3D mapping has become an essential tool for hikers looking to explore new terrains with more visual accuracy and depth. In early 2023, FATMAP announced their acquisition by Strava. With this, many users have been seeking a good alternative to explore 3D maps for their outdoor adventure planning.
- What to Look for as a good replacement for FATMAP
- 1. HiiKER
- 2. Google Earth
- 3. Apple Maps
- 4. Google Maps
- 5. PeakVisor
- Conclusion
While FATMAP was a strong player in the market for 3D hiking maps, many users are looking for alternative platforms that offer unique features. This blog explores non-traditional outdoor apps that offer 3D map functionality and can be used effectively for hiking and outdoor navigation.
What to Look for as a good replacement for FATMAP
When searching for an alternative to FATMAP, you should consider:
- Resolution: When exploring routes and terrain in 3D, the quality of the image must be as high as possible. Many apps and websites don’t provide this and you are left with blurry, unusable maps.
- Load speed: It is critical for a good user experience that the map loads quick. If you have to wait each time you move the map to load, it can get very frustrating.
- Detail and Accuracy: How comprehensive are the maps, and do they include trails, elevation changes, and terrain details?
- Offline Capability: Can you access maps offline when you’re deep into nature with no cell service?
- Ease of Use: Does the app offer a user-friendly experience for planning, navigating, and reviewing hikes?
- Additional Features: Are there extras like the ability to mark waypoints, track your route, or share your hike with friends?
1. HiiKER
Overview: HiiKER is a dedicated hiking app that is becoming popular due to its extensive trail database, selection of local and regional mapping and intuitive navigation features.
3D Mapping Features: HiiKER rolled out 3D mapping in early 2024, which allows hikers to visualize trails and terrain more vividly and plan their routes with greater accuracy. Covering more than 100,000 trails worldwide, it’s leads as one of the best alternative to FATMAP and for those who appreciate advanced navigation tools.
Additional Features: HiiKER allows users to save maps offline for free, set custom waypoints (for water, campsites, or resupply), and offers detailed topographical maps from premium mapping suppliers, such as Swisstopo, OS maps, Harvey maps and many more. It integrates well with apps like Garmin and Strava, allowing users to seamlessly track and share their adventures.
Why It’s a Great Alternative: With its user-friendly design, global trail coverage, and robust 3D mapping features, HiiKER provides a valuable alternative to FATMAP.
2. Google Earth
- Overview: Google Earth offers a comprehensive 3D mapping experience that covers every inch of the globe. While not designed specifically for hikers, it is a powerful tool for terrain visualization.
- 3D Mapping Features: The 3D terrain feature in Google Earth allows you to explore mountains, valleys, and other landscapes in incredible detail. Hikers can preview regions, study elevations, and even look at satellite images to prepare for their trip.
- Additional Features: Users can mark waypoints, create custom paths, and measure distances between points. It’s available on both desktop and mobile, with offline functionality if you save the map beforehand.
- Why It’s a Great Alternative: Google Earth’s 3D rendering capabilities make it an ideal supplementary tool for hikers wanting to visualize their route before heading out, especially in unfamiliar terrain.
3. Apple Maps
- Overview: Apple Maps, often underestimated for hiking, has improved its 3D mapping and now offers terrain views that are helpful for outdoor adventurers.
- 3D Mapping Features: Apple Maps provides a “Look Around” feature in select areas and an enhanced 3D view that helps hikers understand the landscape. Though not as detailed as HiiKER or FATMAP, it is useful for basic navigation and planning.
- Additional Features: Apple Maps also integrates with Siri for hands-free navigation, allowing hikers to get directions while on the move. It offers seamless syncing with other Apple devices, such as the Apple Watch, for fitness tracking.
- Why It’s a Great Alternative: While it may not provide topographic detail, Apple Maps is easy to use, offers offline map-saving capabilities, and works well for users already integrated into the Apple ecosystem.
4. Google Maps
- Overview: Google Maps is traditionally used for urban navigation, but it also offers some features that can be useful for hiking and outdoor navigation.
- 3D Mapping Features: The terrain view in Google Maps allows users to get a basic understanding of the landscape. Although not as detailed as some dedicated hiking apps such as HiiKER, it still provides a 3D representation of hills and valleys.
- Additional Features: Google Maps is widely known for its offline capabilities, detailed directions, and real-time location sharing, which is helpful for group hikes. The app also includes features for nearby restaurants, accommodations, and parking.
- Why It’s a Great Alternative: For short hikes or day trips, Google Maps provides a familiar, reliable option with decent 3D mapping abilities. Its offline capabilities and waypoint features make it a versatile tool for hikers.
5. PeakVisor
- Overview: PeakVisor is a unique app designed for outdoor enthusiasts who want to learn more about the mountains and peaks around them.
- 3D Mapping Features: PeakVisor offers stunning 3D models of mountain ranges and allows users to identify specific peaks using their phone’s camera. It’s particularly useful for alpine hikes where understanding the surrounding topography is crucial.
- Additional Features: The app includes offline maps, route planning, and detailed information about mountain trails. It’s perfect for mountaineers and those planning hikes in high-altitude areas.
- Why It’s a Great Alternative: For hikers focused on elevation and identifying mountain peaks, PeakVisor is a great option. The 3D mapping capabilities are top-notch, providing in-depth detail of mountainous regions.
When choosing an alternative to FATMAP for 3D mapping and outdoor navigation, it’s important to consider what features are most important for your hiking adventures. Whether it’s HiiKER for detailed trail navigation, Google Earth for terrain exploration, or PeakVisor for identifying peaks, these platforms offer unique advantages that make them strong contenders for your next outdoor journey.
