Posts about new features added to CalTopo

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!

 

New Feature: Lockable Maps

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We are excited to introduce another highly requested CalTopo team specific new feature: Lockable Maps! This feature allows you to “lock” a map in its current state so no additional edits/additions can be made. 

Because team accounts allow for seamless and instant collaboration and editing of shared data, some users have expressed a concern for having data/markers/tracks end up on the wrong map, or for the accidental deletion of data from a map. 

While we have worked with many of you in the past to create a subteam for archived maps to limit this potential (still a great option in conjunction), we are very happy to announce that team accounts now include the ability to lock maps!

Team admin or team managers can now lock team maps from completed mission or reference maps that should not be edited or changed. Whatever the reason, locking maps (and unlocking as needed) is as easy as editing the map name. 

Simply open the map edit dialogue and toggle “map locked” on or off as needed. 

Locking maps on the web pictured above

To lock or unlock maps on the mobile app, please ensure you have the most recent version of the app. Currently this is 1.11.4 or higher. To check for updates visit the app store by following this link:  https://caltopo.com/appstore.

You can find more information on using this feature on the web and the mobile app in this section of the user guide: Lockable Maps. 

If you work with an organization that could benefit from this feature, but do not currently have a CalTopo Team account you can find more information on these accounts here: caltopo.com/about/teams. 

We hope this feature will be as useful to you as we are already finding it. With feedback or questions, comment below or email us at help@caltopo.com.

New Feature: SMS Locators on Mobile

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We are excited to announce the addition of the SMS locators feature to the mobile app! An SMS locator is a message sent from CalTopo to a missing or injured person. When they open the text from CalTopo, their location automatically populates on your map. 

SMS locators are one of our most powerful and widely used team specific features. Search and rescue teams use them to locate missing hikers, ski patrol’s for locating and quickly assisting an injured skier, to name a few common uses. Tell us in the comments below how your team uses SMS locators. We’ve heard of some unique ideas!

Over time, the use of a mobile command station with a computer on site has lessened. More teams are performing the majority of mission planning on a mobile device, and adding this feature to the mobile app has been highly requested.

The ability to send SMS locators is now live on the newest app release 1.11.4 (or newer). If you belong to a team, please ensure that you have this version downloaded to use this mobile feature. To check for updates visit the app store by following this link : https://caltopo.com/appstore.

If your department does not currently have a team account and you are interested in this feature, you can find more details at caltopo.com/teams. 

SMS locators in the mobile app work almost identically to online. Choose the “add” button at the top of the app, scroll down and choose SMS Locators. As always, you must be working from a saved map to use this feature. 

SMS Locators in action on the mobile app.

For more details on using SMS Locators, see this section of the CalTopo User Guide: SMS Locators.

If you have any questions, please leave a comment below or email us at help@caltopo.com. 

 

New Feature: Photo Waypoints

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We are beyond excited to announce that one of the most requested features is live on CalTopo: Photo Waypoints! This feature is now available to users with a pro, desktop, or team subscription on the web and mobile app.

Have you ever wanted to attach an overview photo of your route or include a picture you took from across the valley? How about uploading an image of a clue from a search that could be really important later? Or documenting an important creek crossing or turn to catch on your approach?

Well, look no further- photo waypoints has you covered.

There are so many uses for this feature and it goes beyond just waypoints. Photos can be attached to markers, lines, polygons, and tracks, or simply uploaded to a map for later reference. 

Photo waypoints allow you to easily capture visual information on your map.

Customize your map by turning on or off thumbnail visibility as desired.  You can also view larger versions of your photos in the media viewer as well as download the full size version to your computer or mobile device.

Side by side screenshots of the media viewer on the web (left) and mobile app (right).

Photo waypoints is available on both the web and mobile app. Like all other maps or map objects in CalTopo, photos added to maps on one platform will auto sync with the other platform, making it easy to add and access visual information on your map.

There are several different ways to add photos from your computer and phone, including taking a photo directly in the app. For more information on how to use this feature, check out the comprehensive guide on the Photo Waypoints page of our user guide.

What are you waiting for? Go try it out! If you don’t have access to this feature, consider upgrading to a pro subscription or higher at caltopo.com/join. If you have questions or feedback, let us know below or email us at help@caltopo.com.

New Feature: Heading Up

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Referred to by an array of names, we are excited to announce that Heading Up (also known as “Track Up”) mode is now live in the CalTopo mobile app!

This feature has come highly requested by many different types of users, including Search and Rescue members needing to follow a predetermined route, drivers navigating dirt roads, and backcountry users wondering which trail to take at a junction. 

Feature requests for this functionality have been frequent, both via email and through our Feature Request Forum. We even crowdsourced user input as we were creating this new feature (thanks to everyone who contributed their thoughts!).

Side note: if you have other feature requests, go upvote existing posts or create your own on the forum! The Feature Request forum is the main place where we track and monitor user feedback.

Mobile App Changes

Gone are the days of only being able to navigate with north up map orientation in the mobile app! You now have two options for orienting your map when you are displaying your GPS location: Locked mode and Heading Up mode.

In Locked mode, your map’s orientation is fixed. The map viewer will center on your location and the blue heading arrow will move to indicate which direction your device is currently facing. This was previously called “Keep Centered” in the 4-dot Location menu.

In Locked mode the map orientation is fixed and the blue heading arrow moves to reflect the direction you are facing.

In Heading Up mode, your map moves with you! In this mode, the map viewer will also center on your location but the entire map will rotate based on the direction that the device is facing. If you use Heading Up while tracking yourself on an outing, then the direction you are traveling will always be at the top of your screen. 

Check it out in action! In the video below you can see how the entire map rotates as you do, keeping the heading (or the direction you are facing) up at the top of the map viewer.

You can find detailed instructions on how to interact with and use Locked mode and Heading Up mode in the Orienting the Map section of our user guide.

We hope you are excited to give this feature a try! Got comments or questions about this new feature? Let us know below or email us at help@caltopo.com.

Let’s hear it for more LiDAR!

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Want more high resolution elevation data coverage? You got it!

We just completed the latest high resolution elevation data import from the USGS 3D Elevation Program (3DEP), an ongoing project that aims to obtain nationwide LiDAR coverage plus IfSAR coverage in Alaska.

And to be honest, we can’t enough of the newly updated areas. While we regularly make updates to our elevation dataset as high resolution elevation data becomes increasingly available, it’s always mind blowing to see the difference in detail between the new high resolution elevation data and the original lower elevation data. One-meter resolution versus 10-30 meter resolution is no joke!

But don’t take our word for it- check it out for yourself. 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 the Grand Canyon with MapBuilder Topo and slope angle shading.

Before imageAfter image

Above: Split image of Mt Garfield, WA with the shaded relief layer.

Before imageAfter image

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

In addition to the above areas, other notable areas that were part of the latest high resolution elevation data import include:

  • Parts of Glacier National Park
  • Remaining areas in Snoqualmie Pass that didn’t previously have coverage 
  • Sections of the Beartooths and Gallatin range in Montana

To see all the areas that currently have high resolution elevation data, check out this interactive coverage map.

Where can I see high resolution elevation data on CalTopo?

Where available, high resolution elevation data is incorporated into any CalTopo tool or layer that uses our elevation dataset. This includes layers such as MapBuilder Topo, MapBuilder Hybrid, shaded relief, slope angle shading, and custom DEM layers, as well as tools like elevation profiles.

Before imageAfter image

Above: Split image of Snoqualmie Pass, WA with MapBuilder Topo and slope angle shading.

You can view high resolution elevation data on the web, mobile, and desktop app. If you have a mobile subscription or higher, you can download it for offline use, allowing you to bring the high resolution elevation data with you into the backcountry.

Please keep in mind that currently CalTopo 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.

Limitations of high resolution elevation data

While high resolution elevation data is incredibly useful for backcountry travel, it should still not be relied on as a definitive source of truth. As is true of any map (even paper maps!), it is a model of the terrain (albeit a pretty good one!) but not the terrain itself. For a more in depth discussion, check out our blog post Maps and Tracks: Accuracy, Precision, and your Phone GPS (Part 1).

Always carefully assess and evaluate any terrain that you are traveling in, and confirm your observations instead of relying solely on maps. Seek professional instruction on how to travel safely in the backcountry- our partners at the American Mountain Guide Association and American Avalanche Association have some great resources to get you started.

Got questions about our elevation data? Let us know in the comments below. Happy mapping!

New Feature Announcement: Account Folders

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You asked, we created it. We are releasing a new UI for the “Your Data” dialogue that includes a new feature: Account Folders! This will help with two main areas of improvement: organization of maps and continuity between the mobile app and web. These updates will also bring additional capabilities to the mobile application that were previously only available online. 

What’s New?

Below, you can compare the differences between the new and old UI under the “Your Data” menu.

Before imageAfter image

(Slide the bar to the right to reveal the new UI!)

The biggest change is the ability to create, and sort your individual and team data into Account Folders. What does this mean to you? Organization! Spend a lot of time in several areas? Now you can create a folder for all those PNW Ski Line maps you’ve created over the years, and another for backpacking routes in the backcountry of Colorado.

These folders can hold more than just maps too. You can add tracks, PDFs,  Mapsheets, icons, bookmarked maps, and custom layers to these folders. Account Folders (and the new UI) will show on both the website and the mobile/tablet applications. Keep in mind, you can still leave all your maps in the “Your Maps” folder like you always have, if you’d prefer.

A screenshot showing how the Your Data dialogue will appear on the mobile app. 

Another included and frequently requested update is the ability to search for a map within your data. Users with many maps will find the ability to organize and search for a specific map much easier.

 

What does this mean for mobile use?

The look of the mobile app has not changed as significantly, but the functionality has greatly increased. In the past, to accomplish things like editing map name, visibility level of the map (ie. is it private or public), deleting a map, or changing the map ownership of team maps, you had to log into the website.  This can now all be done from your mobile app.  All changes made on the app will automatically update when you log in online, and vice versa. Organizing your data into Account Folders will lessen the need to scroll through long lists of maps within the app. The more maps you have, the more this will be helpful. 

You can now edit or delete maps in the mobile app.

 

What does this mean for team accounts?

CalTopo Teams users were where we saw the most requests for better organization. Team account users tend to have many maps, and belong to several teams or subteams. Previously, it was difficult to navigate to the map you need. This is also true for individual users with many maps (we’ve seen some impressive map counts out there!). This allows teams to create folders, for instance an “Archive” folder, to make accidentally updating old maps less frequent (to be clear, this does not lock the map but is a useful tool to avoid opening the wrong map). 

Everyone on the team (or subteam if you are adding Account Folders to a subteam) can view the folders. To create, delete, or edit a folder in a team or subteam, you must have at least Manage access (or higher). Team members with Update or high level permissions can add items (maps/tracks etc.) to an Account Folder. 

The addition of Account Folders will help your team to quickly find and open the map you need. Maps from previous incidents, or even previous years, can have a specific folder for ease of finding later, while also not cluttering the map list when time is of the essence. If you have questions on how other teams are using this, send us an email for ideas!

The “Your Data” dialogue with Account Folders on a team account.

 

Help! How do I use this?

We know this is a big change. We are so excited to release this after many months of hard work and testing. You can find detailed instructions on using the new UI in our user guide at the following link: Account Folders. 

If you have any questions that aren’t answered in that chapter, please leave questions/comments in the comment section below, or email us at help@caltopo.com. 

Happy Mapping!

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