CalTopo: Backcountry Mapping Reviews

by Mr Sharkbait

Have used Cal Topo on desktop and anticipated this would be similar. Hmmm… No instruction, no help source. To even see any kind of map I’m told I have to “upgrade” my account. No in app purchases mentioned. No instruction on how to do that either.

by 4B3rH4m

I used to use CalTopo to see global satellite images that were updated frequently this made looking at weather patterns simple. It seems that this map base layer has been removed. Why?

by Shdiehcjska

At both the website and here on CalTopo , there is no option to set up an independent account. I was going to pay for the premium service, but even on the web, your registration requires me to link either my Google, Facebook, Apple, Yahoo, or Microsoft account. That’s none of your business-and I guess my business is going back to OSMAnd who simply charges me the cost of their product and doesn’t take my data. (Great privacy-conscious alternative, btw. )

by Woodave

I love this app but I wish they would stick to what they do best- mapmaking and leave CalTopo development to a company that does native iOS development. Just wrapping the website into an app makes for an extremely clunky UI. I understand that there is likely more money to be made with their own app rather than licensing to GAIA but I would gladly pay more for a functional app that uses this app.

by Jeffyyyyy2000

this app has all of the Forest Service maps which seem not to really be available elsewhere online. They are invaluable. Their web interface is great. However the iOS app is incredibly buggy. Map tiles go missing when you scroll despite having previously downloaded them, the FS Topo 2016 maps appear black and are not really useful versus the way they do appear on the website, the download interface has issues, the map periodically crashes, etc. It would be the best outdoors mapping app ever if they just fixed these navigation, map scrolling/zoom/management/download issues. I dare not go into the wilds alone with this as my sole map app for this reason (have had cases where I am is a tile that won’t render at all), but when it does work, it’s great.

by Mttt7776

Useful but buggy. Last week the latest released version bricked my iPhone 13 (yes it has the latest iOS version) and forced a manual reset at phone during a pretty inopportune time.

Love the web app. But the iOS app could use some more testing.

by Binginging

Original review: CalTopo is not usable unless you have a this app account already - meaning you literally can’t get past the page that says the name of CalTopo . This was not clear based on CalTopo details provided.
Edit to respond to developer: I see CalTopo has been updated. I downloaded the newly updated app and this issue has been resolved. Not only can you create an account where you would expect to be able to create an account within CalTopo , but they’ve included options to use Apple, Google, Facebook and more (which I personally appreciate). My initial rating has been updated pending further review of the actual functionality of CalTopo .

by R.karim

This is a great app but would be a lot more usable if able to use Apple Watch to navigate to points!

by Iammikewindsor

I would love to see the ability to snap a line (when creating a route) to a trail/road like you can on desktop. Thanks, love this app!

by Christofer Williams

The UI can be a little clunky and unintuitive (good luck trying to find your old tracks for comparison... they’re likely there, but they’re well-hidden). But the quality of maps and overlays is fantastic. I use CalTopo on nearly every hike and ski tour.

by Cybernav7

Garmin GPS now the “old standard”.
Sharing feature is the best thing since the invention of the flashlight!
We’re adding this platform in the field on phones (and tablets) as a “gold standard” tool to all of our units in the county.
Service has been good, video tutorials helpful.
OMG- sharing feature is awesome…we can see each other-day, night, you just can’t hide!
Sheriffs can see us “live tracking” helping teams find subjects faster and without a doubt keep some searches from turning into recoveries.

by KOZ0612

Other apps are prettier but this app is rich with data and super extensible. Could you PLEASE add course up display though?! Orienting a map with the heading up is basic navigation. And it would be super handy to be able to snap lines onto map features, as one can do using a web browser.

by G-bomb

I love this app. I use it for all my backcountry needs. One thing I’d love to see is the ability to search the maps I have on my app. I have probably ~50 in there for different backcountry zones, and they aren’t organized alphabetically and they aren’t searchable. Would be an awesome addition!

by AmpersandPitchfork

I use this professionally and for recreation. It’s an extremely powerful mapping tool. The subscription only layers are very worth the price. Especially in winter.
The servers could be faster….. but that’s the only complaint I’ll give.
If you work or play in the backcountry, this app offers tools you cannot get anywhere else.

by SF492

Recent updates have made big improvements to the point where I am comfortable going on all-day backcountry outings with no cell service. Maps are not as nicely rendered as Topo Maps+ Atlas pro layer, but trails are more accurate. Works with desktop app for managing routes, which is great. Missing fancy tool features of other apps but gets the basics very well.

by Abnonymous

...in the best way possible! There is SO much information here. I use All Trails to find hiking routes, and this app to get more information about the area around the trail. I’ve also used it to plan or research berry harvesting areas.

I don’t really know what could be improved. It feels bare bones, but in the best way. Users are given the data options, and it is easy to navigate and manipulate map layers into valuable visual information.

by Derrick919

Great topo map for hunting. Slope angle shading helps tremendously when traversing rugged terrain. Off-line use was a game changer for me!! Thanks this app, keep up the great work!!

by Pregood

Users should note that there is an update with bug fixes that does not come up on CalTopo Store. You have to actually go to this app to see that that date is available.
I was having issues in the field working with CalTopo after the most recent update, and the developers fixed it within a few weeks. And there was a workaround for me until this update.

by Runkle45

Awesome UI and easy to use

by Andy Legrunge

The broad range of layers provided, plus the ability to dynamically “layer layers” and cache maps for offline use, makes this my go-to navigation resource for backcountry planning and navigation. Includes super detailed place name and trail/road info missing from many other map apps. Accurate slope angle shading is a literal lifesaver during avalanche season and weekly satellite data is awesome for estimating snow cover. Only wish that the NAIP satellite data layer came with a little more detail - I usually combine with Google Earth when planning trips for better landform visualization.

by DVChester

Virtually unusable - takes way too long to pan the map. The browser version works fine 🤷🏻‍♂️