I’d like to be able to use OpenStreetMaps offline on my Windows 10 PC. I’m particularly interested in good topographic maps that show relief shading and contours etc. I want to plan routes with them and generate .gpx files for use on-the-hill.
OSM doesn’t have topographical information. Any that is available has been overlaid on it from other sources, by other people, to create rendered map tiles.
The map tiles are fairly standard, so I assume that the are many offline tools for reading them. It would not be difficult to adapt an existing online leaflet, etc., viewer to use file: URIs and therefore offline tiles. The JOSM editor can be used with offline tiles.
However, there is an issue that the main map tiles are provided for the benefit of mappers, so the initial bulk download of those might violate the terms of service of the tile server. Providers of tiles with topographical overlays are likely to have bulk download restrictions as well. People requiring large numbers of tiles are expected to install a rendering tool chain and build them themselves from the raw map data (and third party topographical sources, etc.).
If you install Cruiser (desktop app) and load a vector map from openandromaps.org, you should have what you’re looking for, and because it’s an offline solution, the concerns mentioned in reply #2 won’t apply.
EDIT: I’m not sure if Cruiser does slope shading. You WILL get topo contours with this approach; the openandromaps do include them.
Having read round a bit now I understand that vector maps can’t really provide proper hill-shading without an extra overlay. I’ll probably have a play with Cartograph which offers hill-shading and see how well it works.
Viajero. Yes, Cruiser works well thanks and it is a quick viewer for OpenAndroMaps but no decent GPX tools.
Cartograph for Windows works but isn’t quite ‘desktop ready’ with a few problems. Also GPX editing tools are currently limited to creation and viewing. No subsequent editing.
My favourite solution is running the excellent Locus Map (Android app) with an Android emulator (MEmu). Browsing all over a map is not as fast as with Cruiser but quick enough. This app does it all. Mapsforge viewing, adding hill shading and comprehensive GPX tools.
I agree wholeheartedly with the comments regarding Locus Map. I have used it for two-and-a-half years and continue to be delighted with it. I have instructed, recently, two people in setting up and using Locus Map. Unsung benefits are its two forums, http://forum.locusmap.eu/ and http://help.locusmap.eu/, and the responsiveness, valuable help and interaction of its developers. OpenStreetMap as a database, JOSM for editing, GraphHopper for all types of routing and Locus Map, itself, make a perfect package in my view.
