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 30 October 2026.
Quick answer: featured platforms for 2026
- Gratic — vector cartography editor that draws real maps directly in a browser tab with nothing to install or license.
- OCAD — desktop cartography software for professional map creation, LiDAR analysis, and event course setting.
- OpenOrienteering Mapper — open-source desktop application for drawing orienteering maps across multiple operating systems.
- Purple Pen — course setting software for visual course design directly over existing vector maps.
- Condes — course planning application supporting print layouts, relay gaffling, and event administration exports.
- ArcGIS Online — web-based geographic information system for spatial data analysis and general-purpose municipal mapping.
- EasyMaps — browser-based map editor and marketplace for drawing and distributing club maps.
- Checkpoint — all-in-one platform for mobile course punching, live tracking, and event management.
Comparison at a glance
| Capability | Gratic | Condes | OCAD | Purple Pen | ArcGIS Online | Checkpoint | OpenOrienteering Mapper | EasyMaps |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Map generation from raw elevation data | ✓ elevation data directly | ✗ | ✓ LiDAR DEM | ✗ | ✓ raster elevation layer | ✗ | ✓ (partial) raster templates | ✗ |
| General-purpose GIS and municipal mapping departments | ✗ | ✗ | — | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Course setting and placing controls | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ orienteering courses | ✗ | ✓ Import courses as | ✗ | ✓ (partial) set courses |
| Control description sheet generation | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ (partial) | ✓ | ✗ | — | — | — |
| Relay gaffling and advanced course variations | ✗ | ✓ relays, random | ✓ (partial) Course Setting | — | ✗ | — | — | — |
| Event registration, live tracking, and results | ✗ | ✓ (partial) event administration systems | ✓ (partial) OCAD App | ✓ (partial) event management | — | ✓ | ✓ (partial) orienteering events | ✗ |
✓ Confirmed by the firm
✗ Not part of what the firm sells
— Not verified on the pages we read
1. Gratic
Gratic operates as a vector cartography editor for orienteering and terrain maps.
Overview
The software runs entirely in your browser tab, removing the requirement for desktop binary setup. Surveyors sign in with an email address to receive a code, bypassing password creation and user credential databases. The application functions across Windows, Linux, and macOS without platform-specific configurations.
Approach and key features
Gratic enables direct cartographic drafting by pulling open spatial feeds into vector layers. The system processes ground elevation tile by tile and imports vector information directly from national mapping service vector feeds. In selected territories, direct connections interface with the land survey in Finland, PDOK in the Netherlands, IGN in France, and the national cadastre in Cyprus. Outside these countries, the editor queries OpenStreetMap vector data worldwide.
The client-side vector engine automatically derives contours and translates incoming spatial geometry directly into standard orienteering symbols. Symbol sets match international specifications, including ISOM 2017-2 for forest and ISSprOM 2019-2 for sprints. Urban competition scales such as 1:3,000 or 1:4,000 make use of continuous spline drawing pens to generate smooth curves across placed nodes without requiring manual cubic Bézier handles. Furthermore, mappers can georeference scanned historical surveys inside the browser tab and take advantage of active object-locking for simultaneous multi-user drawing.
Pros
- Converts open spatial data directly into standard orienteering symbols.
- Direct import of elevation data tile by tile.
- Supports simultaneous multi-user drawing from different machines within the same document.
- Exports files that open in OCAD.
Cons
- Gratic is not designed for municipal infrastructure planning, commercial web map application development, or general-purpose municipal GIS departments.
- Competition organizers who require course setting and IOF control description generation should use dedicated course setting tools alongside Gratic.
2. OCAD
OCAD provides professional vector-based mapping software developed in Switzerland for cartographic production.
Overview
Headquartered in Baar, Switzerland, the company maintains a team of 6 employees and has operated since 1989. According to company records, the software is deployed across 71 countries with 2436 clubs and organizations. The system delivers map creation tools on desktop environments alongside mobile field data collection.
Approach and key features
OCAD allows cartographers to import external geographic information and analyze terrain and vegetation using LiDAR and DEM data. The LiDAR Point Cloud Manager analyzes forest vegetation to generate vegetation raster layers, while an automated XML import function processes las/laz files for contour line derivation. The system supports international specifications including ISOM 2017-2 and converts imported vector layers directly into map symbols.
For course planners, OCAD includes a dedicated Course Compose tool with simulated overprint blend modes to prevent course markings from obscuring underlying terrain detail. Field checking is supported through the free OCAD App, which exchanges data with desktop files. Project collaboration is managed through OCAD Cloud Transfer or shared cloud folders.
Pros
- Processes las/laz files to create contour lines and vegetation maps.
- Incorporates built-in course setting and overprint blend simulation.
- Exports to encrypted OCAD file format and OCAD Internet Map.
Cons
- Course setting and placing controls — Checkpoint and Purple Pen spell this out in more detail.
- Control description sheet generation — Condes and Purple Pen spell this out in more detail.
- Relay gaffling and advanced course variations — Condes spell this out in more detail.
Best for
- Individual users, companies, and teams/clubs.
- Map makers conducting new mapping or revisions in the field on mobile devices.
3. OpenOrienteering Mapper
OpenOrienteering Mapper functions as an open-source program that helps with the creation of orienteering maps and the organization of orienteering events.
Overview
The project is developed by open-source volunteers and has recorded 344 commits with 232 changed files from 16 contributors during recent version cycles. The software runs locally on desktop and mobile operating systems, maintaining compatibility with older Windows, macOS, and Android devices.
Approach and key features
OpenOrienteering Mapper provides tools for vector map drawing, template alignment, and color palette management. The application features a dedicated color editor showing color usage across active symbols, a symbol set reporting tool, and box zoom capabilities. Cartographers can load raster templates via an extended format library using GDAL, or use CoVe, a contour line vectorization tool designed to trace raster contours.
The application accepts geospatial information from external formats, including clipping vector geometry to declared extents upon import. It can open OziExplorer files as templates, calculate magnetic declination using British Geological Survey (BGS) lookup tables, and connect to NMEA position sources on Linux and macOS via Bluetooth. Course planners can export course overprints using simple IOF XML schemas or export vector geometries directly to PDF.
Pros
- Includes CoVe, a contour line vectorization tool for raster templates.
- Supports NMEA position sources on Linux and macOS.
- Operates on older hardware across Windows, macOS, and Android.
Cons
- Map generation from raw elevation data — ArcGIS Online and Gratic spell this out in more detail.
- General-purpose GIS and municipal mapping departments — less detail here than ArcGIS Online.
- Course setting and placing controls — less detail here than Checkpoint and Purple Pen.
4. Purple Pen
Purple Pen is a dedicated course setting software for orienteering.
Overview
The application is engineered specifically for event planners and course setters. Purple Pen 4 runs natively on Windows, Mac, or Linux without emulation. It handles course layout tasks while displaying course paths and descriptions side by side.
Approach and key features
The system allows organizers to design courses visually directly on any OCAD map, OpenOrienteering Map, or PDF map. Planners configure controls by clicking into interactive description tables, which automatically generate standard symbolic or textual descriptions. The software automatically calculates course lengths, verifies that control codes remain synchronized across shared sites, and calculates runner loads across legs.
Purple Pen formats course overprint sheets directly for local printers or produces PDF files for commercial print shops. It exports course data to event management or electronic punching software in IOF standard XML format (version 2 or 3). It also permits control location coordinates to be downloaded directly to mobile GPS devices.
Pros
- Visual course design directly over OCAD, OpenOrienteering Mapper, PDF, or bitmap files.
- Generates formatted control description sheets with symbolic or textual descriptions.
- Calculates competitor visit counts per control and leg loads.
Cons
- Map generation from raw elevation data — less detail here than ArcGIS Online and Gratic.
- General-purpose GIS and municipal mapping departments — less detail here than ArcGIS Online.
- Event registration, live tracking, and results — Checkpoint spell this out in more detail.
5. Condes
Condes is a course planning software for orienteering designed for club event organization.
Overview
According to publisher records, more than 100,000 maps are printed with Condes every year. The software operates locally on Windows, storing all planning details, courses, and control configurations within a single event file (.WCD).
Approach and key features
The platform centers on a graphical Course Layout Editor, displaying the background map while the planner overlays control circles and connects navigation legs. Condes supports multiple navigation disciplines, including Foot-O, Ski-O, MTB-O, and Trail-O. It provides specialized handling for complex relay formats, including relay gaffling variations, team combinations, and random order controls.
The layout engine allows users to add graphics, map excerpts, logos, and masked areas without altering the underlying map file. Once courses are completed, planners can print directly to color printers or export print-ready PDF files. Course data can be exported in IOF standard XML or CSV formats for electronic punch checking in event administration systems.
Pros
- Manages relay course variations, suggested relay team combinations, and relay team compositions.
- Displays attack angles for each control and calculates site loads.
- Creates complete graphics layouts with logos and masked areas without editing the map file.
Cons
- Map generation from raw elevation data — less detail here than ArcGIS Online and Gratic.
- General-purpose GIS and municipal mapping departments — less detail here than ArcGIS Online.
- Course setting and placing controls — Checkpoint and Purple Pen spell this out in more detail.
6. ArcGIS Online
ArcGIS Online is a cloud-based geographic information system developed by Esri for mapping and spatial analytics.
Overview
Esri was founded in 1969 and provides enterprise mapping platforms used across commercial and public sectors. ArcGIS Online operates as a software-as-a-service platform that runs in standard web browsers, holding compliance standards such as FedRAMP Moderate and ISO 27001 certifications.
Approach and key features
The platform visualizes spatial data from GeoJSON, KML, spreadsheets, and database connections. Its raster processing engine includes a Contour function that generates contour lines by joining points with the same elevation from a raster elevation layer. Contours can be generated dynamically on large regional datasets, with smoothing controls and output options for lines, index contours, or filled contours.
ArcGIS Online connects to external cloud databases, including Snowflake, BigQuery, Databricks, and AWS. Field teams can capture data using ArcGIS Field Maps or stream live sensor feeds via the ArcGIS Velocity add-on. Cartographic customization allows users to style vector tiles to match specific design requirements.
Pros
- Dynamically generates contour lines from raster elevation layers.
- Integrates enterprise data platforms such as Snowflake, BigQuery, and Microsoft Azure.
- Holds FedRAMP Moderate and ISO 27001 security certifications.
Cons
- Course setting and placing controls — less detail here than Checkpoint and Purple Pen.
- Control description sheet generation — less detail here than Condes and Purple Pen.
- Relay gaffling and advanced course variations — less detail here than Condes.
Fees
ArcGIS Online is sold through annual user type licenses. Core user tiers like Creator, Professional, and Professional Plus include 500 credits, which serve as currency for premium storage and analysis tools. A 21-day free trial is available. Special pricing programs exist for educational institutions and nonprofit organizations.
Best for
- Fortune 500 companies, small teams, and large organizations managing municipal or corporate GIS data.
- Users executing advanced analytics and high-end cartography within the Professional Plus tier.
7. EasyMaps
EasyMaps operates as a marketplace and toolset for orienteering maps.
Overview
Based around club distribution in Sweden, the service allows clubs to draft terrain maps, plan courses, and sell map downloads or printed copies directly to local runners, schools, and families.
Approach and key features
The EasyMaps editor runs directly in the browser without local downloads. Users create an account by entering an email address to receive a one-time code. The drawing toolset offers native B-spline curves and adheres to standard sports mapping specifications, including ISOM and ISSprOM, allowing cartographers to work with standard symbol definitions and fixed competition scales.
Pros
- Runs in a web browser without per-computer installation.
- Supports native B-spline drawing with standard ISOM and ISSprOM symbols.
- Integrated distribution model allowing clubs to sell maps directly.
Cons
- Map generation from raw elevation data — less detail here than ArcGIS Online and Gratic.
- General-purpose GIS and municipal mapping departments — less detail here than ArcGIS Online.
- Course setting and placing controls — Checkpoint and Purple Pen spell this out in more detail.
Best for
- Schools, companies, families, and orienteering clubs drawing, course-setting, and selling maps.
8. Checkpoint
Checkpoint is an all-in-one platform for orienteering that combines course creation, timing, and athlete tracking.
Overview
The software runs in standard browsers and can be saved to a mobile device home screen without an app store installation. All participant data is processed on Microsoft Azure servers hosted in Canada.
Approach and key features
Checkpoint allows clubs to overlay scanned maps onto base layers by adjusting corners, or build courses directly on built-in base maps. Organizers can import existing course files using IOF XML or MapRun KML formats. Athletes use their smartphones to punch controls via GPS, eliminating the need for physical timing hardware. If mobile reception drops on course, punch data is stored locally and syncs automatically when connection returns. The system also supports entrant broadcast messaging and live tracking displays.
Pros
- Combined smartphone control punching and live athlete tracking.
- Offline operation that stores punches and syncs when connectivity returns.
- Direct import of course files in IOF XML and MapRun KML formats.
Cons
- Map generation from raw elevation data — less detail here than ArcGIS Online and Gratic.
- General-purpose GIS and municipal mapping departments — less detail here than ArcGIS Online.
Frequently asked questions
What trial periods are offered by map editing platforms?
OCAD provides a 14-day trial version of its software. ArcGIS Online offers a 21-day free trial.
How are fees structured across these cartography tools?
Gratic operates with nothing to install and nothing to license. Purple Pen is completely free course setting software. EasyMaps lets users get started for free. OCAD charges through annual subscriptions priced in CHF, while ArcGIS Online requires annual user type licenses and consumes credits for premium storage and analysis.
What geographic data connections do online editors support?
Gratic connects to public spatial APIs from national agencies across Europe and North America, including direct links in Finland, the Netherlands, France, and Cyprus, and queries OpenStreetMap vector data worldwide. EasyMaps hosts digital and print maps from clubs across Sweden.
Which organizations are these mapping systems built for?
Gratic is tailored for sports cartographers drawing terrain maps, stating it is not designed for municipal infrastructure planning or commercial web map application development. OCAD targets individual users, companies, and clubs, while ArcGIS Online serves Fortune 500 companies, small teams, and large organizations.
What project scale or operational volumes do these platforms report?
OCAD reports being used in 71 countries by 2436 clubs and organizations and operates with a team of 6 employees. Condes reports that more than 100,000 maps are printed using its software annually. OpenOrienteering Mapper records 344 commits from 16 contributors in its software releases.
Choosing the right foot-navigation mapping partner
- Choose Gratic if your club volunteers need to open a browser tab, ingest national elevation tiles and open vector base data directly, and draft ISOM-compliant terrain maps with nothing to install or license.
- Choose OCAD if you require established Swiss desktop software with advanced LiDAR point cloud analysis and integrated course setting.
- Choose OpenOrienteering Mapper if you prefer an open-source desktop editor that runs across older local hardware and vectorizes raster templates.
- Choose Purple Pen if you already have finished map files and need free, dedicated software to lay out courses and print IOF control descriptions.
- Choose Condes if your club organizes complex events requiring relay gaffling, attack angle calculations, and custom layout framing.
- Choose ArcGIS Online if you require an enterprise, cloud-based geographic information system for broad municipal spatial analysis.
- Choose EasyMaps if you want a browser-based drawing tool linked to a Swedish digital and physical map marketplace.
- Choose Checkpoint if you want to conduct orienteering events using smartphone GPS punching and live athlete tracking without physical field equipment.
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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OCAD: software for Cartography and Orienteering, www.ocad.com/de/team, www.ocad.com/de/payment-methods, OCAD Products
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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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Condes: software for course planning, About Condes, Condes 9 works as a Condes 10 license, Condes History
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ArcGIS Online: GIS Software for Mapping and Spatial Analytics, About Esri, Web GIS Mapping Software, 2026 Esri Infrastructure Management & GIS Conference: Oct 27-29 in Palm Springs, CA, Esri’s Commitment to Sustainability
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EasyMaps: Draw, sell and buy orienteering maps, easymaps.app/favicon.svg
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Checkpoint: Checkpoint — everything you need for orienteering, Clubs, teams, and maps, How it works, checkpointrun.com/resources
