Offline Maps for App via MapKit

Question

Created Oct ’24

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I’m building an iOS app using MapKit that allows users to create and navigate trails. I need offline map functionality, I was wondering if MapKit supports that. If not I was wondering if MapBox is a viable alternative to MapKit though I would prefer using MapKit. Thanks!

Answered by DTS Engineer in 809808022

If you're bringing your own map tiles, like one optimized for hiking, then it sure can! We have a dedicated section in one of our sample code projects just for that feature.

If you're looking to use Apple's own offline maps provided by the Maps app and then load that data in your app, that is not possible with the APIs available today, and so that's a great enhancement request that I suggest you file. If that's what you need, please post the FB number of your enhancement request here.

— Ed Ford,  DTS Engineer

Answer 1

DTS Engineer OP

Apple

Oct ’24

Accepted Answer

If you're bringing your own map tiles, like one optimized for hiking, then it sure can! We have a dedicated section in one of our sample code projects just for that feature.

If you're looking to use Apple's own offline maps provided by the Maps app and then load that data in your app, that is not possible with the APIs available today, and so that's a great enhancement request that I suggest you file. If that's what you need, please post the FB number of your enhancement request here.

— Ed Ford,  DTS Engineer

Answer 2

twald77 OP

Dec ’24

Hey Ed! We have the same request; especially for usage on the apple watch.

I've followed the link for the enhancement request. Are you suggesting to use the Feedback Assistant through the app?

I did not find a direct link to request an enhancement. Thanks so much! Tobias

Answer 3

Squwal OP

1d

Hi Ed,

Following your suggestion, I have filed an enhancement request for this capability:

FB24931853 — MapKit: Request system-managed offline road maps for third-party apps

I am developing a cycling application called iBike and am currently evaluating MapKit as our primary mapping framework.

For cycling use cases, reliable offline road-map availability is especially important in rural, suburban, and mountainous areas where GNSS positioning may continue to work while cellular connectivity becomes weak or completely unavailable.

A recorded track or planned polyline alone is not sufficient. A rider may reach an unfamiliar intersection, encounter a road closure or construction, or need to change the planned route. In those situations, the surrounding road network is still needed.

Our enhancement request is for a system-managed offline MapKit capability. We do not need direct access to Apple Maps data files. Basic offline 2D road-map rendering in MKMapView, with normal interaction and support for our own overlays such as MKPolyline and annotations, would already address the core need.

We are also interested in how such a capability could apply to mainland China.

If there is any current supported alternative, or any public technical direction regarding offline Apple map content for third-party MapKit applications, I would greatly appreciate any guidance.

Thank you for suggesting that developers file an enhancement request. I’m posting the FB number here as requested.