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AllTrails is the world’s most popular and trusted platform for outdoor exploration. We connect people to the outdoors, help them discover new places, and elevate their experiences on the trail. With the most comprehensive collection of trails in the world, AllTrails supports inclusive access to nature for a global community of millions of trailgoers. Every day, we solve incredibly hard problems to get more people outside, for their wellbeing and the collective care of the natural world. Join us!
This is a U.S. based remote position. While this role does not require in-person attendance, we have a preference for candidates based in or near one of these cities: San Francisco CA, Portland OR, Seattle WA, Denver CO, and New York NY. Being in one of these cities creates opportunities to connect with teammates through Trail Days, co-working sessions, and local gatherings while still having the flexibility to work remotely. San Francisco employees are highly encouraged to come to the office one day per week.
We are looking for a visionary Principle Digital Cartographer & Map Experience Lead to define and lead the next generation of how maps are designed and experienced at AllTrails. Sitting at the intersection of design, data, and engineering, this role owns the visual and experiential layer of our maps—from cartographic styling systems to immersive 3D terrain experiences. You will report directly to the Head of Maps, acting as a critical leader within the Maps organization and a key partner across the company as you transform complex global geospatial datasets into intuitive, engaging, and highly functional map experiences. Maps are the heart of AllTrails, and this role will help set a new benchmark for digital cartography that inspires millions of people to confidently explore the outdoors at a global scale.
What you'll be Doing:
Define and drive the end-to-end cartographic strategy across AllTrails products, owning and evolving a scalable cartographic system including style sheets, symbol hierarchies, labeling systems, and reusable components
Create visually compelling, legible, and context-aware maps tailored to outdoor exploration, elevating maps from pure utility to inspiration, storytelling, and decision-making
Define and own KPIs for the map experience (e.g., engagement, performance, navigation usage), lead a culture of experimentation and A/B testing around map styles and labeling density, and continuously optimize based on user behavior and performance constraints
Translate complex geospatial datasets (trails, POIs, terrain, land ownership, etc.) into intuitive map layers, partnering with Data Science and Maps Backend to bring intelligence, personalization, and performance into the map experience
Lead the development of 3D mapping experiences powered by high-resolution elevation data (e.g., LiDAR), shaping terrain visualization approaches such as hillshading, slope, aspect, and advanced rendering techniques
Ensure map experiences are globally scalable and locally relevant by adapting to regional cartographic conventions, driving multilingual labeling strategies, and making region-specific visual adjustments while maintaining a consistent user experience worldwide
Shape map experiences for offline and low-connectivity environments—core use cases for outdoor exploration—partnering with engineering and product teams on tile packaging, storage optimization, and sync strategies to ensure clarity and usability in the field
Partner closely with Engineering to evolve next-generation tiling systems, rendering pipelines, and performance optimizations, contributing to architecture decisions across vector tiles, raster overlays, and hybrid approaches to ensure scalability and consistency across global regions
Ensure high standards for data accuracy, trust, and responsible representation of geographic information, establishing principles and practices that reinforce user confidence in AllTrails maps
Act as AllTrails’ cartographic authority, driving deep cross-functional collaboration across Product, Engineering, Data Science, and Design, managing a broad set of stakeholders, and operating with a forward-looking, industry-shaping mindset
Requirements:
10+ years of experience in digital cartography, geospatial design, or map product development
Deep hands-on expertise with tools like Mapbox (GL JS, Studio, mobile SDKs)
Strong experience working with elevation datasets, including LiDAR-derived products
Understanding of vector tile schemas, tiling strategies, and rendering performance
Experience with GIS tools (e.g., QGIS, PostGIS) and geospatial data pipelines
Familiarity with terrain visualization techniques such as hillshade, contours, and slope shading
Ability to collaborate deeply with engineers on implementation details and system design
Exceptional eye for cartographic design, hierarchy, color, typography, and usability
Ability to simplify complex datasets into clear, intuitive visual systems
Passion for outdoor recreation and creating experiences that inspire exploration
- Experience leading cross-functional teams and influencing product strategy
Strong stakeholder management skills across technical and non-technical audiences
Ability to operate at both strategic and hands-on levels
Track record of driving global-scale impact through product and platform decisions
Experience
Technical Depth
Craft & Design
Leadership
Bonus:
Experience building or contributing to proprietary geospatial datasets
Background in outdoor recreation, navigation, or adventure mapping
Familiarity with real-time data, offline maps, or GPS navigation systems
Experience with emerging 3D or immersive mapping technologies
Proven track record building map experiences at companies like Strava, Stamen, Gaia GPS, or similar geospatial platforms
Perks & Benefits:
Competitive and equitable compensation, including ownership through equity and performance-based bonuses
Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage to support your physical and mental well-being
Unlimited PTO in addition to company holidays
Dedicated time once a month to test and improve our product through company-wide no-meeting days
Fully paid parental leave to birthing and non-birthing parents
401k Match & access to financial wellness resources through Origin
Remote work stipend to help you design a comfortable and productive home office
Annual learning stipend to invest in your long-term professional growth and skills
Exclusive discounts on our subscriptions and merchandise for you and your friends & family
An authentic investment in you as a human being and a professional—we value your identity as much as your output
Nature celebrates you just the way you are and so do we! At AllTrails we’re passionate about nurturing an inclusive workplace that values diversity. It’s no secret that companies that are diverse in background, age, gender identity, race, sexual orientation, physical or mental ability, ethnicity, and perspective are proven to be more successful. We’re focused on creating an environment where everyone can do their best work and thrive.
Offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. AllTrails will consider all qualified applicants, including those with arrest and conviction records, in a manner consistent with all applicable laws, including the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the New York City Fair Chance Act.
AllTrails participates in the E-Verify program for all remote locations.
By submitting my application, I acknowledge and agree to AllTrails' Job Applicant Privacy Notice.
AllTrails San Francisco, California, USA Office
530 Bush Street, 9th Floor, San Francisco, CA, United States, 94108
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