How to Add Polylines and Import Routes on STQRY Builder

Adding polylines to your tour is a great way to enhance the user experience by visually outlining route paths on the map. STQRY supports route data in three widely used formats: KML, GeoJSON, and GPX. Additionally, elevation maps are supported to provide detailed insights into terrain changes along the route.

This article will walk you through the process of creating and importing polylines in the STQRY builder. This feature is handy for outdoor activities or driving tours, offering users a clear and intuitive visual guide for navigation.

Method 1: Create a Polyline in the STQRY Builder

Note: If you have “Geofencing” on your app, you must turn it off before drawing your polyline. You can enable it again after you have added polylines and saved your work. To enable/disable Geofencing, click on the geofencing symbol as shown in the screenshot below.

Here is how to add polylines to a map: 

1. Choose Content >> Open the tour you wish to add the polylines >> Choose the Map section.
2. Click the Line String tool.

3. With the Line String tool, you can now make polylines for routes and paths. Click the point where you want to start and drag it to any location to create segments, then double-click once you are done to turn the polyline from dashed to solid. You can also add as many polylines as you want. 

4. To edit a polyline, double-click any segment point to change the line from solid to dashed >> then move it to your desired new location >> double-click once you are done and hit “Save” to apply the changes you made.

5. To change the polyline color, click on the line to turn it into a dash line >> Select the desired color from the list. Optionally, use a hex code for a preferred color >> hit “Save” to apply the changes you made.

6. Clicking the “trash bin”  symbol will remove the polylines entirely. But you may choose to remove per route by clicking a segment point to turn it from solid to dashed >> then click the “trash bin” symbol >> On the pop-up window, you should choose Cancel to discard any changes or Continue to commit the changes.

7. Once you are done adding polylines, click “Save” or “Save & Close”. Don’t forget to enable the “Geofencing” button for your Geofencing to work on the app again.

You can also follow the same steps to add polylines directly to the multiple location map section on every screen.

Method 2: Import a Route Path into the STQRY Builder

Here is how to import routes with KML or GeoJSON files

1. Choose Content >> Open the tour you wish to add the polylines >> Choose the Map section.

2. Click on the Import Routes button and upload the prepared GPX, KML or GeoJSON files containing your route data.

3. Click “Save” or “Save & Close” to commit the changes.

Please note that when importing routes, pin markers from the external file will not be carried over. However, the route lines will be overlaid onto the selected map.

GPX, KML and GeoJSON files can be generated from various platforms, such as Ride with GPS and Osmand.

Adding Elevation Maps in STQRY

STQRY supports elevation maps to enhance the user experience with detailed terrain insights. This feature is especially useful for tours involving hiking, cycling, or driving, where understanding elevation changes can help users anticipate and prepare for varying levels of difficulty.

To get started, simply toggle the “Enable Elevation Map” option in the map settings.

STQRY supports elevation data in the following file formats: GPX, KML, and GeoJSON. If your route file already includes elevation information, upload it directly to the STQRY builder—the system will automatically detect and apply the elevation data.

Elevation Data Format Requirements

• GeoJSON: Each coordinate must include a third value representing elevation.
  Example:

  "coordinates": [
  175.55890560150146,
  -39.28834275351452,
  2797
   ]

• GPX: Each <trkpt> within <trkseg> must include an <ele> element for elevation.
  Example
  
  

  <trkpt lat="37.7300" lon="-119.5700">
    <ele>1200</ele>
    <time>2025-05-16T08:30:00Z</time>
  </trkpt

• KML: Coordinates within the <coordinates> tag must contain three comma-separated values, with the third representing elevation.
  Example:

  
  <coordinates>
    -122.4425,37.8077,10
  </coordinates>

You can find sample files attached below for reference.

You can add elevation data to your files using online services such as GPS Visualizer, which supports various data sources. Please note that some of these sources may use licensed datasets. For example, if you use NED/3DEP data (covering North America), it's important to include the following acknowledgment:

“Map services and data available from U.S. Geological Survey, National Geospatial Program.”
Alternatively, ArcGIS Pro also offers tools to convert features and add elevation data. However, be aware that ArcGIS may have a steeper learning curve and require more technical familiarity.

If your file does not contain elevation details, you can generate them within the builder. After uploading your route, select it and click “Add Elevation To Route” icon to automatically populate elevation data along the path.

This change does not require a new app build. Users will see the updates upon their first download. For existing app users, they will need to update the app to view the changes.

Should you require any assistance or have further questions, don't hesitate to reach out to our support team at support@stqry.com. Happy app building!