OCAD alternatives for cartographers: A builder's view

OCAD is the standard for orienteering cartography, but your workflow might need a different tool. The main alternatives are installed desktop software, like the open-source OpenOrienteering Mapper, or browser-based editors like Gratic. I built Gratic for mappers who need to start drawing immediately, on any computer, without installing software. It pulls in base data for you and produces files that open in OCAD, fitting into existing workflows instead of trying to completely replace them.

When OCAD remains the right choice

OCAD is often the right choice when you work on a dedicated mapping computer and need its full, mature feature set for complex projects. It has been the standard for decades, and its depth reflects that. If your entire process, from survey data processing to complex print layouts, is built around OCAD's specific tools on a single Windows machine, changing your primary software may not be necessary. It is a powerful, specialized application for professional cartographers.

Its symbol set management, advanced drawing functions, and layout capabilities are comprehensive. For large clubs or professional mappers with established workflows and archives of .ocd files, OCAD is the incumbent for good reason. My goal with Gratic isn't to replicate every function of a mature desktop program. Instead, I focus on the initial stages of map creation, where speed and accessibility matter most. OCAD is what you use when you have a dedicated mapping station; I wanted a tool for every other situation.

The case for OpenOrienteering Mapper

OpenOrienteering Mapper is the leading free, open-source desktop alternative to OCAD, especially if you need a full-featured editor you can install without a license fee. It is a community-driven project that does an excellent job of providing the core OCAD experience. Because it’s an application you download and install, it works offline and can use the full power of your computer. Its main advantages are that it is free and runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux, which OCAD does not.

This makes it a strong choice for mappers who want a traditional, installed software experience without the cost of a commercial license. It uses its own file format but can import and export OCAD files, making it a viable part of many workflows. The choice between it and a browser-based tool like Gratic comes down to whether you prefer an installed application or an editor that runs in a tab.

Why I built a browser-based editor like Gratic

I built Gratic because I wanted a map editor that required zero installation, could pull in base data automatically, and let me start drawing a real map in a browser tab. The friction of managing software, licenses, and base data was something I felt I could fix. Too much time was spent on setup rather than on the actual work of cartography. My goal was to make it possible to go from an idea to drawing in under a minute.

This meant solving a few specific problems. First, access. Gratic runs in a tab, so it works on any computer with a browser. There's nothing to install. You sign in with an email code, so there isn't even a password to remember.

Second, the blank page problem. A map starts with data. I built a system where you select an area and Gratic pulls in elevation data for contours and vector data like roads and water from national mapping services. The data is live, not a static image you trace.

Third, compatibility. Mappers have workflows. Gratic exports files that open directly in OCAD, so it can be the first step in a longer process. You can do the initial work in a browser, then pass the file to a colleague for finishing in OCAD.

How a browser-based workflow changes mapping

A browser-based workflow makes mapping more immediate and accessible, letting you start projects instantly without being tied to a single, licensed machine. If you see an interesting piece of terrain on satellite imagery, you can open a tab and start a proper vector map right away. You don't have to wait until you are back at your main computer. This lowers the barrier to starting a new project, whether it's a small training map or the beginning of a major project.

This approach also changes how you think about your tools. I handle the updates, the data sources, and the server infrastructure. You just open the editor and draw. The pens and symbols are designed to behave as a cartographer expects, so the drawing process feels familiar. The focus is entirely on the map itself, not on the software. It means you can make quick edits from a different computer or even a tablet in the field, because your editor is available, right there in the browser.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use my existing OCAD files in Gratic? You can export files from Gratic that open directly in OCAD. This allows you to start a map in Gratic to use the automatic data import and browser access, then move to OCAD for final touches or specific tasks that are part of your established workflow.

Do I need to find my own contour and base data? No, you don't. When you select an area in Gratic, we automatically pull in elevation data from our servers to draw the contour lines. We also import available vector data from national mapping services. We list all our data providers and their licenses, so you know exactly what you're working with.

Is Gratic free like OpenOrienteering Mapper? Gratic is free to start drawing with. There is nothing to install and no license to buy. You can sign in with your email—we send you a code so there's no password to invent—and begin mapping immediately in your browser tab.

What if I need a symbol that isn't in the standard set? Gratic is built around the standard ISOM symbol sets for orienteering and terrain maps. My focus has been on making these standard symbols work correctly and efficiently across the entire map. As I wrote in my article, "Fix the symbol, and the whole map follows," the goal is to provide a tool where the standard symbols behave as you expect, without needing to build custom ones.