
Background maps
To load background maps, TrailRunner needs to know where you currently are. Have you loaded data from a GPS device into an empty document, this is already the case. Are you starting a new document, TrailRunner tries to find out where you are and displays the area that roughly matches your exact poistion.
Setting your exact location
When you open a new document, you'll see a map of the greater area you are currently located in.
Use the zoom-tool in the lower right corner to zoom in. Hold ⌥ to zoom out again.
To pan around the area use the hand-tool and try to find the spot you are exactly located at.
Tip : If you prefer to find your location using GoogleMaps, do so. After you found your spot, move the GoogleMap a little around and press link to this location. Copy the url, click into the TrailRunner map and paste.
Maps and Resolution
If you are a street-biker you might not need highest resolution maps. If you are a hiker, you will. Are services available for the region you have defined in the steps above, TrailRunner can load background maps in different resolutions.
Open Settings in the lower left corner to set the resolution that suits you best.
The above map has a street quality resolution and comes from the Microsoft Virtual Earth Roads service.
This imagery is of satellite quality resolution and comes from the Google Keyhole service.
This topographic map has a hiking map quality resolution and comes from the german Landesvermessungsamt Baden Württemberg (corresponds to the US Geological Survey in the states)
Where to go from here
Scan hiking maps
If the results you get from the standard Background maps do not meet your expectations. You scan and add more detailed maps.
Place map tiles from a mapping website
This approach is very similar to the one above. Except that you do not own either a scanner nor hiking maps. So you must rely on map images you can find on the net.
Layers
TrailRunner manages maps in layers for each quality type. Learn how to work with layers and the central store.