Why PMTiles on the device
Streaming map tiles need a connection for every new screen you pan to. In the bush that means blank grey squares at the worst moment. Earth 91 renders from a single PMTiles archive stored locally so the same map loads after airplane mode or a cold start with no signal.
Map data comes from OpenStreetMap contributors. Earth 91 displays required © OpenStreetMap attribution on the map. Community-maintained data is excellent for tracks and paths but never replaces local knowledge, closures, or seasonal conditions.
What ships in the app
A Victoria map pack is seeded on first launch so you can open a useful offline map without downloading anything. The map tab also shows a world and Australia overview so you can orient and pick a state to install.
When you have mobile data or Wi-Fi, open Offline maps to see Australian state packs with download size and space needed before you install. Published catalog packs include New South Wales, Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia, Tasmania, Northern Territory, and the Australian Capital Territory, in addition to Victoria variants in the catalog.
Import your own archive
If you already work with PMTiles, you can import a local archive from device storage. Earth 91 validates the file before accepting it and shows clear states for unsupported files, missing files, or a pack that failed verification.
You can activate, replace, or remove packs. There is a slot limit for installed packs, so remove a region you no longer need before adding a large new one.
Off-road styling and filters
On supported data, off-road tracks and paths render separately from sealed roads so you can read the map at a glance on a track day. Filters let you switch map style (system, light, dark), show place pin kinds, and filter OSM trail difficulty when attributes exist on the features.
The live HUD adds heading, speed, and altitude while you move. That complements offline cartography; it is not satellite imagery or live weather.
Catalog downloads and privacy
Optional catalog downloads use Firebase to fetch public pack metadata and binary files. That traffic does not upload your GPS tracks, place journals, or backup archives. If you never open the catalog, Earth 91 never needs network access for maps beyond what you already bundled or imported.
High Country and regional use
Victorian High Country, alpine tracks, and state forest roads are common Earth 91 use cases. Install the Victoria pack (bundled or updated from catalog) before you leave town, confirm the map opens in airplane mode, then record and journal as usual. For interstate trips, download the destination state pack while you still have data at home or in a larger centre.
Quick answer: Does Earth 91 work without mobile data?
Yes, after a map pack is on the device. Browse, record tracks, drop place pins, and replay routes without mobile data. Downloading new catalog packs requires a network connection.