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.
CalTopo
Ideal for experienced backcountry skiers and avalanche-savvy users looking for advanced overlays and terrain analysis.
Gaia GPS
For backcountry skiers & splitboarders looking for a fairly simple user interface with options for advanced map layers and offline reliability.
Relief Maps
Great for visualizing terrain in 3D but less useful for technical route planning.
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.
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.
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.
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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.