MapOut 4+

I think after 10 years of using iOS, this is the first app I have reviewed. I have several tools I use for navigating while hiking and biking, but there are several standout features of MapOut.

First, offline maps are a must, and the OpenStreetMaps are pretty good, and include topography and many trails/paths in addition to roads. Second, .GPX import works very well, and routes are easily named and organized. Graphs for elevation of the route are clear. Third, the method of creating new routes is genius. Double clicking sets the start point, and then you drag over map features (roads, trails, etc) to draw the route. The app snaps the route to known features, but also allows for “off trail” routes. Very intuitive and fast. Finally, a feature that I have always wanted, is you can set a start end end point on a particular route, and it overlays mileage and elevation from that point. So, for example, on a multi-day trip you can set the day’s starting point and have all statistics begin at that point.

Great work!

I purchased this because nothing else really worked well for areas where there is spotty cell reception. I do a lot of backcountry trail runs and typically use something like Strava or Google Maps in offline mode for general geolocation. Strava doesn’t work without a cell signal, and frequently tries to close the app that I’ve had open, at which point the route is gone is cell signal is unavailable. Google Maps offline is just not really very good at all, not detailed enough, though it does show your spot on a map.

MapOut is 100% offline downloadable with detailed trails and extra abilities like creating routes beforehand. It is extreme reliable and is really a panacea for mapping with little cell signal. The maps are so detailed, sometimes I pull it up inside the city to find new trails or routes. It reminds me of those dedicated Garmin Explorer GPS devices. MapOut is very cool, and very worth the money.

I purchased this app mainly for its feature of allowing me to draw routes (called tours). I find this indispensable when hiking in the wilderness. Before I depart, I will plan the route by drawing different tours. The app very helpfully places mile markers on my route and includes inclination information to help me decide. When I'm out in the wilderness without cell reception, I won't get lost at an unsigned junction because I can simply open the app and check my current location overlaid with the drawn tour. I used to just guess where I am on a map and have deviated from my planned route for a few times. That doesn't happen any more with this app!

To be sure, there are unnecessary gimmicks like the 3D tilt, but I understand those features might be unnecessary for me but necessary for others, and they don't get in the way.

Overall, I consider the $5 I spent very worthwhile.