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Documentation Index

Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.k9traininglog.com/llms.txt

Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

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1. Document your training with the CalTopo app

Use the CalTopo mobile app to record time, location, and track data while you’re training.
Why use CalTopo instead of a dedicated training app that records tracks?
  • CalTopo is becoming a standard mapping tool for SAR teams across the country. Just as we train like we deploy in K9 work, using CalTopo during training builds familiarity and makes it easier to use effectively on real missions.
  • CalTopo supports real-time collaboration between handlers and subjects on both iOS and Android, without the need to send GPX files back and forth.
What if my team doesn’t use CalTopo?
You can still use K9 Training Log with any GPS recording app that exports GeoJSON or GPX files. For Apple Watch users, we recommend WorkOutdoors, a simple GPS tracking app for recording training routes. You can also create K9 Training Log records manually, without GPS data.

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GPS for Detection Exercises

Use the CalTopo mobile app to easily record and pre-fill your logs with the following info:
  • Training aid placement
    Mark a waypoint when you place a training aid. The timestamp, gps coordinates, and any comments you make will be automatically imported.
  • Your track
    Record your track while working each exercise. Your start time and working duration will be automatically calculated and imported.
  • Search area boundaries
    Add area boundaries to automatically calculate the size of your search areas.
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GPS for Tracking/Trailing exercises

Use the CalTopo mobile app to easily record and pre-fill your logs with the following info:
  • Runner track
    Have your subject record their track to gather set time + runner distance. Bonus – it’s automatically available on your map, eliminating the need to send GPX tracks back and forth.
  • Your track
    Record your track to gather worked time, duration, dog distance     If both tracks are available,_ K9 Training Log will also calculate _max distance off track
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Prefer not to record tracks in CalTopo?
If your smartwatch can record a GPS track, you can capture the track there and then either import it into CalTopo before exporting, or upload it directly to K9 Training Log. For Apple Watch users, the WorkOutdoors app is a great option that makes it easy to record tracks, mark waypoints, and export the data to your phone.

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2. After training, review and export your CalTopo map

Click Export in the top left corner of the screen, select the data you want to import into your training log, and click Export in the bottom right
Screen Cast Mar 16 2026

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3. Create your training log & import your file

Open your training event and click New Exercise. At the bottom of the Exercise Info section, select Import GPS Data
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4. Drag & drop or browse to your downloads to find your JSON file

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5. Assign roles to each GPS object

Screen Cast 2026 03 16 At 10 14 04 AM

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6. Optional: Trim tracks

Click the pencil icon next to a track to adjust the start / end position, which will automatically adjust the start and end time of the track.  Screen Cast 2026 03 16 At 10 47 46 AM

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7. Optional: Edit Waypoint position

Click the pencil icon next to a waypoint to adjust the position. 
Editwaypoint
What does “Autofill Only” mean?
Use Autofill only when GPS data is helpful for populating your log, but the map itself is not useful to display. This is often the case for small indoor drills, where the track may appear as overlapping lines with little review value.Even without showing the map, a recorded track can still provide useful details like weather location, start time, and working duration.We recommend using a lightweight GPS watch or tracking app to capture these sessions. For Apple Watch users, WorkOutdoors is a great option, but any app or device that can export a GPX file will work.
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8. Click Analyze to preview the data

If there’s anything you don’t want added to the form, just uncheck the box.
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9. Fill out the rest of the form

Everything prefilled from GPS will show a green Calculated from GPS badge. All fields that still need your input will be highlighted in yellow.
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Other GPS Questions

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What does “Autofill Only” mean?

Use Autofill only when GPS data is helpful for populating your log, but the map itself is not useful to display. This is often the case for small indoor drills, where the track may appear as overlapping lines with little review value. Even without showing the map, a recorded track can still provide useful details like weather location, start time, and working duration. We recommend using a lightweight GPS watch or tracking app to capture these sessions. For Apple Watch users, WorkOutdoors is a great option, but any app or device that can export a GPX file will work.
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