# Ascend Maps — Custom Outdoor Maps and GPS

> Open source offline navigation app with customizable maps and GPS features. (iPhone/iPad app by Matthew White.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ascend-maps/id6504321706 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Matthew White](https://appshunter.io/developer/1498369427)
- Category: Navigation, Health & Fitness
- Price: Free
- Rating: 5.00/5 from 1 App Store ratings
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 12.0 · 11 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2024-06-28
- Data updated: 2026-08-26
- Monetization: free
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ascend-maps/id6504321706/reviews.md

## What is Ascend Maps?

Ascend is an open source app for vector and raster maps.  Features include 3D terrain, offline search, track recording and editing, managing saved places, saving map tiles for offline use, and more.

CUSTOMIZABLE
* Includes a simple, customizable style for OpenStreetMap vector tiles with modes for hiking, biking, and transit.
* Overlay customizable hillshading, shaded relief, contour lines, and slope angle shading calculated in real-time over any base map. 
* Supports plugins for search, routing, map sources and more.
* Add new online map sources and combine layers to create new maps.  
* Generate and import your own vector tiles.

COMPREHENSIVE 
* Offline search
* Wikipedia search
* Manage saved places
* Show geotagged photos from your Photo Library.
* Create and edit routes
* Record and edit tracks for hiking, fitness, and more
* Save map tiles for offline use

Learn more at https://github.com/styluslabs/maps

## Key features

- Offline search
- 3D terrain
- Track recording and editing
- Saved places management
- Customizable map styles
- Offline map tile saving


## Frequently asked questions about Ascend Maps

### What devices does Ascend Maps support?

Ascend Maps is available for iPhone, iPad, and iPod. It is designed to work across these Apple devices, offering a consistent experience for users on the go.

### Is Ascend Maps free to use?

Yes, Ascend Maps is completely free to download and use. There are no in-app purchases or subscription fees required to access its full range of features.

### Does Ascend Maps have ads?

No, Ascend Maps is ad-free. You can enjoy an uninterrupted navigation experience without any advertisements interrupting your use of the app.

### How often is Ascend Maps updated?

The latest version of Ascend Maps is 1.3.2, released on October 16, 2025. While specific update frequency isn't detailed, recent updates indicate ongoing development and support.

### What is the age rating for Ascend Maps?

Ascend Maps has an age rating of 4+. This indicates it is suitable for users of all ages, with no mature content or complex themes.

### Can I use Ascend Maps offline?

Yes, Ascend Maps is designed for offline use. You can save map tiles for offline access, perform offline searches, and record tracks without an internet connection.

### What kind of customization does Ascend Maps offer?

Ascend Maps offers extensive customization, including styles for OpenStreetMap tiles (hiking, biking, transit), overlaying hillshading, shaded relief, contour lines, and slope angle shading. You can also add new online map sources and combine layers.

### What are the main features for outdoor activities in Ascend Maps?

For outdoor activities, Ascend Maps provides offline search, track recording and editing for hiking and fitness, managing saved places, and saving map tiles for offline use. It also supports plugins for routing and map sources.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 1.4.0 — 2026-08-26

* online search
* place history
* option to highlight routes persistently
* webp support
* Mapterhorn elevation tile support

### 1.3.2 — 2025-10-16

* fixes for running on macOS
* insert waypoints in route
* plugin for hillshading based on actual solar position

### 1.2 — 2025-04-29

* worldwide tile server for Ascend OSM vector tiles
* support native functions for scene styling to speed up tile building
* support 3D terrain exaggeration
* improved handling of missing tiles

### 1.1 — 2025-01-12

* 3D terrain
* contour labels
* adjustable layer opacity

### 1.0 — 2024-06-28

No release notes.

## Apps similar to Ascend Maps

| App | Rating | Price | Category |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Maps 3D PRO - Hike & Bike](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/maps-3d-pro-hike-and-bike/id391304000) | 4.4 (205) | $4.99 | Navigation |
| [Maps 3D Neo](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/maps-3d-neo/id426034047) | 4.4 (55) | Free | Navigation |
| [GPS Tracker: Offline Maps, GPX](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gps-tracker-offline-maps-gpx/id1536318799) | 4.6 (594) | Free | Navigation |
| [GPS Tracks](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gps-tracks/id425589565) | 4.7 (17,491) | Free | Navigation |
| [Guru Maps - Offline Navigation](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/guru-maps-offline-navigation/id321745474) | 4.7 (2,774) | Free | Navigation |
| [Avenza Maps: Offline Mapping](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/avenza-maps-offline-mapping/id388424049) | 4.8 (127,094) | Free | Navigation |

## More apps by Matthew White

- [Stylus Labs Write Pro](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/stylus-labs-write-pro/id1498369428)
- [Stylus Labs Write](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/stylus-labs-write/id1580794413)

All apps by Matthew White: https://appshunter.io/developer/1498369427

## Related topics

[custom maps](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/custom-maps) · [map route custom](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/map-route-custom)

---

*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-08-26.*