Posts about new features added to CalTopo

New Imagery!

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One of our most popular map layers, Imagery, has gotten a fresh update! Imagery allows you to visualize terrain around the globe right on your device and we’re excited to announce some big improvements for users both inside and outside the US.

In select locations outside of the contiguous United States (CONUS), we now have high resolution printable and downloadable imagery from Vantor that is same resolution as what you see online. We are excited to address many user requests over the years for higher resolution downloads outside of the US, specifically in regards to imagery losing resolution when downloaded or printed in these areas in the past. 

At this time, the new Vantor imagery covers the following areas (we hope to include additional locations going forward!):

  • Canada
  • Alaska
  • Hawaii
  • Europe
  • Japan
  • New Zealand
  • Baja California
  • Parts of the Caribbean

In the contiguous United States, the Imagery layer has been updated to new data, meaning new aerial images to help you plan your next adventure! In CONUS, this layer pulls from NAIP datasets from 2021-2023. You will also see additional historical NAIP layers available in the Layer Catalog, (2011-2013, 2013-2015, 2016-2018, and 2019-2021). These allow you to select the timeframe that looks best in your area, and to help you visualize changes in the landscape over time. 

 

If you are using CalTopo online on (web or mobile) or printing, you won’t need to do anything differently to access the new Imagery. If you have previously downloaded Imagery on your mobile device for offline use, you will need to update your downloaded tiles. 

The following is our recommended workflow for updating your downloaded tiles in the mobile app to ensure you have the up-to-date Imagery next time you are outside of cell service:

  • First, ensure you are on the most recent app version, which is 1.26 (to see this select the three bar menu upper left, settings, scroll to the bottom). If you are not, please update your app version from the app store when it is available. You may not see the new version for a few days. 
  • Second, you will need to delete your old imagery tiles to get the new data. In the Download Layers screen for imagery, you will see previously downloaded imagery tiles highlighted in red. These red tiles indicate that newer imagery is available for those areas. In the United States, this means more recent imagery is available. In the international areas mentioned earlier, it indicates that higher-resolution imagery is available. Select the tiles to be deleted, following the instructions in this section of the userguide: Deleting Downloaded Layers.
  • Lastly, re-download the tiles you need Imagery for in the same manner you always do: Download Layers for Offline Use.

*If you have large/varying areas of imagery downloaded, you may consider deleting/re-downloading these tiles in sets/chunks in the same area. This way you can see what tiles you had in red, delete them, and immediately re-download those same tiles. 

We are so excited to bring you an Imagery update! Please send us an email at help@caltopo.com, or comment below with questions. 

Update: We’ve heard your feedback on the recent Imagery layer changes. Moving to Vantor imagery simplified the layer and allowed select areas outside the continental U.S. to be printed and downloaded at the same resolution shown online, but we recognize that it also reduced imagery quality at higher zoom levels in some areas as compared to the previous Mapbox source. In response, we’re testing a separate Mapbox Satellite layer (now available in the Layer Catalog) that displays only Mapbox imagery. Due to licensing restrictions, this layer cannot be printed or downloaded for offline use, and because it carries additional costs, it is currently limited to Pro, Desktop, and Teams subscribers. We can’t guarantee this layer will remain available long term, but we want to explore whether it’s a sustainable option for users who want high resolution imagery options online. 

Update: Discover New Routes & Maps with Shared Maps

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Shared Maps layer in 3D

Our users plan, explore, and document adventures all over the world. Along the way, many of those maps are shared publicly- creating a massive, community-driven collection of routes, tracks, waypoints, and local knowledge.

The Shared Maps layer makes that information visible directly on the map, turning the contributions of other users into a powerful resource for discovering new routes and exploring unfamiliar terrain.

And with our latest update, this layer just got a lot better.

What Are Shared Maps?

Shared Maps displays map objects from publicly available CalTopo maps, including:

  • Routes and tracks
  • Points of interest
  • Trailheads and camps
  • And more

Whether you’re looking for a potential line to a summit or an entire map someone built for a specific area, Shared Maps can provide valuable insight and inspiration for your own planning.

Even better: Shared Maps are now available in the mobile app! You can scout routes and add useful data to your map from anywhere—whether you’re planning at home or adjusting plans on the fly.

So What’s New?

Shared Maps layer in the overlays menu

Easier to Find

Shared Maps now lives in the Route Discovery overlays category, alongside other tools designed to help you scout terrain and find routes.

The layer options have also been simplified:

  • All Data: view all shared objects
  • Tracks Only: focus on recorded tracks

A Cleaner Layer

Shared objects used to blend together into a tangle of overlapping lines. The new styling makes them much easier to interpret.

  • Drawn lines appear as solid lines
  • Recorded tracks appear as dashed lines
  • Objects are assigned random colors to make individual routes easier to distinguish
  • At higher zoom levels, Markers appear with their original icon style and color

The result is a much clearer view when multiple routes overlap.

Object Details for the Dolomite Circuit route

Richer Object Details

Click or tap any shared object to open the Object Details panel, which displays additional information about the object and where it came from.

Depending on the object type, you may see details like:

  • Distance and recorded time for tracks
  • Coordinates for markers
  • The original map the object belongs to
  • How many users have bookmarked (or saved) that map– a helpful indicator of popularity!

Easily Add Shared Data to Your Map

You can take action directly from the Object Details panel, including:

  • Add to Map to bring the object directly into your own map
  • Export to download the object as a file
  • Profile for lines and tracks to view distance and elevation
  • Point Info for markers

You can also open the original map to explore it in full and even bookmark it to your account if you want to return to it later.

What are Public CalTopo Maps?

Finding new campsites with the Shared Maps layer

Shared objects appear in this layer only when they come from public maps. Every CalTopo map has a base permission that determines who can access it and how it can be found.

By default, the base permission for CalTopo maps is set to URL for individual users and Secret for team accounts (which means they are not part of the Shared Maps layer). If you want your map to appear in the Shared Maps layer, simply change its base permission to Public.

More information on base permissions can be found in the Map Sharing section of the user guide. 

Check What You’re Sharing

Not sure what data you’ve shared publicly? 

Turn on the Your Maps layer (in the Your Data section of the Overlays menu) and select Shared Data from the dropdown. This shows any objects from your maps that are currently visible in the Shared Maps layer. To remove something, simply change the base permission of the original map away from Public.

More information on Your Maps can be found in the Your Maps overlay section of the user guide. 

Unlock a Powerful Resource

The Shared Maps layer turns thousands of public maps into a route discovery tool, planning resource, and community knowledge base—all directly inside the map. Whether you’re researching a new zone, looking for inspiration, or adding useful data to your own map, it’s one of the most powerful ways to learn from the experience of other CalTopo users. 

If you want to learn more about Shared Maps, visit the Shared Maps overlay section of our user guide. Got questions or comments? Let us know below or send us an email at help@caltopo.com. 

Thanks for using CalTopo & happy mapping!

Disclaimer: Shared Maps are user created publicly available maps and not vetted by CalTopo for accuracy. Always carefully evaluate data available through this layer and educate yourself on responsible backcountry travel practices and etiquette. 

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.

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