How to Share a Waypoint by QR Code, AirDrop or Message on iPhone

TL;DR

Waypoint QR codes carry a tiny GPX file and are read by the scanner in MGRS GPS, so no network is needed. Share… sends a GPX through the share sheet (AirDrop, Messages, Files). Copy grid sends plain text any app can read.

The problem

You’ve found the spot, and your partner needs it too. Reading 10 digits across a noisy radio, texting a pin from a map app that puts a street address on it, or screenshotting a map: each loses accuracy or needs a signal you don’t have.

Choose a method

MethodNeedsReceiver gets
QR codeNothing: both phones, face to faceA waypoint imported by MGRS GPS
Share… (GPX)AirDrop, or a messaging channelA GPX file that opens in MGRS GPS or other GPX apps
Copy gridAny text channelThe grid as text, in your primary format

QR code

  1. In Points, open the waypoint and choose QR code.
  2. Your teammate taps the QR viewfinder button at the top of Points to open the scanner and points the camera at it (“Point the camera at an MGRS QR code”).
  3. The waypoint lands in their active overlay.

The code holds the waypoint’s name, position and style as a small GPX document. It’s generated on the device and works with no connection. Camera access is only needed on the scanning phone.

AirDrop and other sharing

Choose Share… on a waypoint, or export all waypoints as GPX, KML or CSV, and use the system share sheet: AirDrop, Messages, Mail, Files. The receiving phone can open a GPX file from another app straight into MGRS GPS.

Copy grid

Tap the readout on Location, or choose Copy grid on a waypoint. Pasting a typed grid into a message works for anyone, with or without the app.

Tips

  • Agree the format first: MGRS 8 or 10 figures, or lat/long, and which datum.
  • If scanning fails in glare, raise the screen brightness and hold both phones steady.
  • A QR code shows a waypoint only. For a whole route or set of waypoints, export GPX.

FAQ

Can any QR scanner read my waypoint? It will read it as GPX text. To import it as a waypoint, scan it from the scanner inside MGRS GPS.

Does scanning need internet? No. The camera reads the code and the app imports the data on the device.

What does Share… send? A GPX file you can AirDrop, message, or save to Files. Another app that reads GPX can open it.

Where does a scanned waypoint go? Into the active overlay.

The app MGRS GPS →