Motor Vehicle Layer
A brand new Motor Vehicle Use Map layer (MVUM) is now live on the site. This incorporates national BLM and USFS data sets to provide a single streamlined layer for offroad drivers and overlanders to utilize. This was a commonly requested layer and we’re happy to have it live!
A bunch of random notes on this layer.
- We went with different styling than the USFS or BLM maps so that we could combine those data sources seamlessly. The key is in a photo here, and available by clicking MVUM Info in the layer menu or the top right corner of the screen.
- The layer hasn’t been packaged for download yet, we wanted to look for errors or bugs with it online for 1-2 weeks first, then we will package it for download. It will be there for the final app release (and yes, available offline with a subscription)
- We are still attempting to add additional data sets to the layer so if you have a favorite offroad system that is missing, feel free to send the data to us and we will do our best to incorporate additional data sets
- We left the listed opening and closing dates off each road since they change season to season and based on conditions, instead we just note a seasonal closure road (so be ready for those upcoming winter closures)
- We also do not have the backcountry camping information from USFS, they print this on their maps, but do not distribute it digitally so there was no way for us to add that information(bummer).
If you use this map, feel free to send feedback to info@caltopo.com
I backpack and go off roading a lot so this is definitely a great addition! Will play around with it for my next trip! Thanks
Super excited for this! Just to clarify, these are just public roads?
Would you add to the layer the Canadian roads too?
Correct. However both BLM and USFS have roads that with access that vary some are open year round, others seasonal, or restricted. All of those are labeled on the map as such. You should always check with the local office to ensure the road is open/not snow covered, etc.
We hadn't yet looked into that but I just put it on my to do list to look into!
Oh this is an amazing feature! I'm curious if you would consider OSV as well? Problem in the Tahoe area is you gotta look at 4 different maps, and figure out where they intersect, or not quite connect to put in some long days etc.. (just because it's open for OHV does not OSV is allowed etc..) Thanks!
This is great new feature, great work!
Thanks for including the MVUM data. However, the key (and I assume the overlay) doesn’t show the difference between motorcycle trails and ATV trails AKA 50″ or narrower. I personally am always looking for singletrack for dirt bikes, and don’t ride ATV trails if I don’t have to, so it makes the layer useless to me, unfortunately.
Unfortunately in the data set it’s not separated out. We used the digital data from both USFS and BLM and while we collapsed the two together we didn’t remove any categories.