Posts about new features added to CalTopo

Update: Map Object & SAR Tool Changes

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We’re excited to roll out the latest updates to Map Objects and SAR tools– now live on the web and expected shortly in version 1.25.1 of the mobile app!

While the individual changes may seem small, these small quality of life improvements can add up in a big way. SAR users in particular will notice meaningful new functionality– founder Matt Jacobs shared his vision for search and rescue users in this blog post and we continue to build on that work here. 

A big thank you to everyone who explored these updates on the preview site in the last month! We received a lot of helpful bug reports and thoughtful feedback. We plan to continue offering opportunities to preview major changes that impact existing workflows so you can stay in the loop about what’s coming next.

Now let’s get into what’s new.

Map Object Updates

For the most part, the changes to Map Objects are visual– we’ve streamlined dialogs and buttons while making it easier to get important information at a glance and perform desired actions. Some of the more noticeable changes are highlighted below. If you want to learn more about any of these features, visit the Objects chapter in our user guide.

Edit Dialog

The Edit dialog now includes a preview of the object’s color and style along with a one-stop style picker. The style picker has easy-to-use tools to customize the object for whatever your needs might be.

Map Object Dialog

The Map Object dialog has moved to the bottom left of the map viewer. Common actions (such getting information about the point or viewing the profile of a line) are now front and center for quicker access.

Travel Plan

For pro, desktop, or team users, Travel Plan details are now shown below the overall estimated travel time when you click or tap on Travel Time in the Map Object dialog. Easier to find, easier to reference while planning.

Map Object Deconfliction List

When multiple objects overlap, a deconfliction menu appears in the lower left of the map viewer. This list allows you to easily choose the object you want to view, edit or learn more about.

SAR Changes

The SAR updates support faster decision cycles while also giving you greater control over how you build and manage an incident, especially for complex missions or multiple operational period searches. Some of the bigger changes are highlighted below. If you want to learn more about any of these features, visit the First Response with CalTopo Teams section of our user guide.

Bulk Ops

Bulk Ops is now included in the Operational Periods folder, allowing you to take action on multiple Operational Periods at once (more on this later). We’ve also added new actions, including the ability to change object visibility and randomize assignments by color.

Assignments

The Assignments dialog has been cleaned up. Deprecated SAR options (Show Child Objects and Print Map) are gone and the Print SAR 104 option is relocated to Bulk Ops. With the extra space, assignment information (including OP, resource type, and more) is now visible to all users.

We’ve also replaced the letter/number fields with a single Title field for more flexible naming. If your title includes letters or numbers (e.g., “AA 101” or “T14”), CalTopo will still attempt to parse them in PDFs.

Assignments can now be styled individually, just like other Map Objects. The new Default option in Display Options resets assignment styles when sorting by OP, priority, and more.

Operational Periods

The new Operational Periods Bulk Ops dialog shows the number and status of assignments for each Operational Period at a glance. Select multiple OPs and use Change Related Assignment to perform the same action on all the assignments at once– useful for documenting previous efforts, updating primary and secondary radio frequencies, or changing assignment status.

Got comments or questions?

Give these latest updates a try and let us know what you think below. If you run into bugs or have questions, reach out to us at help@caltopo.com. Thanks for using CalTopo and happy mapping!

Updated Feature: Improved Map Layers UI and the New Layer Catalog

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Update 1/13/26: We’ve received a lot of thoughtful feedback on this update, and we appreciate everyone who’s taken the time to share their experience. Matt Jacobs, CalTopo’s founder, has added a detailed comment in the thread below with more context on the changes and how we’re responding so far. Please continue to share your thoughts in the discussion.

This week, the Map Layers menu got a much needed overhaul! We also added a new feature to both the web and mobile app: a Layer Catalog. You’ll probably notice the difference right away as it’s a whole new look, but there is also a lot of new functionality we hope you will enjoy!

But don’t take our word for it- move the slider on the image below to compare the old Map Layers menu (on the left) with the new version (on the right).

Before imageAfter image

So what has changed?

The biggest functional change is the addition of the new Layer Catalog. The layer catalog allows you to choose which layers and overlays are always visible in the right hand layer menu when you are in the map viewer.

This could be useful in a myriad of different ways. For instance, I don’t need to see the avalanche/winter specific layers while I’m on a backpacking trip in the heat of the summer months. The layer catalog allows me to hide those until I need to see the forecast/avy observations layer as winter gets started where I live. 

Why is this awesome?

While many of our layers are available globally, there are a few that are location dependent. Some users have expressed the desire to hide layers that aren’t available in their location, in order to slim down the layer menu. Additionally, educators teaching new CalTopo users how to navigate may find that the extensive layer list can be overwhelming as they get started. Now you can slim down the layer menu to show only what you will use in the near future and to simplify the look of the interface.  

The CalTopo team is really excited as adding the layer catalog also gives us the ability to add additional layers in the future, without overwhelming the layer menu. Keep in mind, if you like and use all the layers, you don’t have to hide any of them! 

Regardless of why, you can now choose to hide layers from your view. You can always adjust (or re-adjust) this for the season, map or activity on the fly if you previously hid a layer that you now want to use, on both web and mobile.

How to use the new Layer Catalog

To open the layer catalog you will select the “settings” cog in the upper right corner of the layer menu. This opens the catalog page, and from here tapping on any layer will enable/disable that layer’s visibility on the menu in the map viewer. A green “eye” icon indicates that a map layer is enabled on the layer menu. While a red “eye” icon with a slash through it indicates it is disabled. Click anywhere on that layer to change visibility.

Once in the catalog, you may notice that there are a few colored description tags on many of the layers. These highlight some features that may be helpful in determining which layer is a best fit at a high level glance. To dig in deeper you will want to select “more info” to expand a more detailed text description of the layer. If you ever need more information on a layer you can also find details in the user guide here: Base Layers and Overlays.

What else has changed?

Other updates to the Map Layers menu include thumbnails showing a quick glance of what each layer and overlay look like, as well as some reorganization of the order in which layers and overlays appear. You will immediately see the new layer menu and catalog on the web. If you don’t see it on your app make sure that you are on the most recent version, which is 1.24.1. 

You can find more information on using the layer catalog and new UI in the CalTopo user guide here: Layer UI. If you have feedback or questions on this please leave a comment below on this blog, or email us at help@caltopo.com. 

Happy Mapping!

CalTopo is Now Satellite Ready with T-Mobile T-Satellite

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No matter where an adventure or SAR mission takes you, you can now bring more of the power of CalTopo with you.

With today’s announcement from T-Mobile, we’re excited to finally share that the latest version of the CalTopo app is satellite ready and compatible with T-Mobile’s T-Satellite service. When T-Mobile invited us to prepare CalTopo for satellite data ahead of the launch, we jumped at the opportunity. Satellite connectivity will be available to anyone with a compatible phone and data plan as well as the latest version of the CalTopo mobile app (version 1.21 and later for Android and 1.22 and later for iOS).

What this means for CalTopo users

Satellite data unlocks core features of the app that weren’t previously available offline. With satellite connectivity, you can:

  • Load and view any CalTopo map layer, anywhere. This includes layers like Sentinel Weekly that are not available for offline downloads. 
  • Use live tools in the backcountry. Use tools like Point Info to check for real-time weather forecasts and more, no matter how far you are from cell service.
  • Stay connected when it matters. Sync map data via satellite so anyone else viewing the map can see updates, including live tracks- a powerful benefit whether you’re sharing your track with loved ones during a big hike or monitoring teams during a SAR mission.

Not all CalTopo’s features are currently available with satellite data; for example, photo waypoint syncing is not supported at this time. However this is just the beginning and we plan to continue to fine-tune based on your feedback and additional testing. 

Ready to try it?

If you’ve got T-Satellite data, open up the CalTopo app the next time you’re offline and see what’s possible. Make sure to let us know what you think- we’d love to hear your thoughts! We’re proud to help support your wildest adventures and your most critical operations- now with the added reach of satellite data.

To learn more about T-Mobile T-Satellite, check out T-Mobile’s announcement: T-Satellite is Here: And It’s Now Powering Apps!

New Feature: Offline Mode

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New on the CalTopo mobile app is Offline mode! Have you noticed the cloud icon in the layer menu (see below)? This button will both enable and disable Offline mode. 

 

So what is Offline mode? Offline mode tells your device to pull map layers ONLY from your downloaded storage, and to not try to retrieve the layers from your data connection. This helps your phone immediately display map layers without trying to pull them from the online server (no lag time!). However, you can stay connected to data for other purposes, such as receiving text messages or syncing live tracking. 

When would you want to use offline mode? It can be especially useful in areas of poor cell/data coverage, when you have all the map tiles downloaded that you need. For instance, maybe you still want to be able to receive texts from a friend when you get that spot of service. Or maybe you are on a SAR mission and need map objects from other users or your live track to still sync when you reach a high point with a data connection. If you are fully outside of a data connection (ie. deep in the wilderness for days), airplane mode is still a better solution.

 

Enabling Offline mode.

 

You will also find that certain online overlays, such as weather stations, will work in offline mode if you still have a data or wifi connection. 

Offline mode is beneficial to users that have a paid subscription allowing downloading of map layers. Offline downloads are a feature of all paid subscription levels and team accounts. If you have a free account and want to use your device offline, you can upgrade at CalTopo.com/join. Make sure you turn offline mode off when you are home planning your next outing!

This new feature is included in the mobile app version 1.21 or higher. To update your app version visit the App Store or Google Play.

Interested in learning more? Start with this section of the CalTopo user guide: Offline mode. If you have any further questions drop them below in the comments or email us at help@caltopo.com. 

Happy Mapping!

New Feature: Snap To on Mobile

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Perhaps one of the most requested features is finally here to stay: Mobile Snap To! As many of us use our mobile devices more than our laptops, adding the Snap To functionality to the mobile app is an exciting addition. Currently available on mobile versions 1.20.1 and higher, Mobile Snap To functionality works on your […]

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Update: Point Info

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There’s a subtle new look to some of our dialogues and some of you have certainly noticed. A few features were combined and some added to the new Point Info window. Part of the intent of this update is to simplify our menus going forward  and to create continuity across menus on CalTopo. 

This change is now live on both web and 1.19.1 and later on mobile (caltopo.com/appstore). If you don’t see this on your mobile device, start by checking for an app update. 

All functionality that was previously under the measure menu is still available, just under a new dialogue. When you select “Point Info” you will see the entirely new window. Let’s take a look: 

The top half of the new Point Info window shows features you are likely used to seeing: 

The new Point Info dialogue.

 

Simulated View is a link at the very top.

Position information comes next, with information on elevation, slope aspect and angle, and location coordinates. If you are needing to read coordinates out loud in a specific format, click on the “read as” icon to view more details, or the copy icon to copy/paste.

Parcel Data shows next. This data is currently available in the US only with Pro and higher subscriptions. 

Weather may seem straightforward, but the new additions are really exciting! The obvious update is that we now display NOAA icons from the 7 day point forecast. You can still select “Full NOAA forecast” to open the NOAA site for that location if you would prefer to view the data there. 

Using the NOAA forecast

With a Pro subscription or higher, you will be shown the current conditions at the nearest weather station. You can also choose other nearby stations by opening the drop down menu, or select “view on map” to close the Point Info menu and see where that station is on the underlying map. NOAA forecasts are currently only available for the Continental United States. 

Sun and Moon Info: Finally, you will find the sun and moon info at the bottom of the new window. This is likely new to most users, although it does incorporate features from our previous sun exposure tool. The graph shows the sun’s intensity throughout the year at the selected point. At the top you can select the date, and timezone (GMT) if you are looking at an area not in your computer’s timezone (default). The graph is interactive as well, you can select dates to see in more detail by clicking on the graph. Give this a try on your device, we do recommend taking a quick look at the user guide for more details on this graph to ensure you get the most out of it: Sun and Moon Info

Sun and Moon info graph

We hope you are all excited about the new information included! We would love to hear what you think in the comments below. The Measure Menu section of the user guide has much more information on how to use these features. 

If you have any questions, send us an email to help@caltopo.com. Happy Mapping!

Notice Anything New? Recent UI updates

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Over the past few months, we’ve been hard at work implementing a wide range of UI updates. A couple of key themes will stand out: consistency and usability. Our goal is to make the mobile app and website feel more aligned—both in how they look and how they function—while ensuring they’re more intuitive than ever. While individual changes might feel a bit different from what you’re used to, we encourage you to keep an eye on the bigger picture as we continue to evolve.

You can find these on both web and the mobile app (if you aren’t already using the app you can find it here: https://caltopo.com/appstore). Ensure you are on the most recent version of the app on your mobile device, currently you should be on 1.18.

You likely noticed a few of these, however some changes may not have been quite as obvious. We’ve compiled these updates in this blog, including links to the user guide so you can learn more. 

  • Terrain Shading (previously known as DEM Shading)
    • This  is a team favorite. Terrain Shading has a whole new interface (and name)! We find the new version to be more intuitive, and let’s face it, more attractive to look at. One note, to save to your account now you select export at the top right. 
    • More information included on this update in our recent LiDAR import blog post as well: LiDAR Import Blog Post

The new face of Terrain Shading

 

  • Line Profile
    • Web: The line profile on the web now includes grade and total time.
    • Mobile: The profile on mobile is now interactive like the web. As you drag your finger along the profile, a dot will move along the line/track showing the location corresponding to the selected spot on the profile. We also re-sized this window to allow more of the map viewer to be seen at the same time. We love this update!
  • Settings/Display options combined on Mobile
    • This is a small change, but was intended to streamline your experience when looking to update settings on the app. Previously the mobile app had two settings menus, now all settings are under the same menu!
  • Live tracking and Shared Locations (team accounts only). 
    • Both received very minor process changes in saving/ending the tracking, and streamlining where a track saves. 
    • The biggest change here is not visible, but a lot of work has gone into improving how tracking works, the level of accuracy, and how the app works when backgrounded on your device. 
    • A common question we get on tracking is “why are there straight lines in my tracks”. This is typically related to battery management settings on the device. Click here for more information. 
  • Range Rings, Sectors and Bearing Lines
    • Another exciting improvement! Range Rings, Sectors and Bearing Lines are all now interactive; they can be moved around with your cursor or finger to get them where needed. 
    • You can still add these tools at specific coordinate locations/measurements on the map, or edit their location/measurement by changing the appropriate field in the edit window.

Interactive Range Rings. Bearing Lines and Sectors got a similar update.

  • Navigation changes
    • Combined and simplified options, including a more concise “swap direction” when navigating along lines and polygons, or to a point or marker. 
  • Viewshed
    • Added the ability to edit the coordinates/location of a view shed layer (interactive like range rings, sectors etc.). 
  • Layer legends on mobile
    • Removed an unnecessary screen to get you to the legends faster!

Along with the changes mentioned above, we have been working hard on generally improved functionality, some of which is not visible. This is an ongoing process and much of what we are doing is laying the groundwork for future work. Keep an eye on the blog here and our social media (Facebook and Instagram) to stay up to date. 

As always, if you have any questions please send us an email at help@caltopo.com, or leave a comment below. Happy Mapping!

New Feature: Avy Observations

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Display reported avalanche occurrences directly in your map with the new Avy Observations overlay.

We’re thrilled to introduce the Avy Observations overlay! This tool displays reported avalanche occurrences from participating avalanche forecast centers directly in your CalTopo map. Now, you can visualize recent and past avalanche reports in an area alongside all your other mapping data, helping you to make more informed decisions before heading into the mountains.

See Avalanche Activity Where It Matters Most

Understanding current snowpack conditions is critical when traveling in avalanche terrain. Developed in close partnership with the USDA Forest Service National Avalanche Center (NAC) and the American Avalanche Association (A3), this overlay displays reported avalanche occurrences from the Avalanche Forecast Platform (AFP) on avalanche.org. These reports come from the professional forecasters and observers as well as the public and can provide valuable real-world insights to incorporate into your planning.

Please note: currently we only display avalanche occurrences from avalanche forecast centers that provide their data to AFP. For a complete list of avalanche forecast centers that are part of this overlay, click or tap the “Avy Observations Info” at the bottom of the map viewer when displaying the Avy Observations overlay.

The Power of Integrating Avy Observations

Viewing Avy Observations with Global Imagery in 3D can provide valuable insight into the type of terrain where avalanches were reported.

What makes this feature so valuable? The ability to view avalanche occurrences alongside all your other mapping data. Here’s why that matters:

  • Context Matters: Overlay Avy Observations with slope angle shading, recent satellite imagery, weather forecasts, and 3D to gain a more complete picture and better assess terrain risks.
  • Plan with Confidence: Use real-world data from avalanche forecast centers to inform your route choices before heading into the field.

How It Works

Select the Avy Observations overlay in the Map Layers menu on the web or mobile app.

The Avy Observations overlay is available to all users. Turn on Avy Observations to instantly display reported avalanche occurrences in your map. Occurrences are represented by an avalanche icon that includes the location of the report, the destructive force of the avalanche, and the date of the report. Click or tap on an icon to bring up more information about the occurrence. We recommend clicking or tapping the “Avalanche Details” link at the bottom of the dialog to view the full report on the avalanche forecast center’s website.

This overlay is updated once per hour and you can filter reports by date range to find the desired timeframe to inform your planning. To learn more about using the Avy Observations overlay, visit our user guide.

Check It Out 

The Avy Observations overlay is now live for all CalTopo users on the web and version 1.18 and later of the mobile app. To start using it, simply select the overlay in the Map Layers menu and explore the latest avalanche reports in a region. For obvious reasons, you need a data connection to use the layer.

This is just one more way CalTopo helps you stay informed, make better decisions, and travel safely in the backcountry. Try it out today and let us know what you think below.

More LiDAR Plus a Better Way to Visualize It

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We have two big updates that we’re excited to share!

More High Resolution Elevation Data

It’s that magical time of year: we just finished importing the latest high resolution elevation data from the USGS 3D Elevation Program (3DEP). And why should you care about more high resolution elevation data coverage? Traditional elevation datasets typically have a resolution between 10- to 30-meters. High resolution data (which includes LiDAR and IFSAR) can have a resolution of 1-meter or better, which means a significant increase in the level of detail in terrain.

But don’t take our word for it- check out the before and afters below (and yes, this is our favorite part!). Each of the images below are split images of the same location with the high resolution elevation data on the left and the lower resolution elevation data on the right. Move the slider to compare these two elevation datasets and view the striking difference. 

Before imageAfter image

Above: Split image of Red Castle in the High Uintas with MapBuilder Topo and slope angle shading.

Before imageAfter image

Above: Split image of McGowan Peak, Idaho with shaded relief.

Before imageAfter image

Above: Split image of Harrison Glacier, MT with MapBuilder Topo. 

Notable areas that were part of the latest high resolution elevation data import include:

  • High Uintas, Utah
  • More portions of Bridger-Teton National Forest, Wyoming
  • More coverage of the Ruby Mountains, Nevada
  • Partial coverage of Sawtooth Range, Idaho
  • White Cloud, Lost River, Lehmi Ranges, Idaho
  • Pioneer Mountains, Flathead Range, Montana

To see all the areas that currently have high resolution elevation data, check out this interactive coverage map. The blue indicates all the areas with high resolution elevation data coverage, including the newly added coverage areas.

The latest high resolution elevation data is live on the web, mobile app, and desktop app as part of any CalTopo layer or tool that incorporates our elevation dataset. As a reminder, CalTopo currently does not automatically update offline downloads when we do a new elevation data update. If you notice discrepancies between the online elevation data and your offline downloads, make sure to delete your old downloaded tiles and re-download the latest ones. More information on managing your offline downloads can be found in the Mobile App- Offline Use or CalTopo Desktop- Download and Sync sections of our user guide.

The Updated Terrain Shading Tool

We are also excited to announce that custom Terrain Shading is live on the web and the latest version of the mobile app (1.17). 

Want to easily spot north facing slopes over 30 degrees? No problem with the interactive Terrain Shading dialog.

Formerly called DEM Shading, we’ve updated this incredibly powerful tool to make it more approachable and intuitive to use. Terrain Shading allows you to create custom layers based on elevation, slope, aspect and/or tree cover using CalTopo’s underlying datasets. This includes high resolution elevation data where available, offering a unique way to visualize this striking data.

Here’s some other examples of custom Terrain Shading layers that you could create:

  • Find slopes between 25-30 degrees that are generally safe from avalanches but still steep enough to ski or ride.
  • Identify flat spots with no canopy cover for possible helicopter landing zones.
  • Visually distinguish between north, east, south, and west aspects.

You can go as simple or as wild as you want. Check out the custom Terrain Shading layer above that highlights N, E, S, and W aspects.

The new interactive Terrain Shading dialog makes it easy to visualize terrain on your own terms. You can set one or more conditions for a rule by either manually entering the numerical values or dragging the slider handles to set the lower and upper limits for the condition. Stick with one rule or create multiple rules based on what you want to learn about the terrain.

Set one or more conditions for each rule using the interactive dialog. You can stick with one rule or create multiple rules based on what you want to learn.

You can view and interact with custom Terrain Shading layers on your map just like any other base layer or overlay. If you want to be able to use a custom Terrain Shading layer in the future, simply save it to your account and you’ll be able to access it on any map. 

With custom Terrain Shading, the possibilities are endless. To learn more about custom Terrain Shading, visit our User Guide.

Got questions or feedback about either of these updates? Let us know in the comments below!

New Feature: 3D

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Looking at a route and need to visualize in a different way? Searching for a lost hiker and want to view the terrain in the search area? Change your perspective with CalTopo 3D.

After a lot of behind the scenes work, we are so happy to bring 3D to CalTopo web and mobile! This is a feature we are all incredibly excited about, and from feature requests over the years we know you will be too. 

This isn’t just any old 3D map though. With CalTopo’s new 3D you can accomplish everything you are used to getting done on CalTopo in 2D. 

  • View all of our existing layers in either 2D or 3D. 
  • Planning a spring ski line? Stack sentinel weekly on top of Mapbuilder topo to view the map and snow coverage while visualizing your line.
  • Climbing Mt. Rainer? View the peak in 3D and adjust your tentative route to avoid large crevasse fields visible on shaded relief. Seriously, volcanoes look so cool in 3D. 
  • Visualize terrain before sending a search team into the field. Create search areas based on terrain, or rank likely and unlikely routes taken by viewing a 3 dimensional representation of the area. 

The use cases are unlimited. Leave a comment below on how 3D will change your mapping!

To enable 3D, click or tap the “3D” icon on the upper left side of the map viewer on both web and the mobile app. Controls will differ slightly between the versions. On the web, use the controls as follows when in 3D mode (these can be brought up at any time by clicking “3D Controls” at the bottom of the map viewer). 

On mobile all perspective changes are done using your fingers. Drag two fingers vertically to change the pitch. Drag two fingers in a spinning motion to rotate the map, and drag one finger to move your location on the map (as normal). You can toggle back to 2D in the upper left corner. 

For more information on using 3D in CalTopo, visit the 3D page in our user guide.

To use 3D on mobile, ensure you have the most recent app version downloaded (1.13.6 and later). To check for updates visit the app store by following this link: caltopo.com/appstore.

3D will be available to all CalTopo users (free and paid) through the end of 2024. Give it a try, tell us what you think! Starting January 1st, 3D will be available to users with a pro, desktop or team subscription. You can view our subscription levels and upgrade at caltopo.com/join. 

If you have any questions or comments, please email us at help@caltopo.com or comment on this post below. Happy 3D Mapping!

 

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