AMap Viewer

AMap Viewer: Offline and Online Mapping for Hikers, Cyclists, and Skiers

The AMap Viewer application is an indispensable tool for outdoor enthusiasts, offering detailed offline topographic maps of New Zealand along with worldwide OpenStreetMap (OSM) maps, complete with contour lines. This app is designed to cater to the needs of trampers (hikers), cyclists, skiers, and anyone else looking to explore different terrains both locally and internationally.

Key Features

Designed with simplicity and ease of use in mind, AMap Viewer allows users to navigate through various settings effortlessly. The application supports both raster (mbtiles) and vector (MapsForge) maps, providing a lightweight yet powerful mapping experience. Users can download topographic maps of New Zealand, derived from LINZ Topo50 and Topo250 maps, as well as maps of all countries directly from the app. For those exploring New Zealand, the app also offers access to online aerial photography.

One of the standout features of AMap Viewer is its ability to overlay multiple maps with adjustable density, allowing for a comprehensive view of the terrain. The application does not require internet connectivity once the maps are downloaded, making it ideal for remote areas. Users can log their routes and save them as GPX files, which can then be displayed alongside any number of previously logged or imported tracks.

In addition to route logging, the app provides detailed data and statistics about each track, including time and distance from the start and end points. It also includes a unique feature that allows users to draw the distant skyline and identify peaks on the map. Furthermore, AMap Viewer offers built-in help and simple text menus, ensuring that users can easily navigate the app without needing to decipher obscure icons.

Search and Data Display

Users can search for geographic features, towns, mountain huts, and homesteads in New Zealand, as well as vector map features such as streets in all countries. This makes it easier for users to plan their routes and find important landmarks.

Permissions

To ensure optimal functionality, AMap Viewer requires certain permissions. The storage permission is used to support existing users who may have maps and tracks stored at random locations. New users will utilize AMap’s dedicated storage folder and will not need to grant the storage permission. However, they can still import tracks from other locations. The location permission is necessary to display the user's current position on the map or to log a track. On Android 10 and above, the "only while using the app" permission is sufficient; background location permission is not required. Despite this, AMap Viewer can still log tracks even when the screen is off or when switching to another app.

With these features and functionalities, AMap Viewer is a must-have application for anyone looking to enhance their outdoor experiences with accurate and detailed maps.