Abstract

• MAPS.ME gives detailed offline maps primarily based on OpenStreetMap knowledge, which is nice for climbing particularly in areas that lack mobile reception.
• Obtain your maps earlier than heading out, and seize any routes you may need to comply with in widespread supported codecs.
• The app is free to obtain and use, with some limitations (like solely 10 offline maps without delay) which do not feel overbearing.

I really like getting out in nature, however I hate getting misplaced. Fortuitously, trendy smartphones make that much less doubtless than ever so long as you’ve acquired sufficient energy and the fitting software program.

Why I Love MAPS.ME

MAPS.ME is a free navigation app that you would be able to obtain for iPhone and iPad or Android. Although the app has a full set of navigation options together with routes, search, and completely different layers, I depend on it solely for its offline mapping capabilities.

The app will get its navigation knowledge from OpenStreetMap, with assist for as much as 10 maps to be downloaded offline at a time on the free plan. For me, that’s greater than sufficient to retailer statewide regional maps the place I recurrently hike (rural Queensland and New South Wales), plus a number of cities (Brisbane, Melbourne) simply in case.

Apple Maps (my mapping app of choice) solely added climbing path assist in iOS 18 and assist continues to be pretty restricted. In my expertise, OpenStreetMap knowledge gives way more element. MAPS.ME additionally does a good sufficient job of presenting it in an easy-to-digest method, which is vitally essential if you’re out in the course of nowhere.

Bear in mind that the OpenStreetMap challenge is an ongoing enterprise that’s recurrently up to date. It’s an open-source initiative, the place maps may be edited and stuck by anybody who desires to enhance them.

Along with a rock-solid basis in its maps, MAPS.ME additionally has a number of good extra options like a darkish mode, assist for favorites, and my private favourite: a ruler instrument. You should utilize this instrument to put down factors on a map, which is nice for estimating how far-off you might be from a landmark, turn-back level, or trailhead.

Belief me: It may be actually motivating on the finish of a protracted hike to know you’re solely ten minutes away from the place you parked.

Obtain Maps Earlier than You Go

Offline maps aren’t price a factor for those who fail to obtain them earlier than you go. That is the essential half, you don’t need to screw this up. I’ve develop into considerably misplaced on trails which have develop into overgrown and seemingly disappear, in areas with no cellular reception. I can say conclusively that MAPS.ME’s offline maps have helped me discover my manner and keep away from a spot on the native information.

It’s reassuring to have a dependable navigational support proper there in your pocket everytime you want it. I’ve taken paths much less traveled purely as a result of I can see the place the path goes and the way it hyperlinks as much as my supposed vacation spot.

Downloading maps is so simple as launching the app, tapping the Extra tab, after which utilizing the “Obtain Maps” button. You possibly can return right here at any level to replace your maps, and as soon as they’re downloaded they’re secure in your machine.

These maps don’t take up an enormous quantity of area, contemplating the extent of element they seize. The map I take advantage of probably the most (Queensland) occupies solely 150MB. States and cities could also be divided up in some areas, whereas areas are linked to their nearest cities. So in Oregon, you may obtain the whole east of the state as a map that’s 70MB, whereas Portland and its surrounds are one other 120MB.

You may discover that it is smart to rotate which maps you retain put in, if you wish to keep away from paying for a premium subscription. On the iPhone model that I take advantage of, Professional prices $5.99 per thirty days or $54.99 per 12 months.

Help for Routes Too

Lastly, no navigation support can be full with out assist for routes, and the identical is true of MAPS.ME. You possibly can import quite a lot of route varieties into the app which can present up underneath the “Favorites” tab. These may be organized into folders, of which you get 10 with the free plan (this isn’t a limitation I’ve ever run into, you may simply delete the routes or group all of them in a single folder when you’re completed with them).

I mix MAPS.ME with climbing path indexes like AllTrails to obtain routes that I can comply with. The app helps widespread codecs like GPX and Google’s KML/KMZ, which might then be toggled on and off inside the app.

AllTrails will attempt to funnel you to the iPhone or Android apps which restrict route downloads in favor of a premium plan, however you may request the desktop website as an alternative to entry the net model. When you’ve completed this it is possible for you to to simply obtain KML and different route information that you would be able to then open utilizing MAPS.ME immediately.

You’ll By no means Hike Alone

I’ve been utilizing MAPS.ME for years and it’s develop into my go-to dependable navigation support when out and about. I’ve by no means felt the necessity to improve, however the worth proposition is unquestionably there for those who come to depend on it recurrently.

The largest barrier to getting probably the most out of an app like that is having sufficient battery. So make sure that your machine is absolutely charged earlier than you allow, and contemplate taking a spare power bank with you to maintain your lifeline topped up.