Avenza Maps: Offline Mapping icon
Avenza Maps: Professional Offline Mapping Solution for Outdoor Navigation

by Avenza Systems Inc.

4.8
IOSNavigation
Avenza Maps provides robust offline GPS navigation using professional cartography from National Geographic and government agencies. The app serves outdoor enthusiasts who require reliable mapping in remote areas without cellular service.

Detailed Review

Avenza Maps establishes itself as a premier offline mapping solution for outdoor navigation, distinguishing itself through partnerships with professional cartographic publishers including National Geographic, National Park Service, and US Forest Service. The app occupies a unique position in the mapping market by focusing specifically on offline functionality and professional-grade maps rather than conventional turn-by-turn navigation. The core functionality centers on downloading and storing maps for offline use, with GPS tracking that functions independently of cellular signals. Users can access an extensive map store containing topographic, hiking, cycling, nautical, and trail maps from reputable publishers. The platform supports importing custom maps in multiple formats, enabling professionals and enthusiasts to utilize their own cartographic materials. Map interaction includes standard pinch-to-zoom functionality, placemark dropping, and track recording capabilities. User experience reflects a practical interface designed for field use rather than aesthetic appeal. The learning curve proves manageable for most users, with intuitive map downloading and organization features. Real-world usage patterns show consistent application during hiking, backcountry exploration, and professional fieldwork where reliable offline navigation proves critical. The interface prioritizes functionality over visual polish, with clear map rendering and responsive GPS tracking even in challenging terrain. User feedback consistently highlights reliability in remote scenarios, with multiple reviewers specifically noting successful use in areas without cellular service. User Grab-n-snatch (July 30, 2025) reported effective use of MVUM forest service maps for dispersed camping in Colorado, while Wisco sarah jo (July 6, 2025) emphasized the value of seeing real-time position on maps during multi-year hiking use. Multiple reviews from 2025 consistently praise the offline functionality and map quality, though some users note the interface could benefit from modernization. The application demonstrates particular strength in professional and backcountry contexts where reliable offline navigation proves essential. Limitations include a less polished interface compared to consumer-focused mapping apps and occasional complexity in managing extensive map collections. The ideal use case involves outdoor professionals, serious hikers, and researchers requiring dependable offline navigation with professional-grade cartography rather than casual users seeking turn-by-turn directions.

Key Features

  • Offline GPS tracking maintains location accuracy without cellular service using device GPS capabilities
  • Professional map store features National Geographic, USFS, and NPS cartography for authoritative navigation
  • Custom map import supports KMZ, GeoTIFF and PDF formats for specialized mapping requirements
  • MVUM forest service maps provide legal motor vehicle use information for public lands
  • Real-time position marking shows exact location on downloaded maps during navigation
  • Free and paid map options include topographic and specialized maps for various activities

Why Users Love It

Reliable offline functionality
Professional cartography sources

Perfect for: Outdoor enthusiasts and professionals requiring offline navigation

Screenshots

Avenza Maps: Offline Mapping screenshot 1Avenza Maps: Offline Mapping screenshot 2Avenza Maps: Offline Mapping screenshot 3Avenza Maps: Offline Mapping screenshot 4Avenza Maps: Offline Mapping screenshot 5Avenza Maps: Offline Mapping screenshot 6

Ranking History

Track Avenza Maps: Offline Mapping's performance in Navigation over the last 30 days

Top 5
Top 10
Top 15
Below 15

Current Rank

#37

2 from last week

Best Rank

#30

All-time high

Average Rank

#35

30-day average

User Reviews

LilShaq00
Aug 8, 2024

Shows exact location with all the fire map info. I Really love camping and I’ve been using it for backwoods camping. It’s an amazing app, will be recommending for anyone doing any sort of camping. 10 out of 10 couldn’t ask for a better free map service. Love this app for fighting forest fires!! Shows exact location with all the fire map info. I Really love camping and I’ve been using it for backwoods camping. It’s an amazing app, will be recommending for anyone doing any sort of camping. 10 out of 10 couldn’t ask for a better free map service.

buryitz
Aug 18, 2024

Tried them all and the only one we use now for trail riding. The best Tried them all and the only one we use now for trail riding.

HerrrreFishey
Aug 5, 2025

Many quad maps are free download with gps enabled location, even with no cell service. Terrific! Many quad maps are free download with gps enabled location, even with no cell service.

nicknamesaretaken89
Aug 1, 2025

What a fantastic mapping tool. I can’t recommend it highly enough. It’s very user friendly and easy to navigate, and the offline functionality works like a charm. I highly recommend Avenza. Fantastic app! What a fantastic mapping tool. I can’t recommend it highly enough. It’s very user friendly and easy to navigate, and the offline functionality works like a charm. I highly recommend Avenza.

Big Bo’s W
Aug 28, 2024

Maps are easy to read. High quality. And best of all, you can map out your ride trail-to-trail. No other map can do that, that I’ve tried. Once ride is mapped out, you have distance traveling, which helps with planning destinations. It’s easy to follow and tracks your ride. Map Review Maps are easy to read. High quality. And best of all, you can map out your ride trail-to-trail. No other map can do that, that I’ve tried. Once ride is mapped out, you have distance traveling, which helps with planning destinations. It’s easy to follow and tracks your ride.

App Details

Developer

Avenza Systems Inc.

Platform

ios

Rating

4.8

Last Updated

10/7/2025