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Mapping software and websites

Posted: Wed Mar 09, 2016 8:19 am
by wanderin.jack
I do a lot of off trail and usually like to have a pretty good plan before I go. I'm also a refuge from the now unsupported TOPO! software. What I'm looking for is a one stop shop for planning routes, printing maps and uploading GPX files to an iPhone gps app. I'd like to hear what mapping software or websites others are using. I've looked at several and here is what I've found

Hillmap: great place to start and downloads GPX files nicely but the map printing option is terrible. It looks like the site hasn't been supported since 2014. I sent an email and got no response.

Caltopo: prints maps nicely with uploaded GPX files from hillmap but I can't figure out how to create or edit a route there.

Gaia GPS: I actually paid for this service in hopes that it would be a one stop solution for planning routes, printing maps and uploading GPX files to my iPhone. It does some pretty cool stuff and there is actually support available but it seems very buggy. When planning routes it seems to want to second guess me and plan all sort of loops etc for me that I don't want. Also when planning a little connector route on the JMT it errored out after being fine on a bunch of cross country stuff. Also no scale on printed maps. Seems like the free version is better than the paid version.

All Trail: this is who national geographic sold the TOPO! software too. I haven't tried it since it doesn't say that you can download GPX files and there doesn't appear to be any support so I've passed on it. Appears to be for folks who stay on the trail but not sure.

I'd love to hear the experiences of others. Thanks!


Wanderng Jack

Re: Mapping software and websites

Posted: Wed Mar 09, 2016 8:25 am
by Gazelle
I just started using caltopo bought the $20 version and once you figure it out it works great, also came from TOPO which I loved. Figure I will pay some money so it stays around!

Re: Mapping software and websites

Posted: Wed Mar 09, 2016 9:20 am
by ERIC
I realize this isn't exactly what you're looking for, but if your phone app supports KML files you can download some of the HST member-supported layers on the High Sierra Map. A lot of work has gone into the Cross Country Passes layer and it includes many unnamed crossings.

Re: Mapping software and websites

Posted: Wed Mar 09, 2016 9:26 am
by pakoR
I use CalTopo for most trip planning. Right-click on the map, select New, Line to create a route. Then, start clicking away. Select Marker to add POIs.

Also, Sierra Mapper contains a database of most developed trails and trailheads in the Sierra. You can click from trailhead to trailhead to create a route and it will automatically follow along the trail calculating mileages. You're not limited to trails; it has a button to go off-trail for cross-country travel.

Re: Mapping software and websites

Posted: Wed Mar 09, 2016 3:21 pm
by FeetFirst
pakoR wrote:I use CalTopo for most trip planning. Right-click on the map, select New, Line to create a route. Then, start clicking away. Select Marker to add POIs.

Also, Sierra Mapper contains a database of most developed trails and trailheads in the Sierra. You can click from trailhead to trailhead to create a route and it will automatically follow along the trail calculating mileages. You're not limited to trails; it has a button to go off-trail for cross-country travel.
Ditto.

I plan on signing up for CalTopo's Basic $20/year membership when summer hits for the larger printing format options.

Re: Mapping software and websites

Posted: Wed Mar 09, 2016 10:39 pm
by wanderin.jack
Thanks y'all! In the end I'm still using different websites as they all have their strengths.

Re: Mapping software and websites

Posted: Tue Dec 20, 2016 6:11 pm
by jgaffney
I am also one of the holdouts that is dreading the day my TOPO software dies. One thing I really like about TOPO is the ability to plot profiles. Do either CalTopo or SierraMapper offer this?

Re: Mapping software and websites

Posted: Tue Dec 20, 2016 6:20 pm
by zacjust32
CalTopo does. Just draw or import your line, and on the left side click on the graph looking icon. You can even expand that and get more data than you ever really wanted.

Re: Mapping software and websites

Posted: Sun Jan 09, 2022 11:31 am
by sambieni
Does this mapping tool online no longer work? I love its simplicity and utility. I continually get error message when trying the link.
https://awhite4777.pythonanywhere.com/SierraMapperAlpha

Re: Mapping software and websites

Posted: Wed Jan 12, 2022 9:44 pm
by grampy
I think you got the link a bit off (it’s NOT a secure https address).

Try this (it opens, but can’t say whether it works well):

http://awhite4777.pythonanywhere.com/Si ... ault/start