# Topo Maps — USGS and Canadian topo maps

> Offline topographical map viewer for outdoor navigation and backcountry activities. (iPhone/iPad app by Mappendix Limited.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/topo-maps/id306014271 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Mappendix Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/298854054)
- Category: Navigation, Travel
- Price: $19.99
- Rating: 4.30/5 from 128 App Store ratings · 112 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 17+
- Requires: iOS 13.0 · 112 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2009-03-27
- Data updated: 2026-08-24
- Monetization: free
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/topo-maps/id306014271/reviews.md

## What is Topo Maps?

* View over 70,000 Natural Resources Canada 1:50,000 and USGS 1:24,000 topographical maps on your iPhone or iPod touch.  * Ideal for hiking and other backcountry activities.  * Map downloads are FREE!  * More than 16 million maps downloaded so far!

- iPad owners, please see the app "Topo Maps for iPad".

* Users write:

  " I've bought all the topo map apps and I like this the best "

  " Scans are gorgeous ... the interface is exceptionally clean "

  " Downloading maps is easy and fast ... Map displays beautifully and zooms flawlessly "

* Includes Canada (at 1:50,000), the contiguous US (at 1:24,000), Alaska (at 1:24,000 and 1:63,360), Hawaii, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

* Locate the maps you need on the satellite view.  To install a map, touch for about half a second.  Touch again to view it.

* Search by name for over a million towns, peaks, lakes, parks and other features.

* No network connection is needed once the maps have been installed.

* Mark waypoints, and import and export waypoint files in GPX, KML and CSV formats.

* Touch the "current location" button to see where you are, and the compass button to align the map with the ground.

* See coordinates in NAD27 or WGS84 degrees, degrees minutes and seconds, UTM, or MGRS formats.

* Measure distances (miles, feet and km) and bearings (true and magnetic).

The Maps: This app uses high-quality scans of the traditional USGS and NRCan topographic maps which have been the definitive resource for hikers and other backcountry users for many years.  You can make the terrain stand out with hill shading, using simulated sunlight from the direction of your choice.  In the U.S., this app does not use the new "US Topo" maps because they do not show hiking trails and lack other details: please see the web site for more details.

Downloading: US maps are around 8 MB in size and download in a few seconds on a typical home broadband connection.  Canadian maps are larger.  Both cellular data and WiFi can be used, though WiFi is likely to be more reliable in most cases.

- Do please visit https://topomapsapp.com/ for complete instructions, so that you don't miss any features.

We have many ideas for additional features to add to future versions of this app; if you have ideas or other questions or comments, contact details can be found on the website, https://topomapsapp.com/. The website also has more screenshots and other information.

## Key features

- Offline topographical map access
- USGS and Canadian map downloads
- Waypoint marking and GPX import/export
- Current location and compass alignment
- Search for geographical features
- Distance and bearing measurement

## Chart rankings

- #88 in Top Paid · Navigation (US App Store)

## What do users think of Topo Maps?

Overall sentiment: positive

**Pros**

- 📍 Accurate USGS topographic maps for navigation
- 📱 Offline functionality without cellular service
- 💰 One-time purchase with no subscription fees
- 🎯 Precise GPS positioning and waypoint marking
- 📥 Easy map downloading and management
- 🗺️ Detailed historical map data with old features
- ⚡ Low battery consumption compared to competitors
- 🔍 Clean, intuitive user interface
- 🛰️ Works reliably in remote backcountry areas
- 👨‍💼 Excellent developer customer support
- 🧭 Compass and line-of-sight calculation features
- 📊 Multiple coordinate system support (WGS84, MGRS)

**Cons**

- 🗺️ Outdated map data (10-30+ years old)
- 🔴 Alignment issues in some regions (Central Washington)
- ❌ No GPS tracking/breadcrumb trail feature
- 🚫 Limited geographic coverage (US/Canada only)
- ⚠️ Inconsistent elevation accuracy vs. actual GPS
- 🐛 App crashes on iOS 16+ (partially resolved)
- 📊 Poor map scan quality and resolution in places
- 🔗 Cannot import GPX files or KML tracks
- ☁️ No cloud backup for waypoints and annotations
- 📈 Limited map download restrictions (36 map limit)
- 🔄 No real-time GPS tracking overlay
- 🏗️ Appears abandoned with infrequent updates

**Commonly reported bugs**

- App fails to open on iOS 16.2 and later versions
- Map download errors with spotty connectivity prevent future downloads
- App freezes after recent updates
- GPS location inaccuracy on iPhone (works better on iPad)
- Maps misaligned in certain regions
- Elevation readings significantly differ from actual GPS altitude
- App crashes when opening on newer iPhone models
- Blue location indicator too large and blocks map details

**Most requested features**

- GPS tracking with automatic breadcrumb trails
- GPX and KML file import/export capabilities
- Cloud synchronization of waypoints across devices
- Satellite imagery download option
- Track recording and playback functionality
- Elevation profile visualization
- Batch map downloading (multiple maps simultaneously)
- Waypoint timestamp automation
- Height map vs GPS elevation mode switching
- Line-of-sight calculation with fresnel zone visualization
- European and international map coverage
- 3D map rendering
- Distance measurement tools
- Route linking between waypoints
- Apple Watch integration

## Recent user reviews (10 of 112)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/topo-maps/id306014271/reviews.md

### 5/5 — Issue w/ Downloading Maps is Fixed!

*2025-10-07*

OCTOBER 2025: The issue with being unable to download new maps to my device has been fixed. when trying to download new maps, I would get an error message saying the map wasn’t available for download or something like that. I sent an email to the app developer last night, and six hours later he had responded and said the problem was fixed. And it really was! After all these years, this is still the best topographic map app out there for use in conjunction with hiking and exploring.

### 5/5 — This is an excellent product

*2025-07-23, version 1.19*

I'm a land surveyor and this app comes in extremely useful. The quads are pretty well registered and the contours are quite accurate. The biggest downside is that many of the usgs quads are not current.

### 5/5 — Nothing Better for Exploring

*2025-05-26*

I’ve been using these topo maps for years - pretty much everywhere I go I download the local area with these maps if I’m going to be out and about at all. Also, where I live I like to explore the back country, often overland with no trails or roads or on old two-track roads hours away from anywhere with cell service. These maps have been invaluable for offline use. 

I would say, however, that the most interesting use has been the fact that the old WGS84 took maps this app uses show a huge amount of things that modern maps omit. Old structures, mines, prospects, old roads, trails, and miscellaneous items that have been forgotten by all - including modern cartographers - are shown on these maps. A lot of these old things are still around, and are still visible even on satellite maps, but if you were only using modern (non-satellite) maps you would never know they were there many times. I love detail, and I hate how modern maps ignore so many different features that are in fact extant. These maps are perfect in ways so many other newer maps fail.

A few things I wish it had though:
1. The ability to add kml files, including tracks and shapes etc.
2. A mode where the gps would still track but not force you to be centered on your position. The second tap just shows where you were when you tapped it the second time.
3. The ability to switch between a height map and the gps elevation. The app currently uses a hidden elevation map (the same thing it uses for the line of sight feature) to tell you your elevation, not the gps. There can often be pretty drastic differences between your actual elevation and the elevation it shows. I’ve seen these when I’m flying my plane a number of times.
4. All of the above without a subscription and add on features you have to pay for as well (like the new app).

### 5/5 — Love this app

*2023-11-15, version 1.19*

The new beta topo maps 2 has zero functionality, so please don’t stop supporting the original.

### 3/5 — Almost perfect NO SUBSCRIPTION Topo app

*2023-02-25*

I have used this app for years, iPhone 4 days. I wish the developer would update the maps but even as it is it is far more useful than most. It seems like it’s been abandoned which is sad. But it’s still worth it, You pay ONCE and have access to download Topo maps of the entire U.S. for as long as you want. All on your phone so no data connection needed. All is not roses though. 

- alignment is seriously bad in some places. Laughably so. Central Washington state has maps so far out of alignment that adjoing maps look like cards tossed randomly on a table. I have paper USGS Topo maps of the exact same sections and those align perfectly. My National Geographic Topo maps of the same area align perfectly as does my Gaia GPS app. Not sure why these are so badly out of whack. Seems to happen somewhere in areas of various different states i have downloaded maps for 

-there needs to be a GPS tracking feature. So the app lays down a trail that follows your progress and the tracks can be saved and recalled.  The app is really lacking in usefulness without that feature. I am still having to use Topo! Which has this feature so I can save tracks of my adventures. I would love to not have to use Topo! anymore though because it was built for windows 95/XP and that ship has long since sailed. 

-this isn’t 2000 anymore so the 36 map or whatever limitation that exists when downloading hi-res versions of maps should be removed. These maps are small and downloading even an entire state would be very manageable on todays fast WiFi connections. 

- need to be able to import GPX files 

-

### 5/5 — Thanks

*2023-02-21, version 1.17*

A very useful app. Thanks for keeping this app updated.

### 1/5 — IOS 16.2 issues

*2023-01-23, version 1.16*

I am having the same trouble as others. I can’t open the app. Is there a bug fix yet?

### 5/5 — Was great

*2022-12-25, version 1.16*

Loved this app until iOS 16 was downloaded, now app doesn’t work at all, can’t even open it. If you’re running iOS 15 it still works and is a great app. Needs up dated badly, 7 years is tooooo long to not have a update to keep it usable.
This is a update on this app. As of 12-20-2022 this app is again working as before. Not sure who did what to fix it, but thanks. IMO this is the best Topo app that I know of and I have tried a lot of them. It’s simple to use, the price is right, and will show you where your at or want to go without having service, works off GPS. I changed my rating from a 1 star to a 5 star.

### 1/5 — No Longer Works At All

*2022-10-04, version 1.16*

When I got my IPhone 14 this quit working. I deleted it, reinstalled it, and it was even worse.
Don’t waste your time

### 5/5 — BEST TOPO APP FOR LAND SURVEYORS

*2022-09-02*

I use USGS topos daily and this app is really the best way to use these in modern day. No other topo app has real USGS quad maps, and this one having the ability to walk me to within a hundred feet of a section/township/ range corner is amazing. It is especially helpful to download these quad maps for when I go to remote locations. Can’t recommend it enough if you are a surveyor.

People complain about the outdated maps but if you want a newer map you shouldn’t be using USGS topos

## Frequently asked questions about Topo Maps

### What does this app do?

This app allows you to view and download detailed topographical maps from USGS and Natural Resources Canada for offline use. It's designed for hiking and other backcountry activities, providing essential navigation tools.

### What are the key features of this app?

Key features include offline access to over 70,000 topographical maps, the ability to locate maps via satellite view, search for millions of geographical features, mark waypoints, import/export GPX files, and see your current location with compass alignment.

### Is this app free to use?

Yes, the app is free to download and use. The topographical maps themselves are also free to download, making it a cost-effective solution for outdoor navigation.

### What devices is this app compatible with?

This app is designed for iPhone and iPod touch devices. For iPad users, there is a separate app available called 'Topo Maps for iPad'.

### How can I use this app for hiking?

You can download the relevant topographical maps for your hiking area before you go. Once downloaded, you can use the app offline to see your location on the map, mark trails or points of interest, and navigate using the compass and distance measurement tools.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 1.19 — 2023-04-18

This is a minor update to fix bugs.

### 1.18 — 2023-03-04

This is a minor update to fix bugs.

### 1.17 — 2023-02-20

This is a minor update for compatibility with recent devices and iOS versions.

### 1.16 — 2015-11-05

This app has been updated by Apple to display the Apple Watch app icon.

This update is for compatibility with the iPhone 6s, along with various minor bug fixes.
If you don't have an iPhone 6s there is not much to be gained by updating.

### 1.15 — 2014-10-31

This is a further update for improved iOS 8 compatibility.

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## More apps by Mappendix Limited

- [UK Map](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/uk-map/id365745482)
- [Topo Maps for iPad](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/topo-maps-for-ipad/id368739154)
- [3D Map New Zealand](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/3d-map-new-zealand/id1672791758)
- [Topo Maps 2](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/topo-maps-2/id6453889012)

All apps by Mappendix Limited: https://appshunter.io/developer/298854054

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*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 2026-08-24.*