Outdoor Navigation App with Offline Maps and Forecasts

About the Project

To support navigation in remote areas without internet access, we contributed to the development of iOS and Android mobile applications for hikers and outdoor adventurers. The app integrates multiple map providers, supports offline functionality, and offers advanced features like real-time GPS tracking, terrain overlays, and weather forecast visualizations.

Business Challenge

The client needed a reliable navigation app for outdoor use that would work seamlessly even without internet or mobile coverage. Key challenges included:

• Supporting offline maps with multiple map provider integrations
• Ensuring accurate GPS tracking and real-time geolocation
• Visualizing weather forecasts and environmental data to help users see wind direction, coverage range, and other directional insights on the map
• Designing an app optimized for long-term field use, with special attention to battery consumption

Contributions

We helped design and deliver a robust mobile navigation app built specifically for use in the outdoors:

• Integrated major map providers including Google Maps, Apple Maps, and OpenStreetMap
• Implemented support for offline usage to ensure full functionality in remote, low-connectivity environments
• Developed forecast features and advanced data visualizations, including radial overlays (“fans”) to show wind, coverage zones, and other directional data
• Built real-time GPS tracking for accurate positioning during hikes and expeditions
• Applied power-saving techniques to optimize GPS usage and background services, extending battery life during long outdoor trips

Key Expertise

This project demonstrates our deep experience in building mobile tools for real-world use cases:

• Deep knowledge of map SDKs and multi-provider integration (Google, Apple, OpenStreetMap)
• Delivered lightweight, responsive UI and advanced visual features while keeping smooth performance
• Strong focus on battery-efficient design to keep the app running longer.
• Designed the app to perform well offline with graceful handling of poor network coverage