Embedding a Magnetic Map into an Image File

In one embodiment, a method includes accessing an image file that includes a magnetic map with normalized magnetic-field values that each correspond to one of a plurality of locations in an area. The image file includes a first matrix with first elements, one or more of which each represent color values, and a second matrix with second elements, one or more of which each represent the normalized magnetic-field values. The image file also includes pixels, wherein each pixel corresponds to one of the locations, includes links to one or more of the first elements, and includes links to one or more of the second elements that represent the normalized magnetic-field values that correspond to the location that the pixel corresponds to. The method also includes performing navigation or localization using the magnetic map.