September 2018 - CalTopo

A new version of CalTopo Offline and SARTopo offline has just been released (4151), with several major improvements:

1. Real-time syncing between offline and online versions. All of your maps from the website will show up in the offline version, and changes will automatically sync between the two. If you make a change while offline, it will be queued until you regain internet access. This is helpful both when starting a project online and then taking it into the field, and also when working in an area with unreliable internet, so that you can keep changes synced to the outside wold without being at risk if the internet dies.

2. New map downloader that downloads offline map data within Cal/SARTopo Offline. This makes it much quicker and easier to download large areas than the old web-based downloader. Because the new downloader offers multiple resolutions and is built on a 15×15 minute grid, it also gives you more control over how large your offline maps are.

3. Revised layer selection. Elevation, slope and aspect data are all rolled into a single layer. Shaded relief and slope angle shading are automatically computed from elevation data, and no longer need to be downloaded separately. Most excitingly, MapBuilder Topo, Hybrid and Overlay layers now have full coverage for the contiguous US.

4. Layer caching. Map areas viewed in the offline version when you do have internet access are cached for later use offline. So even if you haven’t pre-downloaded an area, it may still be available when offline.

CalTopo is growing! I’m looking for a contract graphic artist and a full-time UI developer. Come work on a product you actually use, in a job with significant flexibility. For more information, email mjacobs@caltopo.com.

This could be your office (deck not included in job offer, applicant to supply their own)

Graphic Artist

I’m looking for a graphic artist to take on a contract project revising and expanding the current icon symbol set. If things go well there’s potential followup work (UI icons, MapBuilder symbology, general UI design), but nowhere near enough to add up to a regular job.

I’m also looking for assistance creating a logo, whether that’s the same designer described above or a specialized professional.

UI Developer

The baseline for this full-time remote position is a competent developer with a solid web UI skillset, able to be turned loose on projects with minimal supervision. Preferably, you can also take on UI and interaction design, coordinating with a graphic designer on the visual pieces as necessary. Ideally, you can tackle the entire UI development cycle from graphic design through development.

The following are not required but are considered pluses:

A CalTopo user or outdoor enthusiast. This is a position where domain knowledge matters.

California or Washington residency. As a full time remote employee, CalTopo LLC will have a business presence in your home state. Some states are easier to work with than others, but CalTopo is already registered with CA and WA.

OK with occasional travel to Truckee, CA (potentially up to several days a month, generally less). Although the position is remote, face time can be important for collaboration, particularly at the beginning of a design.

First response experience, particularly in the backcountry (SAR, fire, ranger, etc). This is an important and growing customer base for CalTopo, and as with the recreational side, domain knowledge is useful.