Map It Vilas County

Map It Vilas County is a free iOS and Android app created through a partnership between Vilas County, Pilch & Barnet, and Noble Applications to make exploring Northern Wisconsin’s extensive trail system easier. Featuring real-time GPS, interactive maps, and updated trail conditions, the app helps residents and visitors confidently navigate miles of ATV, snowmobile, bike, and hiking trails year-round.
Map It Vilas App

Solving the Business Problem

Before the app, trail users relied on paper maps or third-party tools that lacked accuracy, up-to-date information, or offline access. The county needed a user-friendly digital solution that was accurate, attractive, and tailored specifically to Vilas County’s recreation opportunities.

The challenge was to modernize the trail experience while also enhancing public safety and tourism. For both visitors unfamiliar with the region and lifelong residents, the app needed to be intuitive, location-aware, and designed for real-world use—where cellular data is often spotty or unavailable.

Noble's Collaboration

Noble Applications partnered with Pilch & Barnet to design and develop a sleek, dependable mobile app for both iOS and Android. The initial work focused on Android, followed by feature parity and optimization for iOS to ensure consistency across platforms.

Key features included:

  • Interactive GPS Trail Maps: Users can locate themselves on the map in real time and follow trails with confidence.
  • Offline Access: Trail maps and core features are available without a cell signal—perfect for remote areas.
  • Category-Based Browsing: Trails are organized by activity type (ATV, biking, hiking, snowmobiling, etc.) for easy discovery.
  • User-Friendly Interface: Clean design and simple navigation make it easy for all ages and skill levels to use the app.
  • Location Search: Quickly find trails near specific towns, lakes, or campgrounds within the county.
  • Tourism Support: The app links to lodging, dining, and recreation businesses to support the local economy.
  • Maintenance & Update Tools: Noble built tools to streamline map updates and app maintenance, ensuring longevity and accuracy.

Designed to reflect the beauty of Vilas County and engineered for real-world use, the app was a collaborative effort that combined local knowledge with technical expertise.

Project Importance

Map It Vilas County helps connect people with nature—safely, confidently, and conveniently. Whether it’s planning a family bike ride, finding snowmobile routes in the winter, or discovering new hiking trails, the app has become a go-to resource for outdoor enthusiasts in the region.

By investing in a reliable and modern trail app, Vilas County has enhanced public safety, supported local tourism, and embraced technology to deliver long-term value to its community. With Noble’s help, the app has grown into a powerful digital companion for anyone looking to experience the Northwoods—no paper map required.

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Noble Applications