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Visualize Your Route in 3D: Discover Terrain Challenges Before You Go

See Your Route Like Never Before

3D terrain view of a route in Madeira

Planning a route is one thing, but truly understanding the terrain you'll face is another. That's why we've added a game-changing feature to PitStopper: 3D Map visualization. Now you can see your entire GPX route draped over realistic 3D terrain, giving you an intuitive sense of what lies ahead.

Imagine starting your adventure knowing exactly how steep those climbs are, where the valleys hide water sources, and how coastal routes hug the shoreline. With PitStopper's 3D Map, you don't have to imagine—you can see it all.

Terrain Comes Alive

Traditional 2D maps are great for navigation, but they can't convey the true character of a landscape. Mountains look like lines. Valleys seem flat. But in 3D, the terrain's personality shines through.

With PitStopper's 3D visualization powered by MapLibre GL JS and MapTiler terrain data, you get:

  • Realistic elevation profiles - See exactly how steep your climbs and descents are
  • Contextual POI placement - Water sources appear at natural gathering points in valleys, and viewpoints sit on ridgelines where they belong
  • Route awareness - Understand how your path traverses the landscape in three dimensions
  • Pre-adventure planning - Spot potential challenges and plan your stops strategically

Five Stunning Map Styles

Not all adventures are the same, and neither are the views. Choose from five beautiful map styles optimized for different conditions:

  • Outdoor - The default choice, perfect for general route planning with clear terrain detail
  • Satellite - See actual aerial imagery draped over 3D terrain for authentic landscape recognition
  • Topographic - The planner's choice, with contour lines and detailed terrain information
  • Winter - A winter-appropriate style for cold-weather adventures, with adjusted color schemes
  • Landscape - A scenic style that emphasizes natural features and terrain character

Switch between styles instantly to find the best view for understanding your route's challenges.

Smart POI Visualization

Your discovered points of interest aren't just marked—they're contextualized. In 3D, you can immediately see:

  • How a water source sits in a valley before a climb
  • Whether viewpoints are on accessible summits or difficult detours
  • How accommodation options relate to terrain difficulty
  • The real distance you'll need to climb or descend to reach a resource

This transforms POI data from abstract information into actionable intelligence for your adventure.

Adjustable Terrain Detail

One size doesn't fit all. That's why terrain exaggeration is adjustable. Prefer a more realistic view? Dial it back. Need to really see the elevation changes? Crank it up. You control how prominent the terrain features appear.

Full rotation and tilt controls let you examine your route from any angle, revealing details that flat maps simply can't show.

How to Use It

When you've loaded a GPX route into PitStopper, look for the "3D Map" button. Click it, and your route instantly springs to life in three dimensions. Toggle POI display on and off to focus on terrain or see your discovered resources in context.

Rotate the map to examine tricky sections. Tilt to understand elevation gradients. Switch styles to see different perspectives on the same landscape.

Plan Smarter Adventures

Whether you're planning a multi-day bikepacking expedition across mountain ranges, a hiking trip through dramatic terrain, or an RV adventure along winding coastal roads, the 3D Map feature helps you understand the landscape before you experience it.

You'll spot terrain challenges you might have missed. You'll find the best places to position your rest stops. You'll understand the true character of your adventure route.

That's the power of seeing your route in three dimensions.

Ready to visualize your next adventure? Upload your GPX file to PitStopper and click the 3D Map button to explore your terrain in stunning detail.