How to import existing MBTiles, Rmaps, and SQLiteDB maps
If you already have offline maps created in MOBAC, TileMill, or another tool, Compass 55 can import them directly. Supported formats are Rmaps / .sqlitedb and MBTiles.
This page is useful if you want to:
- reuse existing offline maps in Compass 55
- open MBTiles, Rmaps, or SQLiteDB files from iCloud, Dropbox, or Files
- activate an imported map quickly and focus on its region
Here is an example of a MOBAC Rmaps / .sqlitedb map based on Chartbundle aero maps:
How to import?
Prepare your map in MOBAC (set Rmaps, sqlitedb or mbtiles as a target format), add it to your iCloud or Dropbox drive and pick Compass 55 as an “Import with” option:
You can also tap an existing map file link on the web, download it to iPhone/iPad, and use the “Open with” Compass 55 option if you know the file is in Rmaps, MBTiles, or SQLiteDB format.
If you are ok with using the command line terminal on your computer, you can also Convert your existing map (e.g. GeoTiff or PDF) into format, supported by the app
If there is any problem with the map file, the app will let you know. If all goes ok, app will provide you with the import completion message and will offer to review the map region.
Region editor/viewer for offline map now is capable of showing waypoints, routes and pinned track. Search by address, coordinate is also available. Bottom right button in the screenshot above allows to focus on the downloaded map region. This way you’ll have better context to understand where the map is or what region to select for download.
To make the imported map active tap on a map “layers and settings” button:
and tap on the imported map row to make it active:
Back on the live map, label with the map name has turned into button for offline map to enable you to focus on the downloaded map region:
To activate this button, enter the “map browse/edit” mode by tapping on a “follow me or not” triangle button.
Starting with March 2025 releases you can open/import offline maps from disk/Files directly in the app.
To open/import the map directly in the app, use “+” button in the maps settings (list) screen and new option, “Import offline map”:
Pick the map file and it will import into the app.
Support for a map overzoom and underzoom in the app makes imported maps with limited zoom levels even more useful.
More on offline maps:
