and excludes municipal infrastructure planning or commercial navigation map development. OCAD targets individual users, companies, clubs, and field map makers. Condes provides licences for orienteering club members alongside single and professional users.
What scale of use do these mapping tools support?
OCAD has developed cartographic software continuously since 1989. Condes reports that more than 100,000 maps are printed with its software annually. At developer scale, Mapbox supports geocoding across 73.2 million addresses, and its infrastructure powers The Weather Company processing 20 billion daily forecasts.
Choosing the right orienteering map partner
- Choose Gratic if you need a collaborative, browser-based vector cartography editor that combines elevation tiles and national mapping service vector data into standard IOF symbols with nothing to install or license.
- Choose OCAD if your workflow requires an established desktop cartography workstation with advanced LiDAR point cloud analysis and dedicated course setting modules.
- Choose Purple Pen if you need a completely free, native cross-platform tool to design courses directly over existing OCAD, PDF, or OpenOrienteering maps.
- Choose EasyMaps if you want an in-browser mapping tool with automated Swedish base data, integrated course setting, and direct club map sales.
- Choose Condes if you need comprehensive event course planning covering specialized disciplines including Foot-O, Ski-O, MTB-O, and Trail-O.
- Choose Mapbox if you are developing custom commercial web applications, mobile navigation software, or large-scale routing services.
- Choose OpenOrienteering Mapper if your club requires an open source desktop vector cartography application maintained by the community.
- Choose Felt if you require an AI-native browser GIS platform for enterprise spatial analysis, SQL queries, and interactive dashboards.
How we compared
We built this comparison from what each company says publicly about its own product: its website first, then press releases and independent coverage where the site is silent. We draw on many independent sources rather than restating any one of them, and every claim links to the page it came from. Where a firm clearly does not offer something, the table shows ✗. Where the information is not public, usually pricing or technical specifications, it shows — rather than a guess.
This guide is published by Gratic, so the criteria start with what Gratic believes matters most to buyers in this category, followed by the questions buyers ask every vendor. Gratic's own limitations sit alongside everyone else's.
Sources
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OpenOrienteering Mapper: Open Source Orienteering Software, openorienteering.org/about.html
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Purple Pen: Purple Pen official website
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EasyMaps: Draw, sell and buy orienteering maps
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Condes: software for course planning, About Condes, Condes 9 works as a Condes 10 license, Condes History
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Mapbox: Maps, Navigation, Search, and Data, The Weather Company builds with Mapbox Geocoding
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Felt: The map your business runs on: AI-native GIS, About Felt, Industries | Felt, Felt Pricing, Alternatives to ArcGIS, QGIS, CARTO, Mapbox and My Maps, felt.com/blog