CalTopo

CalTopo LLC

About this app

The best backcountry mapping tool on the web is now available on Android.

Cloud Sync

The CalTopo app integrates with your existing caltopo.com account, and edits sync between the two in seconds. Plan your trip using CalTopo's best-in-class mapping tools and then seamlessly transition to your phone. Once in the field, sync your GPS track back to caltopo.com in real time, or drop markers and instantly share them with friends.

Amazing Maps

Access CalTopo layers not available elsewhere, including the MapBuilder series, land management, sun exposure, fire activity and custom terrain shading. Pre-packaged map files (subscription required) make for speedy offline downloads and simplified data management. An elevation data layer supports measuring profiles and point elevations, even when offline.

Real-Time Data

NOAA weather forecast visualizations and MODIS satellite imagery aid in-field decision making. Coming soon: SNOTEL, weather stations, streamflows and forecast grid data points.

Ratings and reviews

I use Caltopo frequently for tracking hikes and planning on a PC. I mostly really like it because I'm comfortable with maps but it is missing trailhead names, so for recreation using other sources for reference, I'll confirm the coordinates if unfamiliar with the area. Please add support for 24h time format, like when adding a marker it uses am/pm format in the default name even though my phone (and PC too) is set to display 24h clock.

This app is a privacy risk. Requiring users to log in using only Google, Apple, Facebook, Microsoft, or Yahoo accounts is forcing anyone using the app to feed even more information to the big data guzzlers. Edit 10/30: the response is always "open protocol" as if the open nature was the concern. It should be possible to access without login and a warning that you can't save. Session data saved in temporary storage while using the app/site. Anything else seems intentional to get user data.

Been using this since the initial beta stages years ago, when it was practically unusable. Since the constant rapid improvements, this has been my only mapping app, and website, I use. It's far superior to others, of which I used them all at one point or another. Happy to pay the annual subscription knowing it helps improve maps for recreation & SAR.

What’s new

New Terrain Shading, and Sector UI
Expand on profile to view detailed terrain stats
Combined Settings and Display Options
Some performance enhancements