FATMAP app on a phone before it was deleted by Strava

The Best 3D Mapping App to Replace FATMAP

a screenshot of Caltopo, a 3D mapping app that provides extensive features
The Eiger rendered with satellite imagery and a Swiss Topo overlay in CalTopo.

 

Prior to October 1 of this year, FATMAP was a go to 3D mapping app that allowed users to view terrain in 3D, record their adventures and share data with others.   After being purchased by Strava in early 2023, FATMAP was shut down by Strava on October 1.  Originally it seemed that Strava would incorporate FATMAP's unique feature set and library of user data that FATMAP had been compiling for a decade. Unfortunately, when October rolled around, Strava shuttered FATMAP without providing a similar product to replace FATMAP's functionality or user generated data.

With FATMAP shuttered, backcountry skiers, splitboarders, climbers and other adventurers are now looking for another app that can replace FATMAP.  This is a hard void to fill for FATMAP's fanbase, but there are a number of contenders with incredible options for 3D Mapping for the backcountry. In this blog, we’ll lay out the best mobile phone (and desktop) apps to replace FATMAP, with features, pricing and comments on the user interfaces of each.

This blog showcases the plethora of great 3D mapping applications that allow users to preview terrain and create routes in 3D, but there is still a void in the user data that FATMAP accumulated over the years.  FATMAP’s user generated routes and guide books were extremely helpful ways of organizing route information for backcountry skiing and alpine climbing.  Most of apps listed here have their own user generated content, but the communities are limited relative to the FATMAP database and the information is less curated.” FATMAP had a great way of sharing route information through both routes and user created “guidebooks.”

3D Mapping App Features

Each of the Apps we reviewed have the following features.

  • Global 3D Coverage: Allows you to view any location in a realistic 3D format, not just route planning. OnX had limited functionality outside of the USA with only the satellite layer functioning.
  • Offline Maps: All apps allow users to download maps for offline use in areas without cellular service. For many of the apps, this is a paid feature.
  • Route Planning: Each app provides tools for creating, customizing, and managing routes with waypoints and tracks.
  • GPS-Based Real-Time Tracking: All apps offer real-time GPS tracking, allowing users to monitor their location and progress during outdoor activities.
  • Elevation Data: All apps provide elevation information.
  • GPX and/or JSON Support: Each app supports importing and exporting GPX and/or files, enabling easy sharing and use of routes across devices.
  • Customizable Maps: They all allow customization of map overlays or layers to adjust visibility of trails, terrain, land use, etc.
  • Weather Integration: All apps feature integrated weather information.
  •  

    CalTopo

    Ideal for experienced backcountry skiers and avalanche-savvy users looking for advanced overlays and terrain analysis.
    A screenshot of Monte Rosa in Caltopo 3d Mapping for desktop and mobile
    A screenshot of Caltopo on Desktop. Photo: Zeb Blais 
    Caltopo is a robust desktop platform and mobile app with 3D functionality. Caltopo's robust feature set and nearly endless map layering options make it a perfect tool for backcountry skiing, alpine climbing, mountain biking or any other activity.  The desktop and mobile apps integrate seamlessly, making it easy to plan trips at home on a laptop and bring your plans to the field on your phone.

      Gaia GPS

      For backcountry skiers & splitboarders looking for a fairly simple user interface with options for advanced map layers and offline reliability.
      A screenshot of Monte Rosa in GAIA GPS
      A screenshot of Gaia on Desktop. Photo: Zeb Blais 

      GAIA has been a reliable and intuitive player in backcountry mapping apps for over a decade.  In 2021, it introduced 3D mapping on its app and desktop interfaces that really improved its functionality for many backcountry users.  It's simple and appealing user interface has made the app easy for users who are less-tech-savy. 

      Relief Maps

      Great for visualizing terrain in 3D but less useful for technical route planning.
      A screenshot of Relief Maps on Desktop.
      A screenshot of Relief Maps on Desktop. It was not possible to change the perspective to match the other apps above on desktop, revealing the limitations of the desktop platform. 

      Relief Maps is a mobile app with a nice interface with limited desktop capabilities.  While using the desktop interface we we're able to change the perspective to be useful for our needs.  This may be due to the app focusing on mobile functionality and we guess that the desktop app will have better functionality moving forward.

      Mapy.cz

      A great free tool for skiers and splitboarders who don't need intensive overlays and functionality and tour in a single country.  The paid option supports multiple countries, but is more expensive than other options.
      A screenshot of Monte Rosa in Mapy.cz on desktop
      A screenshot of Mapy.cz on Desktop.

      Mapy.cz is a Czech internet and mobile map application with worldwide map coverage and localization into many languages.  It uses OpenStreetMap platform for map databases outside of the Czech Republic.
      Mapy.cz currently supports 3D rendering on the desktop app, but not on mobile.  Mapsets are limited compared to Caltopo and Gaia, but still quite good and the app is free.  

      OnX Backcountry

      Tailored for backcountry skiers and splitboarders with curated tools for snow conditions, terrain, and avalanche forecasts, but limited functionality outside of the USA and lacking higher end features of Caltopo and Gaia GPS.
      A screenshot of OnX Backcountry Desktop. The search capability and layer options outside of the USA were limited.
      OnX Backcountry is a USA based app for mobile app and desktop.  OnX has focused its energy on US based mapping, so the functionality outside of the USA is limited.  Two major examples of this are the layers available outside the USA (no topo maps, only satellite imagery) and search functionality.  With an Elite membership we were not able to find results for Zermatt, Switzerland, Monte Rosa or Monte Rosa Hutte that related to Switzerland's highest peak.  
        Search results for Zermatt, Switzerland in OnX Backcountry.
        Topo maps are not available for all areas outside of the US for OnX Backcountry.

        OUTMAP

        Very similar feel to FATMAP but currently lacking the user generated content library of FATMAP. Good for visual terrain assessment in 3D but lacking some technical tools.
        A screenshot of OutMap's mobile interface, which closely resembles that of FATMAP. 

        Outmap is a Munich, Germany based company with flexible pricing from fa free plan to $5/mo.  It's also one of the only apps with a one-time payment for life option (a $200 one-time payment gets you premium access for life).  Outmap also has some nice map layer options including air quality, slope angle and multiple options for satellite imagery, including Google, and weather forecast overlays in North America.

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        3D Mapping App FEATURE, UX and Price COMPARISON

         

        Feature CalTopo (Free) CalTopo (Paid) Gaia GPS (Free) Gaia GPS (Paid) onX Backcountry (Free) onX Backcountry (Paid) Relief Maps (Free) Relief Maps (Paid) Mapy.cz (Free) OUTMAP (Free) OUTMAP (Paid)
        Route Planning 🟢 Yes 🟢 Yes 🟢 Yes 🟢 Yes 🟢 Yes 🟢 Yes 🟢 Yes 🟢 Yes 🟢 Yes 🟢 Yes 🟢 Yes
        GPS Tracking 🟢 Yes 🟢 Yes 🟢 Yes 🟢 Yes 🟢 Yes 🟢 Yes 🟢 Yes 🟢 Yes 🟢 Yes 🟢 Yes 🟢 Yes
        Offline Maps 🔴 No 🟢 Yes 🔴 No 🟢 Yes 🔴 No 🟢 Yes 🔴 No 🟢 Yes 🟢 Yes 🔴 No 🟢 Yes
        Premium Map Layers 🔴 No 🟢 Yes 🔴 No 🟢 Yes 🔴 No 🟢 Yes 🔴 No 🟢 Yes 🟡 Limited 🔴 No 🟢 Yes
        Custom Map Overlays 🔴 No 🟢 Yes 🟡 Limited 🟢 Yes 🔴 No 🟢 Yes 🟡 Limited 🟢 Yes 🔴 No 🔴 No 🟢 Yes
        Slope Angle Shading 🔴 No 🟢 Yes 🔴 No 🟢 Yes 🔴 No 🟢 Yes 🔴 No 🔴 No 🔴 No 🔴 No 🔴 No
        Weather Overlay 🔴 No 🟢 Yes 🔴 No 🟢 Yes 🔴 No 🟢 Yes 🔴 No 🟢 Yes 🔴 No 🔴 No 🟢 Yes
        Avalanche Forecast 🔴 No 🟢 Yes 🔴 No 🟢 Yes 🔴 No 🟢 Yes 🔴 No 🔴 No 🔴 No 🔴 No 🔴 No
        Satellite Imagery 🟢 Yes 🟢 Yes 🟢 Yes 🟢 Yes 🟢 Yes 🟢 Yes 🟢 Yes 🟢 Yes 🟢 Yes 🟢 Yes 🟢 Yes
        Sentinel/Freshsat Imagery 🔴 No 🟢 Yes 🔴 No 🟢 Yes 🔴 No 🔴 No 🔴 No 🟢 Yes 🔴 No 🔴 No 🔴 No
        Worldwide Topo Maps 🟢 Yes 🟢 Yes 🟢 Yes 🟢 Yes 🔴 No 🔴 No 🟢 Yes 🟢 Yes 🟢 Yes 🟢 Yes 🟢 Yes
        Community Content 🟡 Limited 🟢 Yes 🟢 Yes 🟢 Yes 🟡 Limited 🟢 Yes 🔴 No 🔴 No 🔴 No 🟢 Yes 🟢 Yes
        Key:
        🟢 Yes (Full feature available)
        🔴 No (Feature unavailable)
        🟡 Limited (Partial availability or limited functionality)
        • Sentinel Satellite imagery for real-time snow coverage
        • Wildfire Layers, Air Quality, Avalanche Hazard, Weather, Slope Angle Shading
        • Shaded relief, Public Lands, Cell Coverage by provider
        • Overlay map layers (e.g., satellite imagery and topo maps)
        • Create routes, polygons, waypoints
        • Tour planning with Munter Time Calc
        • Track editing and waypoint pictures

        Caltopo is powerful but has a slightly clunky interface. Its vast layering options are ideal for outdoor activities, with a useful FAQ and tutorials. Basic features are easy to use, while advanced features can be optional.

        • Free Version: Basic access to topographic maps, routes, and map sharing.
        • Pro Version: $50/year for advanced layers, high-res printing, and offline maps.
        • Pro+: $100/year for unlimited printing and full access to all maps and collaboration tools.
        • User-generated content available
        • Trim track lengths
        • Pictures at waypoints
        • Hundreds of premium layers (e.g., satellite, weather, public/private land)
        • Map Packs - build your custom map layers

        Gaia has a refined user experience, particularly on mobile, with easy access to advanced map layers. However, layering overlays do not always integrate well.

        • Free Version: GPS tracking, routes, and access to basic map layers.
        • Premium Version: $39.99/year or $99.99 for 3 years, includes additional layers, offline maps, and route planning tools.
        • 3D maps and basic route planning
        • Live tracking

        The mobile app is fast and responsive, but desktop functionality is limited, particularly in 3D terrain navigation.

        • Free Version: Access to 3D maps and basic route planning.
        • Pro Version: Approx. $24/year, unlocking offline 3D maps, high-res terrain detail, and weather layers.
        • 3D rendering on desktop
        • Full feature set for one country

        Mapy.cz is great for single-country users and offers basic features for free. It lacks more advanced features like overlays available in other apps.

        • Free Version: Full access for one country, including offline maps.
        • Paid Version: Unlocks features for unlimited countries.
        • Private and government land ownership layers
        • Air Quality Index and wildfire tracking

        OnX Backcountry is focused on the US, with limited functionality outside the country, and offers solid tools for snow conditions and terrain analysis.

        • Free Version: Limited trails, basic maps, and GPS tracking.
        • Premium Version: $29.99/year for offline maps, land boundaries, and trail data.
        • Elite Version: $99.99/year for more advanced layers and nationwide public/private land data.
        • Community-shared routes and trails
        • Activity-specific maps (e.g., skiing, hiking, cycling)

        Outmap is user-friendly and allows for easy route sharing, although it lacks some technical tools available in other apps.

        • Free Version: GPS tracking, route planning, and community routes.
        • Premium Version: €19.99/year (approx. $21/year) for offline maps, 3D terrain, and advanced route planning.
        • Lifetime Access: One-time payment of €200 for premium features for life.

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