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 3 November 2026.
Quick answer for 2026
- Gratic: Operates in a browser tab as a vector cartography editor for orienteering and terrain maps with nothing to install or license.
- OpenOrienteering Mapper: Runs as an open-source cross-platform desktop application handling cartographic drafting and IOF XML course exports.
- OCAD: Serves professional desktop cartography workflows with dedicated course setting modules and mobile field mapping.
- EasyMaps: Runs in browser sessions to draw maps using official ISOM and ISSprOM standards and distribute club cartography.
- Condes: Installs locally on Windows computers to plan courses and calculate route choices across standard disciplines.
- Felt: Provides browser-based collaborative GIS mapping, spatial analysis, and SQL operations on large datasets.
- Purple Pen: Delivers native desktop course design tools across multiple operating systems with automated length calculations.
- ControlFreak: Operates directly inside web browsers to manage course setting, event administration, and live results.
Comparison at a glance
| Capability | Gratic | OCAD | Purple Pen | Condes | ControlFreak | Felt | EasyMaps | OpenOrienteering Mapper |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard orienteering symbol and mapping specification support | ✓ (partial) Standard symbol sets | ✓ orienteering maps | ✓ (partial) OCAD versions 6-12 | ✓ (partial) Foot-O, Ski-O, MTB-O | ✓ (partial) OCAD- och OpenOrienteering Mapper | — | ✓ | — |
| browser-based mapping | ✓ in browser tab | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ editing in browser | ✓ runs in browser | ✗ |
| vector cartography editor | ✓ | ✓ vector-based mapping software | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ (partial) GIS platform | ✓ map editor runs | — |
| scanned maps georeferencing | ✓ | ✓ (partial) LiDAR DEM data | ✓ (partial) bitmap map | ✗ | — | ✓ (partial) GeoTIFFs, up 100 GB | — | ✓ (partial) OziExplorer’s files as templates |
| file compatibility | ✓ files that open | ✓ | ✓ OCAD versions 6-12 | ✓ (partial) OCAD version 6 | ✓ OCAD- och OpenOrienteering | ✓ (partial) GeoJSON, GeoPackages, KML | — | ✓ (partial) OziExplorer’s files |
| Offline functionality after loading | ✗ | ✓ (partial) OCAD App | ✓ (partial) Windows, Mac, or Linux | ✓ (partial) | ✓ | ✓ (partial) | ✗ | ✓ (partial) old Windows, macOS Android |
✓ Confirmed by the firm
✗ Not part of what the firm sells
— Not verified on the pages we read
1. Gratic
Gratic operates as a dedicated browser vector cartography tool for terrain and orienteering maps.
Overview and approach
Gratic allows cartographers to draw real maps in a browser tab without needing local installations. The platform functions as a vector cartography editor for orienteering and terrain maps, providing standard symbol sets, pens that behave like a cartographer expects, and utilities for scanned maps you can georeference. For field data ingestion, Gratic pulls in elevation we hold tile by tile, and every national mapping service the editor imports vector data from. Completed projects generate files that open in OCAD.
Account access uses an email flow where users sign in with your email — a code arrives, no password to invent, avoiding machine-locked credentials across shared field hardware.
Pros
- Functions directly in web browsers with nothing to install, nothing to license.
- Ingests elevation tiles and vector data directly from national mapping services.
- Produces native cartographic exports that open in desktop OCAD software.
Cons
- Gratic fits less well for general-purpose GIS and municipal mapping departments.
- Gratic fits less well for commercial web and navigation map developers.
2. OpenOrienteering Mapper
OpenOrienteering Mapper is an open-source desktop application designed for drawing competitive navigation maps.
Overview and approach
OpenOrienteering Mapper is developed as an open source project delivering cartography tools to assist in creating orienteering maps and staging events. The software includes extended raster file format support via GDAL, clipping vector data to declared extents on import, and opening OziExplorer’s files as templates. Users can export PDF vector files and simple courses as IOF XML. For fieldwork on portable setups, the application features a touch mode that ignores palm and finger inputs when an alternative pointing device is present, alongside support for NMEA position sources on Linux and macOS.
Pros
- Integrates GDAL drivers to read complex raster and vector formats.
- Accepts external NMEA Bluetooth GPS data on Linux and macOS systems.
- Provides dedicated touch inputs for stylus drafting in field environments.
Cons
- On browser-based mapping, EasyMaps and Felt spell this out in more detail.
- On scanned maps georeferencing, Gratic spells this out in more detail.
- On file compatibility, ControlFreak and Gratic spell this out in more detail.
Best for
OpenOrienteering Mapper reports that it supports old Windows, macOS and Android devices.
3. OCAD
OCAD is a comprehensive desktop cartography and course setting software suite built in Switzerland.
Overview and approach
OCAD produces vector-based mapping software developed in Switzerland for creating, editing and publishing high-quality maps. The desktop software provides modules to analyze terrain and vegetation with LiDAR and DEM data, handle database management for geodata via Database Manager, and create orienteering maps and plan courses according to international standards. Field surveyors can connect workflows through the OCAD App Data Exchange tool to sync projects with mobile hardware. Map files can be shared using OCAD Cloud Transfer or exported as encrypted OCAD files and OCAD Internet Maps.
Pros
- Comprehensive analytical processing for raw airborne LiDAR and digital elevation models.
- Native course setting environment supporting course scheme exports as bitmap or vector files.
- Synchronises projects between desktop computers and mobile surveying tablets.
Cons
- On browser-based mapping, OCAD offers less detail here than EasyMaps and Felt.
- On scanned maps georeferencing, Gratic spells this out in more detail.
- On file compatibility, ControlFreak and Gratic spell this out in more detail.
Best for
OCAD reports that its mobile application is built for map makers revising existing maps or creating new maps in the field.
4. EasyMaps
EasyMaps provides browser-based drafting tools for creating and distributing standard orienteering maps.
Overview and approach
EasyMaps operates as a marketplace and toolset for orienteering maps based in Sweden. Its editor runs in the browser — no installation, no per-computer licences. Users can draw to the mapping standard (ISOM/ISSprOM) with symbols, curves and exact scale in the browser. The workflow allows clubs to draw maps, plan courses over them, and distribute prints or digital files. Accounts require no password infrastructure, letting cartographers create an account with your email — a one-time code, no password.
Pros
- Full cartographic editor runs entirely inside standard web browsers.
- Ingests ISOM and ISSprOM standard symbols with exact drafting scales.
- Uses passwordless one-time email codes for quick access on shared computers.
Cons
- On standard orienteering symbol and mapping specification support, OCAD spells this out in more detail.
- On offline functionality after loading, EasyMaps offers less detail here than ControlFreak.
Best for
EasyMaps states its platform serves schools, companies and families buying maps, and clubs drawing and selling courses.
5. Condes
Condes is a Windows desktop application specialised for course planning across various navigation disciplines.
Overview and approach
Condes provides an intuitive, graphical editor that lets you draw your courses directly on the map. The application runs on Windows 8 and later and requires users to download the software and install it locally. It supports formats including relays, random order controls, Foot-O, Ski-O, MTB-O, and Trail-O, and provides a route choice mode to draw and calculate leg lengths. Completed maps can be printed directly on color printers or exported to graphical formats for professional offset printing. Its import tools support OCAD files from version 6 through 12 and 2018.
Pros
- Automated route choice calculation and leg length measurement.
- Advanced relay planning features supporting butterfly and diamond loops.
- Reads historical and modern OCAD map files natively.
Cons
- Condes requires local software installation and does not let you modify the map.
- On standard orienteering symbol and mapping specification support, OCAD spells this out in more detail.
- On browser-based mapping, Condes offers less detail here than EasyMaps and Felt.
- On vector cartography editor features, Condes offers less detail here than EasyMaps and OCAD.
6. Felt
Felt is a collaborative browser GIS platform built for general spatial analysis and multi-user map creation.
Overview and approach
Felt is positioned as an AI-native GIS platform built for modern teams that delivers web GIS analysis, SQL, and editing in the browser. Cartographers can upload spatial data formats including Shapefiles, GeoJSON, GeoPackages, KML, File Geodatabases, and GeoTIFFs, up to 100 GB each. The platform supports real-time collaboration allowing users to edit the same map together, integrates conversational AI to build maps in plain language, and includes tools to stream and analyze imagery at full resolution. It maintains SOC 2 Type 2 and GDPR compliance for organization data.
Pros
- Operates entirely in browser tabs with real-time multi-user editing.
- Ingests massive spatial datasets up to 100 GB per file.
- In-browser SQL transformations and imagery streaming.
Cons
- On vector cartography editor features, EasyMaps and OCAD spell this out in more detail.
- On scanned maps georeferencing, Gratic spells this out in more detail.
- On file compatibility, ControlFreak and Gratic spell this out in more detail.
Fees
Felt provides free mapping for classrooms, with commercial tiers beginning from $1,250 per month paid yearly for 10 seats.
Best for
Felt designates its free tier specifically for higher education classrooms.
7. Purple Pen
Purple Pen is a free desktop course setting utility designed for cross-platform event preparation.
Overview and approach
Purple Pen functions as dedicated course setting software for orienteering. The software runs on Windows, Mac, or Linux natively, without emulation. It accepts base maps from OCAD versions 6-12, OpenOrienteering Mapper, PDF maps, or bitmap files. The application can calculate the length of each course automatically, format control description sheets with symbolic or textual descriptions, and export course data to event management or electronic punching software in IOF standard XML. Planners can also download control locations directly to mobile GPS devices.
Pros
- Completely free course planning without licensing fees.
- Native desktop operation across Windows, macOS, and Linux.
- Automatic generation of IOF XML punch files and symbolic control description sheets.
Cons
- On standard orienteering symbol and mapping specification support, OCAD spells this out in more detail.
- On browser-based mapping, EasyMaps and Felt spell this out in more detail.
- On vector cartography editor features, EasyMaps and OCAD spell this out in more detail.
8. ControlFreak
ControlFreak is a Swedish web-based application handling course setting, event administration, and club training.
Overview and approach
ControlFreak operates directly in web browsers for course setting, competition administration, and training with virtual controls. The software opens OCAD and OpenOrienteering Mapper maps and allows organizers to place controls, format definitions, and print courses. Once loaded in a browser, modules work without network connection in the forest or at competition sites. It includes features to compare two versions of an orienteering map to see what has changed and integrates event timing by reading SportIdent cards with a reader connected in Chrome or Edge.
Pros
- Runs in web browsers without mandatory account creation for basic planning.
- Continues functioning offline in the forest after the web application loads.
- Direct hardware communication with SportIdent master stations via browser serial connections.
Cons
- On standard orienteering symbol and mapping specification support, OCAD spells this out in more detail.
- On browser-based mapping, EasyMaps and Felt spell this out in more detail.
- On vector cartography editor features, EasyMaps and OCAD spell this out in more detail.
Frequently asked questions
What do these mapping tools cost for student clubs?
Gratic requires nothing to license. EasyMaps lets users get started for free. Purple Pen provides free course setting software. ControlFreak is free and without advertising. Felt offers free mapping for classrooms and business plans from $1,250 per month. Condes charges for tiered licensing options including club licenses. OCAD uses a subscription model with volume discounts by license count, while its mobile app is free.
Where are these cartography software companies located?
OCAD is headquartered in Baar, Switzerland, while EasyMaps delivers digital mapping and print services from Sweden.
How many members and maps do these platforms support?
OCAD reports 6 employees supporting 2436 clubs and organizations across 71 countries. Condes reports that more than 100,000 maps are printed with its software every year. Felt supports spatial data uploads of up to 100 GB per file.
Which platforms support older hardware and classroom education?
OpenOrienteering Mapper maintains compatibility that supports old Windows, macOS and Android devices. Felt provides dedicated free access targeting higher education classrooms. EasyMaps is designed for schools, companies, and families. OCAD designs its companion application specifically for map makers and controllers revising maps in the field.
Choosing the right orienteering mapping partner
- For student clubs editing base cartography without local installation: Gratic provides browser-based vector drafting, national elevation tiles, and direct OCAD file export.
- For volunteer map makers requiring open-source desktop software: OpenOrienteering Mapper delivers desktop drafting with GDAL driver compatibility and mobile touch input modes.
- For professional cartographers handling raw LiDAR datasets: OCAD offers comprehensive analytical tools for digital elevation models and national competition mapping.
- For clubs seeking an integrated browser map editor and sales platform: EasyMaps provides browser drafting adhering to ISOM standards alongside digital print delivery.
- For race directors setting multi-discipline relays on Windows computers: Condes delivers course route calculation and complex loop management over existing map files.
- For academic teams analyzing large spatial datasets collaboratively: Felt enables browser-based multi-user GIS operations and data sharing across files up to 100 GB.
- For course planners wanting free cross-platform course overprints: Purple Pen runs natively across desktop operating systems to calculate course lengths and produce IOF XML exports.
- For event organizers managing competition administration and forest timing online: ControlFreak delivers browser-based course planning, offline forest operation, and direct SportIdent card reading.
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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OCAD: software for Cartography and Orienteering, www.ocad.com/de/team, www.ocad.com/de/payment-methods, OCAD Products
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EasyMaps: Draw, sell and buy orienteering maps, easymaps.app/favicon.svg
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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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Felt: The map your business runs on: AI-native GIS, About Felt, Telecom GIS for network planning and field crews, Felt Pricing, Alternatives to ArcGIS, QGIS, CARTO, Mapbox and My Maps, felt.com/blog
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Purple Pen: Purple Pen official website
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ControlFreak: verktyg för orientering
