New 3D maps will make Strava even better for hikers and trail runners

Mountain scenery with Strava screengrabs superimposed on top
(Image credit: Getty/Strava)

Strava has acquired Fatmap – a company that specializes in 3D maps for outdoor adventures – which should make the app even better for hiking, trail running, and mountain biking.

Although it was originally made with road runners and cyclists in mind, Strava is now moving onto off-road sports in a big way. In June last year, the app gained a new trail-finding feature, which shows popular trails near you, complete with start locations. It also gained support for four new mud-focused activities: trail running, gravel biking, mountain biking, and e-MTB.

Trail suggestions vary depending on your chosen activity, and the app will provide you with trips to make your hike, run, or ride as fun as possible.

Go your own way

Now, it sounds like route suggestions are going to get even better. Fatmap's 3D mapping tech will be enabled in all of Strava's services, along with specially curated local guides, points of interest, and safety information.

Fatmap already has an active community of runners, riders, and hikers creating and sharing routes with one another, and it sounds as though this crowd-sourced, interactive experience will be a big part of its integration with Strava.

We don't yet have a date for when you can expect to see Fatmaps 3D maps in Strava, but we'll keep you updated when we know more.

Cat Ellis
Editor

Cat is Homes Editor at TechRadar and former editor of Advnture. She's been a journalist for 15 years, and cut her teeth on magazines before moving online. She helps readers choose the right tech for their home, get the best deals, and do more with their new devices.