Going Blue vs Vertex Maps

Going Blue is an expedition weather app designed specifically for satellite messengers. It was built for a Denali ski expedition with one goal: to get you all the weather information you would have at home, wherever you are. Going Blue uses a custom codec to pack hundreds of forecast data points into a single message that can be sent over SMS, Garmin inReach, ZOLEO, or iPhone satellite messaging. How it works 1. Build a forecast request in the app. Choose the location, model, and variables that you care about. 2. Send the forecast request to Going Blue via the internet, SMS, Garmin inReach, ZOLEO, or iPhone satellite messaging. 3. Receive an encoded message from Going Blue. Paste it into the app to see a detailed forecast. Features - Satellite ready: Get forecasts anywhere in the world, without cell reception. Works with Garmin inReach, ZOLEO, and iPhone satellite messaging. - Hundreds of data points per message: Uses custom compression optimized for weather data to fit a detailed weather forecast into a single message. - 30+ weather models: Forecasts from high-resolution models like HRRR (3km), HRDPS (2.5km), ICON-D2 (2km), and MET Norway (1km). Automatically chooses the best model for your location. - Detailed cloud cover: See up to 10 levels in the atmosphere to differentiate between high clouds, valley fog, and whiteout conditions. - Mountain forecasts: Pressure-level winds and freezing level for high-altitude mountaineering. - Air quality: Plan around wildfire smoke and other pollution with AQI forecasts. - Model agreement: See how well the forecast agrees with models from NOAA, ECMWF, ECCC, and DWD. - Avalanche forecasts: Full avalanche forecasts from Avalanche Canada. - Works offline: All forecasts are saved on your device for comparing multiple models and past forecasts while offline. - Private: Going Blue requires no account and does not store your name, email, or phone number.

Vertex puts mountain weather, terrain, routes, and activity tracking on one map for paragliding, backcountry skiing, and trail days. EXPLORE WITH VERTEX FREE • Explore online satellite, terrain, elevation and winter basemaps. • Check trails, public lands, motor-vehicle routes, slope angles, avalanche forecasts, airspace and TFRs, and wildfire information. • See temperature, surface wind, gusts, precipitation and cloud forecasts in 3 hour steps across the full available range, where the selected model has coverage. • Check current weather, snow, air-quality and stream-gauge readings and the latest observed radar and lightning. • Record ground activities and import GPX, FIT, TCX, IGC, KML, KMZ and ZIP files. • Review elevation profiles, activity statistics, heart-rate data, photos and XC scores. Measure distances, draw routes manually, and save places and webpages. • Sync personal activities, markers and lines across devices with your free account. PLAN FURTHER WITH VERTEX PRO One monthly or annual subscription covers Pro tools across paragliding, ski and trail modes: • Download maps and supported terrain layers for use without service. • Build and edit routes that automatically follow trails. • Use Photo Basemap to align your photos with terrain and turn them into map overlays. • Point your camera at the mountains with Terrain AR to see ridgelines, slopes and peak names over the live view. • Get detailed 1 hour forecasts where available, soaring and snow forecasts, smoke forecasts, winds aloft, the thermal diagram and airgrams. • Play radar history, nowcasts and forecasts, and browse dated satellite imagery. • Review station history where supported and check live campground availability where available. Your existing downloaded maps, saved photo overlays and personal routes remain viewable when Pro ends. Current observations and forecast coverage depend on the source; not every station has history. Offline downloads contain supported map layers, not all live weather or airspace updates. Pro subscriptions renew automatically until cancelled. Prices and any eligible free trial are shown before purchase. Manage or cancel your subscription in your App Store account settings. Vertex requires a free account using a one-time code sent to your email. Weather, terrain, avalanche, trail, and airspace information may be incomplete, delayed, or inaccurate. Vertex is a planning tool, not a substitute for official forecasts, NOTAMs, avalanche bulletins, local knowledge, or your own judgment. Terms: https://vertexmaps.com/terms Privacy: https://vertexmaps.com/privacy