Overview
Cycloputer combines maps, GPX routes and ride recording in one iPhone app. Plan routes with waypoints, look at elevation profiles and save rides as GPX files on your device.
Map, relief and elevation data come from Cycloputer’s own map server (tiles.cblum.ch). Routes are calculated by Apple Maps or, with the optional offline package, by the app itself on the iPhone. The map and routing data for Switzerland can be downloaded for rides without a connection. For now the map deliberately covers Switzerland only. No map is shown outside Switzerland.
Screenshots
Real app views from an iOS Simulator set up for this purpose. The sample route along the public lakeshore in Geneva and its elevations are fictional. Navigation and the climb show simulated rides on public test routes. No personal GPS recording was used.
Captured on 30 October 2026. The sample route is not a checked cycling route or a safety recommendation.
Detailed description
Maps and route planning
Set, move and remove waypoints directly on the map. Routes can be reversed, turned into a loop and saved as GPX. The map is a custom topographic cycling map based on OpenStreetMap with relief, contour lines and cycle routes. Relief and elevations come from the Mapterhorn terrain model, which in Switzerland is based on swissALTI3D (© swisstopo). There are cycling and car map styles, each in light and dark, plus a 3D view and a legend. All map data is on the app’s own server. For now the map deliberately covers Switzerland only. The map style and symbols are based on the swisstopo base map (free use according to opendata.swiss). The map is not an official swisstopo map.
GPX, elevation profile and simulation
Import a GPX file, look at the course of the route and its elevation profile, manage saved routes or export a KML file. A simulation illustrates the course and the climbs. Distance, elevation gain and estimated arrival time are for orientation. Metric and imperial units are available.
The app shows where the route line and the elevations come from: the GPX file, Apple Maps directions or the app’s own terrain model. If a point is outside the terrain data or the map server cannot be reached, the elevation profile stays empty and is marked as unavailable. No elevation values are made up. In cycling mode, route planning uses Apple Maps cycling directions. Sections without directions appear as a marked straight-line estimate. None of these sources guarantees a suitable or safe cycling route. Check routes and elevations independently.
Recording and following rides
The app only asks for «While Using the App» location access when you record a ride, navigate or follow your position. It does not ask for «Always» access. A recording you start keeps running in the background until you stop it, and iOS shows this. Navigation follows a loaded route, shows turn instructions and can speak them in German or English. If you leave the route, a way back can be calculated. GPS reception, permissions, battery and iOS can limit availability.
Sensor connections (heart rate, cadence, power) are not available in this version and are marked as such in the app. The app does not scan for Bluetooth devices and does not access Apple Health.
Safety and liability
Privacy
Saved routes and settings are kept in local app storage. The app’s own map server receives requests for visible map areas and elevation tiles. Apple receives the waypoints for route calculation and, for place search, the search text and the map area. When you tap a stop, transport.opendata.ch receives its identifier and coordinates. The app does not need a user account. The app does not encrypt GPX and KML files, and they can contain sensitive location and time data.
Source code and GitHub
Repository: private. The source code is only accessible to authorised contributors. Without access, GitHub may show a 404 page.
Repository status checked on 19 October 2026, feature description updated on 28 October 2026. Back to the project overview