Why Download Offline Maps?
- Navigate in areas without cell service
- Save mobile data while outdoors
- Faster map loading
- Works in airplane mode
- Essential for backcountry adventures
Downloading Maps
Method 1: From Trail
- Open a trail you want to hike
- Tap Download (cloud icon)
- Adjust the download area
- Confirm download
Method 2: Select Area
- Go to Profile then Offline Maps
- Tap Download New Area
- Pan/zoom to select area
- Choose map type and quality
- Tap Download
Download Settings
Area Selection
- Pinch to resize the download box
- Drag to position the area
- Include buffer around your route
Map Type
Choose which map to download:
- Standard
- Satellite
- Topographic
- Multiple types (larger download)
Quality
- Standard - Good balance (~20-50 MB)
- High Detail - More zoom levels (~50-150 MB)
Managing Downloads
View Downloaded Maps
- Go to Profile then Offline Maps
- See all downloaded areas
- View size and download date
Delete Maps
- Open Offline Maps
- Swipe left on an area (iOS) / long-press (Android)
- Tap Delete
- Confirm removal
Update Maps
Map data can change. To update:
- Open Offline Maps
- Find areas with Update Available
- Tap Update
Storage Management
Check Usage
- Go to Settings then Storage
- View total offline map size
- See available device space
Typical Sizes
City area
- Standard quality: 30-50 MB
- High detail: 80-150 MB
Small region
- Standard quality: 50-100 MB
- High detail: 150-300 MB
Large region
- Standard quality: 100-300 MB
- High detail: 300-800 MB
Tip: Download maps on Wi-Fi before your trip. Large downloads can take time and use significant data.
Smart Downloads
ALTLAS can suggest downloads:
- Automatically offer downloads for saved trails
- Remind you before trips (if calendar connected)
- Suggest popular areas nearby
Offline Map Limits
Free Users
- Limited number of downloads
- Smaller area coverage
- Single map type per area
Premium Users
- Unlimited downloads
- Larger coverage areas
- Multiple map types
- Priority download servers
Troubleshooting
Download Failed
- Check internet connection
- Free up device storage
- Try smaller area
- Retry download
Maps Not Displaying Offline
- Verify download completed
- Check you're viewing downloaded area
- Restart the app
Old/Outdated Maps
- Check for updates in Offline Maps
- Delete and re-download
- Maps update periodically
Best Practices
- Plan ahead - Download before leaving cell coverage
- Download extra - Include buffer around planned route
- Test offline - Enable airplane mode to verify
- Keep updated - Refresh downloads periodically
- Manage storage - Delete old downloads you won't use