BACKPACKER Map Maker Pro app review: easily plan backpacking and camping trips, and other outdoor adventures on interactive maps

Introduction

Those of you who are planning a trip off the beaten track and are looking for a decent map-making resource will definitely want to check out this powerful iPad app which places a vast array of topographical tools at your disposal.

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I’m not going to pretend for even one second that I know the first thing about topography or navigation, but I’m very impressed with what I’ve seen of this app. Of course, I’d be sure to defer the responsibility of using this app to someone who actually knows what they’re doing!

Access Powerful Topographical Tools

BACKPACKER Map Maker Pro has been designed to offer backpackers, hikers, and adventurers alike with an effective way of creating and editing ‘topo’ maps and saving them so that they can be accessed in full detail without the need for an Internet connection.

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According to the developer: “Topo maps are 1:24K scale in the Lower 48 states, 1:63K in Alaska and 1:50K in Canada.”  There are also five different map types to choose from, including street, terrain, and aerial.

Another very cool thing about this app is that you can actually order a waterproof custom printed topo map or aerial image from directly within the app, and the map will be printed and shipped to you within just 24 hours.

All Your Map Making Needs Satisfied!

The tools actually available within the maps themselves are also very useful, and you can view coordinates in a few different formats. Coordinates can also be copied and pasted directly into the app from websites and other apps, so you should have no trouble finding exact locations.

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You can also move waypoints around your maps by dragging and dropping with the very cool gesture-based control system, and there is an integrated ruler which can be used to measure different legs of your journey so that you and your party know exactly what to expect along the way.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Easily plan backpacking and camping trips, and other outdoor adventures on interactive maps
• Utilize five map types: street, hybrid, terrain, topographic, and aerial
• Map Maker enables you to overlay two map types on top of each 
• Topo maps are 1:24K scale in the Lower 48 states, 1:63K in Alaska and 1:50K in Canada
• Mark waypoints with a simple drag-and-drop of your finger
• Order a waterproof custom printed topo map or aerial image from within the app
• See how far waypoints are from your current location
• Maps can be saved locally to your device so no Internet connection is required
• Pre-plan trips and auto-sync them to the Backpacker Trip Cloud
• Switch between metric and imperial units

Cons                 

• There is nothing negative to say about this app

Final Words

I know a well-developed app when I see one, and it definitely appears as if the developer has covered all bases with BACKPACKER Map Maker Pro. I think you’ll do very well by this app on your iPad.