topo^alpin vs BareGPS

topo^alpin runs your route against the terrain it crosses, against the avalanche situation and against six weather models. The elevation profile takes on colour, and you can tap the places where it gets serious. For the whole Alpine arc. Free, ad-free, no account. THE TOUR-CHECK Upload a GPX file or draw the route on the map. The elevation profile is coloured by risk, and key sections can be tapped and assessed one by one. The avalanche terrain rating says what the terrain is like – regardless of today's conditions. Green means the day does not decide here. Red means it decides everything. Computed with the published AutoATES v2 method, as one dataset for the whole Alpine arc. MOUNTAIN WEATHER AT THE SUMMIT, NOT IN THE VALLEY A weather model's grid point can sit 2000 m below the summit, where rain falls while snow stays up top. Fresh snow, gusts, freezing level and the weather symbol therefore apply to the elevation you are standing at. Six weather models as a weighted ensemble, across 10 days and at 48-hour resolution. The elevation grid shows, band by band, whether rain or snow is falling, with the snow line drawn in. Plus thunderstorm risk, summit wind, cloud layers and elevation-corrected sun times. Measured, not forecast: snow depth and fresh snow from the nearest mountain station, out of more than 1600 stations in six countries. Official avalanche bulletins and weather warnings come with it. THE MAP Official topographic maps of Switzerland, Austria, Bavaria and France, joined seamlessly across the borders. Plus our own map for the whole Alpine arc, aerial imagery and 3D relief you can tilt and rotate. Slope angle at 5 m resolution, ski touring, snowshoe and hiking trails, wildlife and herd protection zones. Areas can be downloaded for the trip. IF SOMETHING HAPPENS The emergency location screen shows your position in decimal degrees, degrees/minutes and UTM, with elevation, fix accuracy and the nearest named terrain feature – offline too. The emergency number follows the area you are in. topo^alpin dials through the phone app and transmits no data to a control room itself. CHECK THE MATHS Method papers are published for avalanche terrain, the Tour-Check and the weather: every step from model to number, with sources and every constant we set. If you do not trust the colour on the map, you can recalculate it. topo^alpin is a decision aid, not a clearance. It shows where a closer look belongs. It replaces neither alpine experience nor the judgement you make on the spot.

Overview BareGPS is a free field-use hiking-focused GPS tracker/recorder which allows caching of mapping to allow offgrid use. The app does not bundle area specific waypoints or waypoint collections, but allows import of these from third-party sources to suit your purpose and location. Menus • Search: Search local waypoints and the wider world. • About: shows this app guide and the app logo. • Settings: opens the settings menu. • Cache: saves and manages offline map areas. • GPX: manages recording and saved tracks. • Map Layer: switches the map layer. • Orientation: resets the map to north-up. • Recenter: returns the map to your current position. GPX Recording Metrics Grids In Settings, under Recording Display, you can choose between two metrics grids on the map. The options are a full metrics display with recording controls and a compact display, which is the default, without recording controls. Recording using full on-map grid When using the full grid, a long tap makes the grid active and usable for 20 seconds, after which it becomes inactive in order to prevent accidental operation. Recording using compact on-map grid Tap the GPX Recording button in the right column and a dialog including recording controls will open. Using Recording Controls Tap Start to begin recording, Stop to end the current track, Discard to throw away a recording you do not want to keep, and Save to keep it on the device. Location Permissions and Data BareGPS uses location access to show your position, and support map recentering and recording features. The app can record, with permission, while it is minimised, in the background or while your phone is locked. For this reason, we suggest choosing While Using the App and turning on Precise Location in Location Services. Location data is processed on device for map display and related features. The app does not require an account, and GPX files, created waypoints or any saved data stays in the app’s local storage unless you export it yourself. Safety BareGPS is a mapping tool, not a substitute for local judgment, route planning, or outdoor safety checks. Note that, for your own safety, you should not rely solely on this app, or any app, for your navigation and safety in the hills. Possession of a map and compass and/or a dedicated GPS unit, and the ability to use them correctly, is an essential precaution. While phones have improved immeasurably in recent years, shortcomings in battery life, waterproofing and signal mean they are not yet suitable as a sole navigation device in the hills. Your safety is your responsibility. Take that responsibility seriously. Private Land Respect property boundaries, access restrictions, and local signage. If a route crosses private land or a restricted area, use lawful access only and choose an alternative route when needed. Credits AppsbyOnzy@gmail.com. • Map rendering: MapLibre Native. • Topographic maps: Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors; DEM: SRTM, Sonny; map style © OpenTopoMap (CC-BY-SA). • OpenStreetmaps: © OpenStreetMap contributors. • Satellite maps: Esri, Maxar, Earthstar Geographics, USDA, and USGS.