The new generation of hiking maps

In recent years, a number of technological innovations have made it possible to significantly improve the quality of hiking maps. The most important breakthrough is laser scanning – a method that involves scanning every meter of the terrain from the air. This provides a vast amount of data that is valuable across many sectors of society – and offers hikers and outdoor enthusiasts more accurate and detailed maps than ever before.

Thanks to airborne laser scanning, natural features such as steep terrain, glaciers, rivers, and other elements now appear with greater clarity than before. Compared to traditional maps, the difference is especially noticeable in mountainous and rugged areas – the more varied the terrain, the more it stands out in our new maps.

Thanks to data from aerial scanning, natural features and steep terrain are now revealed with unprecedented clarity.

It is surprising that no Nordic map producer has previously taken the initiative to create better – and therefore safer – maps for people exploring the mountains. By utilising all available data, we are now producing a modern map series we call The New Generation of Hiking Maps. This represents the most significant advancement in Nordic hiking maps since national agencies last revised their hiking maps decades ago.

The first step in developing this new generation of maps has been to generate more accurate contour lines based on laser scanning. Since every square metre across the Nordic countries now has a known elevation value, we are able to provide highly detailed topographic information. Most of our maps feature a 10-metre contour interval, but in some maps at a 1:50,000 scale covering dramatic landscapes – such as the fjords and mountain regions – we have retained a 20-metre interval.

Elevation model of Stor Ronden in Norway after laser scanning—note the level of detail.

Our cartographers have also invested considerable effort in creating various types of terrain shading. It may sound unusual, but the vast amount of data from the laser scans makes it possible to generate shading effects that highlight terrain formations with exceptional clarity, giving the map a near three-dimensional appearance.

A detailed comparison between a traditional hiking map and our new-generation map.

Greater Detail and Accuracy

In addition to improved elevation and terrain data, we have enhanced the precision of many other map details. By analysing satellite and aerial imagery, as well as aggregated data on actual usage patterns, we have been able to update and expand important map features.

• Officially marked summer and winter routes have been corrected for greater accuracy.
• Hundreds of kilometres of previously unmapped trails have been identified and added – for example, over 200 km of trails in major Nordic hiking areas.
• Glacier extents have been reviewed and updated in line with recent data – an increasingly relevant issue in our changing climate.
• We have combined and refined official map layers from national mapping agencies across the Nordic region to improve the accuracy of roads, buildings, lakes, streams, and major rivers.
• All available mountain accommodations are shown – not just those belonging to national trekking associations, but also private lodges and cabins managed by local authorities and mountain boards.

A New Mapping Experience

By bringing together all available information, a completely new type of map emerges. Our ambition is to create a map series that maintains the traditional visual identity of Nordic hiking maps, while incorporating elements inspired by the renowned Swiss Alpine maps – widely considered the best in the world.