TrekReel · Support
Guide, Data Sources & Credits
Last updated: 2026-09-30 · For TrekReel 1.0.5
TrekReel is a macOS 3D route-storytelling app. This page covers getting started, shortcuts, where map data comes from (and its fallbacks), FAQ, and third-party credits.
Quick start: build a route story in 5 steps
- Import a trackClick Import in the top toolbar (or press ⌘I) and choose a GPX / KML / KMZ file. TrekReel links a region using the current selection shape (rectangle or circle) and loads imagery, terrain and roads.
- Select & download a regionClick the first toolbar button, Region, and drag a rectangle or circle on the map. Name it and confirm to download imagery, terrain, roads and points of interest for offline use.
- Adjust layers & environmentUse Layer Manager on the left to toggle imagery/terrain, roads, points of interest, GPS data and the asset library. Tune lighting and sky in Settings.
- Set camera & annotationsDraw routes and annotations with Line, Polygon and Marker in the top toolbar, and use Camera to place keyframes for a smooth camera path.
- Preview & exportPress play to preview. When you are happy, click Export to render a video (⇧⌘E). You can also export HD images, 3D-print files (STL / OBJ, ⇧⌘G) or a project file (⇧⌘S). The free version limits exports; TrekReel Pro unlocks all of them.
Keyboard shortcuts
| Action | Keys |
|---|---|
| New project | ⌘N |
| Import GPS track | ⌘I |
| Import project | ⌘O |
| Export video | ⇧⌘E |
| 3D print export | ⇧⌘G |
| Export project | ⇧⌘S |
| Open Settings | ⌘, |
| Show shortcuts | ⌘/ |
| Toggle left sidebar | ⌘1 |
| Toggle timeline | ⌘2 |
| Toggle top toolbar | ⌘6 |
| Road tool | ⌘4 |
| Polygon tool | ⌘5 |
| Toggle export preview | ⇧⌘P |
Map data sources and fallbacks
TrekReel uses the free, open sources below by default. If the primary server is unavailable it switches to a fallback automatically to keep downloads reliable. Region downloads cover zoom levels 8–13.
| Type | Data | Primary | Fallbacks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Imagery | Sentinel-2 Cloudless (EOX) | a.tiles.maps.eox.at | b.tiles.maps.eox.at, tiles.maps.eox.at |
| Terrain (DEM) | AWS Terrain Tiles | s3.amazonaws.com/elevation-tiles-prod | elevation-tiles-prod.s3.amazonaws.com |
| Roads & POIs | OpenStreetMap (Overpass API) | overpass-api.de | overpass.kumi.systems, overpass.openstreetmap.fr, maps.mail.ru |
Custom data sources
- Open Settings (⌘,) → Data Sources and choose Custom under Imagery, Terrain or Roads.
- For imagery and terrain, enter a standard XYZ tile URL that contains the {z}, {x} and {y} placeholders. For roads, enter an Overpass API URL.
- Custom URLs are your responsibility: make sure you are licensed to use the source (including commercially) and follow its terms. TrekReel does not provide or recommend restricted commercial imagery URLs.
FAQ
A region says roads and points of interest are unavailable. What now?
Roads and points of interest come from public OpenStreetMap Overpass servers, which can be busy or rate-limited. TrekReel tries several servers in turn. If all fail, imagery and terrain still load; tap the refresh button on the downloaded-region card later to retry.
Can downloaded regions be used offline?
Yes. Once a region is downloaded it works offline. A network connection is only needed to download or refresh data.
Which track files are supported?
GPX, KML and KMZ.
I can't find the app window.
Click the Dock icon, or use the menu Window → Show Main Window.
Export fails or cannot save.
Choose a folder you have write access to in the save dialog. TrekReel follows the macOS sandbox and can only write to locations you pick.
How do I restore my Pro purchase?
Click Restore Purchase in the upgrade dialog, signed in with the Apple ID used to buy.
Credits & licenses
TrekReel is built on the following open data and open-source projects:
- Imagery：Sentinel-2 Cloudless © EOX IT Services GmbH (CC BY 4.0). Contains modified Copernicus Sentinel data (2016/2017). Learn more
- Terrain：Terrain Tiles hosted on AWS (formerly Mapzen), aggregated from USGS, SRTM, ETOPO1 and other public-domain or openly licensed sources. Learn more
- Roads & POIs：© OpenStreetMap contributors, licensed under the ODbL. Learn more
- Map rendering：MapLibre GL JS, 3-Clause BSD license. Learn more
Contact us
For questions or feedback, email [email protected]。