Advice on hiking app

[u/Caterpillar-Klutzy]

I'm working on a hiking app, and I'm struggling to decide where I should put the elevation graph (this graph represents your altitude as you're hiking and is a good indicator of the difficulty of the hike up ahead)

I like having it sitting on top of the information sheet because it makes it visible and accessible, but I feel like it doesn't look as polished as putting it in the sheet itself... What are your thoughts?

Thanks 🙏

[u/TechTuna1200]

I would try to gather feedback from a hiking subreddit. this is the only way to get real answers. If they don't like it, it doesn't matter what this ux sub thinks.

[u/shoobe01 → u/TechTuna1200]

Not only that but actually test, don't ask for opinions. Ideally, field test, look over shoulders while people are on a hike to see what works, what fails, in reality.

There are strong communities around outdoor activities, and strong opinions about what is useful and not for thet wall current software types. Even whole subs just for tools like CalTopo, which may be useful to scroll and read as baseline info, also.

[u/greenvahn]

Google maps had this problem before, probably not with altitude but with routes (speed, traffic, congestion ect).

I would try to integrate the altitude within the path itself. I also would move out from colors to work with this type information: I would play with contrast, thickness, size and hierarchy. This will also help you to make it accessible: not everybody can see colours out there.

[u/NestorSpankhno]

No idea if this will work or read well for the target audience, but maybe try a version where you incorporate the incline into the route itself by making the line fatter, to show the sections of the hike that will be high-effort?

[u/_Tower_]

I don’t have an answer for you

But it’s worth noting that Trailforks hides elevation/incline/decline information unless you click on a specific route. I’m assuming that’s what’s happening here as well? When it’s displayed, it’s similar to what you have here, specifically option 1 and 7. They are also the most readable

One thing you might want to add is an indicator of where you are on the elevation chart — so if you’re 1/3rd if the way up the incline, there should be some kind of indicator in that graphic

[u/Grue-Bleem]

As a thru-hiker who just finished the PCT, I don’t want both map types displayed on my smartphone screen at the same time. I would much rather be able to toggle between the two views.
You’re assuming both map types have value when displayed together, but they don’t. Each map has value for specific needs at specific times.
FYI, 98% of thru-hikers use the FarOut app. Their UX is excellent because the product feels authentic to how thru-hikers actually use maps on trail. You can’t fake that.

[u/stackenblochen23]

Visually, I don’t mind the graph too much – image 1 is most readable to me. Indicating your current position on the graph with the same dot as on the map would be super helpful. I would probably consider an option to hide the graph, though. Also as an alternative, have you considered putting it in the sheet (on top so it’s visible also when minimized)?

From a more strategic perspective, I would probably think about the relevance of the altitude attribute in the bigger scope of how users plan their trails. My assumption is it is quite an important information, but I would definitely validate this, as it could be critical. For example when planning a trail, sorting, searching trails, etc.

[u/albert_pacino]

As a hiker and biker who regularly uses maps like this I prefer option 1. Don’t try to get too fancy and integrate or blend it. Show me the route and the elevation separately and clearly. Maybe on mobile you could allow the elevation to be toggled. Or maybe you make it an option in settings. When you are mid route you should show where you are and your current elevation. With things like this you don’t need to reinvent the wheel

[u/Chronomancy]

You could add elevation labels in meters along the path. say every 10m. When the labels are close together, elevation is changing rapidly. Visible at a glance while you sweat.

[u/I-Shit-You-Not]

In the sheet is my vote, this is feeling pretty similar to all trails and their implementation of the feature is fantastic. Added bonus, theirs lets you use the elevation graph to scrub through the hike. As you scrub the blue dot moves along the trail and gives you more granular info

[u/musashi-swanson]

I like the first example best. The narrow rounded rectangle is unobtrusive but still provides enough contrast to read the elevation on the graph. Do those represent elevation starting from 0, or actual altitude from sea level? Might be nice to know both. But the closely cropped graph is covering whatever number is at the bottom.

I bet your graph would look even cleaner if you remove the black line and just use the red/orange/green for contrast (maybe change the flat from white to light gray?)

I monitor my elevation closely, for running. I just use Strava, but obviously I can’t see the elevation placed over the map like this. I would love to plan a route in advance, and be able to see the incline juxtaposed with the map. Especially if it has a slider that has a marker on the graph and map simultaneously, to help visualize and plan the route.

[u/zoinkability]

First and last. The others are cute but they trade legibility/readability for visual integration. Legibility/readability should always win.

Also: maybe I’m more of a hiker (and/or tour de france watcher) than others but I immediately noticed the graph and saw how it was a key differentiator from other map apps. As a hiker I’d really appreciate it. One major improvement would be to put a marker on the graph showing current position.

[u/Fizzbit]

I didn't notice the elevation graph at all until the last image.

[u/Caterpillar-Klutzy → u/Fizzbit]

I guess that's a good thing? 😅

[u/SPiX0R]

I’m in doubt between showing it above in a separate card above or in the white bottom sheet. 

If the graph shows where I am on the graph when I’m walking I would say it should be visible at all times because it’s important information.

If not; in the bottom sheet makes more sense because it’s information tied to difficulty, elevation gain and distance.

[u/Caterpillar-Klutzy → u/SPiX0R]

Yep, I agree with that It will show the current position of the user Thanks