FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Short answers about Local mode, accounts, offline maps, Pro, readouts, Layer Stack, export, sync, why a control is disabled, and privacy. Your map data stays yours unless you choose to share it.
What is Wildlost?
Wildlost is an outdoor mapping product from WildLost LLC in Boulder, Colorado. Use it to read terrain, plan routes, record tracks, organize map data, and download offline regions.
Do I need an account?
No. You can use Wildlost signed out in Local mode. An account is needed for cloud sync, Pro, and the same library on more than one device.
What is Local mode?
Local is anonymous and offline-first. Map content stays on your device until you sign in and sync, or export it yourself. A red account dot is for a remembered (non-local) account whose session is dead and sync has stopped — not for Local mode.
Can I take maps offline?
Yes. Download an area in the app. The wizard Extras step can include Snap-to-trail routing, 3D terrain, and Place search so those still work without a radio. Packages stay on that device. Clearing site data, uninstalling the app, or removing a package deletes the local copy. Cloud copies remain until you delete them or delete your account. Offline mode uses what you packed; it is not Local mode, and it is not the You're offline banner.
What platforms is Wildlost on?
The web app lives at app.wildlost.com. The mobile version is in development. See the App page for screenshots. This company site is www.wildlost.com.
What is Pro?
Wildlost has a free tier and optional Pro. Free covers the map, routes, tracks, offline packs, and sync with an account. Pro adds map sheets, photo upload, and MapTiler Satellite and Outdoor. Web Pro is billed through Stripe from the account page. The price is shown at checkout. Feature lists may change.
What do the map readouts show?
Optional readout panels and status-bar slots can show cursor position (or map center on touch), elevation under that point, camera zoom, camera pitch, and scale. Scale is ground distance per pixel at map center, using your measurement units. Turn each one on or off in Settings. They are not required to use the map.
How does the Layer Stack work?
Every catalog layer adds to the Layer Stack the same way — satellite imagery, weather-station pins, fire restrictions, topo with trails and contours. There is no separate overlay ritual. Catalog cards share the same tags, so you can filter by Type (Vector or Raster), Resolution, Data density, Category, and more, then compare tradeoffs such as MODIS Daily freshness versus a sharper premium mosaic. That is Complexity only when you need it: depth in the catalog, one simple add path.
What do the layer pills and descriptions mean?
Pills on a catalog card or stack row open an explainer with a title and a short body — Type (Vector or Raster), Resolution, Data density, License, Downloadable or Online only, Format, Coverage. Descriptions expand the terms. MODIS Daily names the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer, NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration), Terra and Aqua, and GIBS (Global Imagery Browse Services). That is Education: uplevel the data, do not hide what it means. A disabled-control toast is different — it names why a button will not run.
Why is a button grayed out?
A disabled control stays clickable. Click it and a toast names the reason — Not available offline, This atlas is read-only, Sign in first, or No connection — cannot go online. Map chrome buttons also have a tooltip. Layer pills say Downloadable or Online only. When the network is gone, a banner reads You're offline (edits stay on this device until you reconnect). History on a selected route, track, waypoint, folder, or layer stack lists saved versions with Preview and Restore. The Sync panel names Local only, pending, and last synced. Offline mode (downloaded tiles only) is a different switch from that banner and from Local mode.
How do I know what is on my device versus in the cloud?
Open the Sync panel on the map. Signed out, the status is Local only and map content stays on this device. Signed in, it shows last synced, a pending list (dirty atlases, photo uploads, map sheets), and what recently uploaded or downloaded. Sync now is a button. Offline edits stay on this device until you reconnect. A red account dot is for a remembered (non-local) account whose session is dead and sync has stopped — not for Local mode. Offline mode (downloaded tiles only) is a different switch. That panel is part of Never wonder why — the UI names the copy you are looking at.
Can I take my data to another app?
Yes. Select a route, track, or waypoint and open Export. Selection is the default scope, so you get that object as GPX (or GeoJSON, KML, or KMZ) without exporting the whole atlas. People often plan in a browser and navigate in a different mobile app; open files are how the library moves. Import the same formats, plus FIT. GeoJSON can target a profile you write in Settings. You can also stay in Local mode and never sync. KMZ includes photo files. GPX, GeoJSON, and plain KML do not.
What import and export formats do you support?
Public standards: GPX 1.1, GeoJSON, and OGC KML and KMZ for waypoints, routes, tracks, and polygons. KMZ also includes photo files. GPX, GeoJSON, and plain KML do not. We also import FIT activity files and GeoTIFF rasters. Export anytime from the Library.
How do I delete my account?
Schedule deletion from the signed-in account page in the app. Cloud data is purged after a 30-day grace period you can cancel. Device-only data may remain on your devices until you remove it.
Is Wildlost a substitute for navigation or emergency services?
No. Maps, trails, weather, elevation, and related data can be incomplete, outdated, or wrong. Wildlost is for personal outdoor planning. It is not a substitute for navigation skill, judgment, or emergency services.
How do I get in touch?
Email support@wildlost.com for support, privacy questions, or general inquiries. For privacy requests, mention “privacy” in the subject.
Still have a question? Email support@wildlost.com or see the contact page.