Map your forest route with mobile apps

 Mobile access to Kootenai National Forest maps, such as district visitor maps, is available for people using Android and iOS devices.

“PDF Maps is a mobile application that enables you to download maps for offline use on your Apple iOS or Android smartphone or tablet,” Recreation Program Manager Mary Laws said.  “Several Kootenai National Forest maps are currently available, with more maps in the works.”

Nationally, the Forest Service is working with Avenza Systems Inc. to provide some Forest Service maps for free.  

The Avenza PDF Maps Mobile App is available as a free download from iTunes and the Android Play Store (search for “PDF Maps”).  The app provides access to a variety of maps, including Forest Service maps. 

Motor-vehicle-use maps for all forests are free. There is a charge for other maps such as  individual district visitor maps.

Through the PDF Maps app, users can purchase and download professionally created maps. Downloaded maps are stored on the device and are always available even when not connected to the Internet.  

The maps are geo-referenced with the user’s location appearing as a blue dot.

Maps don’t need network coverage to be viewed; just navigate the map with only GPS (cellular data isn’t required), estimate hiking times, add custom points of interest and record your tracks and share them with others.  

Almost 700 Forest Service maps nationwide are available through the app.

For more information on the Kootenai National Forest maps available on the PDF Maps mobile app, click on PDF Maps under quick links at www.fs.usda.gov/main/Kootenai/home or pick up an informational sheet at any forest office.  

Paper maps are also available at forest offices or for purchase online at the National Forest Store at  www.fs.fed.us/recreation/nationalforeststore.