# You Need A Map — Offline 3D topo maps > Offline 3D topographic maps of the entire USA for navigation and emergencies. (iPhone/iPad app by GrangerFX.) - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/you-need-a-map/id415545903 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`) - Developer: [GrangerFX](https://appshunter.io/developer/363698835) - Category: Navigation, Travel - Price: Free with in-app purchases - Rating: 4.40/5 from 53 App Store ratings · 88 written reviews indexed - Age rating: 4+ - Requires: iOS 16.1 · 66 MB - Languages: American English - Released: 2011-01-31 - Data updated: 2026-08-28 - Monetization: paid - User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/you-need-a-map/id415545903/reviews.md ## What is You Need A Map? If you get lost or in an emergency, YOU NEED A MAP! A map that covers the entire USA, all 50 states. A map that works everywhere even without a cell phone signal. A map that shows not just roads but also terrain, streams, lakes and other landmarks. Note: If you would prefer a small app that caches online maps covering the entire world, please see the More by GrangerFX section below and try the free Scenic Map app. Get You Need A Map if you want an offline map the entire USA as a single large download. The paid apps have built in maps with full resolution terrain. Your iPhone has a great online map but all it takes is one wrong turn and you could find yourself lost with no cell phone signal. What is the fastest way back to the highway? Should you go forwards or back? Is there a better road just a short distance away? Is there a raging stream or an steep cliff between you and the road? YOU NEED A MAP! You Need A Map is a huge application. It has to be. It contains every mountain, hill, stream, lake, pond, freeway, highway, local road and track. In addition it contains many buildings, trails, railways, points of interest and polygon features. It has everything you need to find out where you are and what is around you anywhere in the USA. Most navigation apps on the iPhone and iPad must transfer all their maps from servers on the internet. This can be slow in areas with only 2G coverage or completely unavailable in wilderness areas where a map would be most useful. You Need A Map solves this problem by storing maps directly on your iPhone or iPad. This extremely fast high quality software renderer is the first of its kind for mobile devices. If you do have a cellular or WiFi internet connect, Satellite image overlays add breathtaking detail and realism to the maps (tap preset 2 or 4 when Online Map is enabled). You can use them as you travel to see what is hidden from view at ground level. This takes moving maps to a whole new level. Tap the arrow in the toolbar to enable GPS tracking. As you move, you will generate a track file which you can replay. You can also import GPX tracks generated in other programs and play them. While recording or playing a track, the map will be centered on the current location and rotated towards the direction of travel and rendered in 2D or 3D with silky smooth animation. When playing a track, you can speed up, slow down, pause, restart or skip to the end. Send your GPX tracks to other apps or email them. Want to learn more about a map feature? Click the target icon and center it under the compass rose to display its name, feature type, urban area, state, elevation and coordinates. You will also see a bearing line back to your current GPS location or from your location to a selected waypoint. The status will display the direction and distance along with the map and GPS elevation, the track length, and your current speed and direction of travel You Need A Map uses the same code as Scenic Map and has most of the same features. These include many map customization options, customizable waypoints, direction and bearing information, a smooth scrolling moving map display while driving or flying, city search and much more. You can also get the full feature set of Scenic Map with an in-app purchase including the new online maps of the entire world. Documentation, detailed coverage maps, installation guide and blog are available on ScenicMap.com You Need A Map covers the entire USA including all 50 states Map data © OpenStreetMap and contributors under the Open Database License You Need A Map supports GPS tracking while the app is in the background. Caution: Continued use of GPS running in the background can dramatically decrease battery life. ## Key features - Offline 3D topographic maps - Covers all 50 US states - Works without cell signal - Shows terrain, roads, and landmarks - GPS tracking and track replay - Detailed feature information display - Satellite image overlays ## Pricing and in-app purchases Base price: Free. **One-time purchases** | Purchase | Price | Type | | --- | --- | --- | | 3D Mapping | Free | one-time | | Scenic Map Features | $4.99 | one-time | ## What do users think of You Need A Map? Overall sentiment: positive **Pros** - 🗺️ Excellent offline maps - ⛰️ Detailed terrain and 3D view - 📸 Useful for photography planning - ✈️ Great for pilots and aviation - 🌲 Ideal for backcountry/remote areas - 💡 Innovative features like sun simulation - 👍 Easy to use interface - ✅ Reliable in no-signal areas - 💯 Professional and well-made app - 🌟 World-class customer service - 🔄 Seamless GPX file import - 🧭 Tracks and navigation features - 💰 Great value for price **Cons** - 💾 Large file size - 🔋 High battery consumption - 🗺️ Missing specific locations (e.g., Isle Royale) - 📉 Outdated map data in some areas - ❓ Unintuitive at times - 🗄️ Difficulty organizing waypoints - 🎨 Graphics could be improved - 🌐 Limited to USA (for some users) - 🎛️ Cluttered interface reported by some **Commonly reported bugs** - Dark mode alphanumeric display issue - App crashes when touching GPS icon - App won't open after update - Download issues - 3D feature purchase unavailable **Most requested features** - Prioritize favorite waypoints - Update satellite imagery - Improve search functionality for towns/streets - Add BLM and state trust land overlays - Add Retina display graphics for new iPads - Provide a user guide within the app - Add status icon for GPS signal acquisition - Make maps selectable by region to reduce download size - Improve street name alignment/readability ## Recent user reviews (10 of 88) All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/you-need-a-map/id415545903/reviews.md ### 5/5 — An offline map of USA in your pocket *2024-03-17* I love this app and highly recommend this app. Each family member Carrie’s this on their phones for those just in case times you can’t get a signal for typical online only maps. In addition, it has lots of features for exploring areas and seeing the terrain near you. It helps me plan photography shots too! You can turn on 3D view, put up an imaginary sun, and see where shadows vs sunlight will be. Just an excellent map app. ### 5/5 — Great in so many ways *2021-12-18, version 1.8.17* Key use cases for me… 1. Security- a map at all times of the US downloaded on your phone. I keep an old iPhone 5 loaded up and stored kn the glove compartment. Doesn’t need any cell, just some power. Find your way anywhere in US when cell towers aren’t around. 2. As a photographer- I plan shots ahead of time, especially important for elevation simulation along with sun / shadow simulation. Amazing for this. 3. As an semi outdoorsy enthusiast- an always available map for the backwoods, kayaking, any remote areas. 4. Just plain fun. Visit areas and see the topography in ways others apps just don’t. 5. I have not uploaded GPX files, but I should. Could be cool to see my recorded mountain bike rides from Motion X (GREAT GPS app) Thanks for building this app! ### 4/5 — Excellent *2020-08-24* I’ve used this flying across the country as a pilot and in the mountains hiking. No cell signal needed and the ability to leave a track so you can follow it back out. ### 5/5 — Dark Mode glitch *2020-07-15* Hey developers, When using dark mode, all alphanumeric values in ‘tracks’ will not display. The portion of tracks that I can edit will only display emojis and nothing that I have written or what is programmed to be there prior to edit. The bottom segment of tracks that I can’t edit remains visible in either mode. Just thought I’d let ya know😎 ### 5/5 — YNAM *2020-02-06* The best in Canada AND elsewhere. ### 5/5 — Excellent update for an excellent app. *2019-10-09* The latest update is great! You can add GPX files directly from safari downloads via the share sheet. I couldn’t be more impressed with the app. I really appreciate the customer service. Prompt responses to emails and delivering the goods World class work. Thank you ### 5/5 — Isle Royale, MI *2019-05-09* Great app. But where is Isle Royale, Michigan? The roads are there but the island is missing. ### 5/5 — Name says it all *2018-09-25* I know if I have this app on my phone and my phone in my pocket I can just start driving down a new trail some where in the bush and use this to get back later. ### 5/5 — Powerful tool for Helicopter Search & Rescue *2018-08-11* UPDATED 10-AUG-2018: I LOVE THIS APP- I’ve been utilizing this app as a back up (honestly, primary) to the onboard navigation equipment on a Navy MH-60S specifically for SAR Ops and identifying names and locations of local landmarks, roads, and popular trails such as the Pacific Crest Trail which is well marked within the app. UPDATE: I've also used all over the Pacific, midway, Japan, Indo, Vietnam, Singapore, Sri Lanka, PI, Indo-Asia area with zero issues. I've found that if I know where I'm going ahead of time, I'll get on Wi-Fi or data and conduct a map study, zoom in, and then cache the maps with the necessary zoom in detail as required for my flight missions. The only downside to this app is that it requires around 2GB of memory on your device to store the 3D maps (UPDATE: I got a new phone so memory is no longer an issue). But for what I do, even if I was limited on memory, I’m more than willing to give up that space on my phone/ipad for this app and the cached map data. Although I give it 5 stars, there is always room for improvement. For instance, I've got a lot of stored waypoints. I'd like to be able to prioritize my favorite waypoints towards the top of my list instead of having to scroll all the way to the bottom just to access my most frequently used ones. (If there is a way to already do that, I haven't figured it out). Also, I'd like to see the satellite imagery updated. For the price of the app and In-app Purchase, this is the best tool for the SAR community that I’ve used so far. I’ve paired my phone with a Bad Elph GPS Rx’r for better SAT reception when the phones onboard Rx’r just won’t cut it. The app eats up battery quick so when using it for extended searches/Nav, make sure you’ve got an external battery. ### 1/5 — Looks good and I would love to try it *2017-05-17, version 1.8.4* But it won't download.i tried hundreds of times to get it to download.its not my iPad because I checked so it has to be the app.please fix so I can try this app.thank you. ## Frequently asked questions about You Need A Map ### What does You Need A Map do? You Need A Map provides detailed offline 3D topographic maps covering the entire USA. It displays not only roads but also terrain features like mountains, streams, and lakes, allowing for navigation even in areas without a cell signal. ### What are the key features of this app? Key features include offline 3D topographic maps of all 50 US states, functionality without a cell signal, detailed terrain and landmark information, GPS tracking with track replay, and the ability to display feature details like elevation and coordinates. ### How much does You Need A Map cost? The application is a paid app. The description indicates that paid apps include built-in maps with full resolution terrain, suggesting a one-time purchase for access to these features. ### What devices is You Need A Map compatible with? The app is designed for mobile devices, specifically mentioning iPhone and iPad. It utilizes the device's GPS capabilities for tracking and navigation. ### When would I use You Need A Map? You would use You Need A Map when you anticipate being in areas with no cell phone signal, such as wilderness exploration, hiking, or camping. It's also useful for emergency situations where quick and reliable navigation is critical. ## Version history (last 5 releases) ### 1.9.2 — 2024-01-19 Fast initial download. Maps are then dowloaded automatically. Fixed track recording in iOS 17. Fixed the settings menu in landscape mode on iPhone. Fixed low frame rate when the information bar is enabled. The map's highest detail is now displayed while scrolling. ### 1.8.17 — 2021-09-07 Additional map files will download the first time this app is installed. Please allow the download to complete before using the map offline. The download status is shown at the top of the settings menu. When the download is complete, the Online Maps option will appear. 1.8.17: Low storage notifications appear reliably when downloading the additional maps. ### 1.8.16 — 2021-08-29 This version will download additional map files after the app is installed. Please allow the download to complete before using the map offline. The download status is shown at the top of the settings menu. When the download is complete, the Online Maps option will appear. 1.8.16: The request to free additional storage will appear correctly now. 1.8.15: Fix for freeze when downloading maps. 1.8.14: The map data has been updated and several bugs were fixed. ### 1.8.15 — 2021-08-27 This version will download additional map files after the app is installed. Please allow the download to complete before using the map offline. The download status is shown at the top of the settings menu. When the download is complete, the Online Maps option will appear. 1.8.15: Fix for freeze when downloading maps. 1.8.14: The map data has been updated and several bugs were fixed. ### 1.8.14 — 2021-08-26 This version will download additional map files after the app is installed. Please allow the download to complete before using the map offline. The download status is shown at the top of the settings menu. When the download is complete, the Online Maps option will appear. The map data has been updated and several bugs were fixed. ## Apps similar to You Need A Map | App | Rating | Price | Category | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [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 | | [Gaia GPS: Mobile Trail Maps](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gaia-gps-mobile-trail-maps/id1201979492) | 4.8 (32,155) | Free | Navigation | | [onX Hunt: GPS Hunting Maps](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/onx-hunt-gps-hunting-maps/id672902340) | 4.9 (274,288) | Free | Navigation | | [Guru Maps Pro - Offline Nav](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/guru-maps-pro-offline-nav/id891362701) | 4.7 (988) | $89.99 | Navigation | | [Google Maps](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/google-maps/id585027354) | 4.7 (7,310,696) | Free | Navigation | ## More apps by GrangerFX - [Scenic Map Grand Canyon](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/scenic-map-grand-canyon/id363698832) - [Scenic Map Western USA](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/scenic-map-western-usa/id363746157) - [Scenic Map Central USA](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/scenic-map-central-usa/id363748018) - [Scenic Map Eastern USA](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/scenic-map-eastern-usa/id363748874) - [Scenic Map Alaska](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/scenic-map-alaska/id403580662) All apps by GrangerFX: https://appshunter.io/developer/363698835 ## Related topics [terrain map](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/terrain-map) · [america the beautiful pass map](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/america-the-beautiful-pass-map) · [dollywood map](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/dollywood-map) · [xp go terrain](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/xp-go-terrain) --- *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 2026-08-28.*