Hiking Maps - PeakVisor | ScreensDesign

What it does

PeakVisor is an advanced navigation tool for hikers and mountaineers. The app uses augmented reality to identify mountain peaks through your phone's camera. It also features high-precision 3D maps that allow for detailed route planning, exploration of terrain, and creation of animated trail previews.

Where it shines

PeakVisor excels at making complex topographical information accessible and exciting. The AR peak identification (00:16) feels almost magical, instantly overlaying names and elevations onto the live landscape. The app's standout feature is the 3D "Fly-Over" video (04:59), which generates a cinematic preview of a hiking trail, giving users a clear sense of the terrain and elevation changes before they even start. The 3D map itself is highly detailed and fluid to navigate (00:36), making it a powerful tool for serious adventure planning.

UX highlights

The app kicks off with an interactive demo (00:04), allowing users to test-drive the core features in a simulated environment. This immediately demonstrates value.
The compass tool is cleverly integrated with the 3D map, providing a clear directional context while exploring the terrain (00:11).
Tapping on any identified peak brings up a clean, data-rich information panel with details like elevation, prominence, and even a photo for reference (00:22).
The trail planning interface clearly presents multiple route options with key stats like time, distance, and ascent (00:44), simplifying the decision-making process.
The ability to download detailed map regions for offline use is crucial for its target audience and is well-integrated into a post-onboarding checklist (02:36).

Monetization & growth

Monetization is handled through a straightforward paywall presented after the initial feature demo at 01:04. It offers a yearly subscription with a one-week free trial and a lifetime purchase option. By showing the app's full power before asking for payment, PeakVisor builds a strong case for conversion. The free version is limited to one location a day, creating a clear incentive to upgrade for frequent users.

Who it’s for

This app is built for serious hikers, mountaineers, and outdoor enthusiasts who need reliable and detailed planning tools. It's particularly useful for those venturing into unfamiliar mountain ranges who want to identify peaks and understand the terrain. The detailed routing and offline map capabilities make it a strong companion for multi-day treks or adventures in areas with poor connectivity.

Notes & opportunities

The onboarding flow is strong, but the transition from the interactive demo to the paywall and then to the permission/setup flow could feel a bit disjointed. The post-subscription checklist (01:42) is a great tool to re-anchor the user and guide them. While the app is powerful, the sheer number of settings and options could be streamlined to feel less overwhelming for novice users. For example, the map download settings modal at 03:17 presents five different data types, which might be confusing for some.