Philosophy
How we think about building software for the outdoors. Opinions and principles.
5 posts in this category.
Philosophy
An Outdoor App Without Leaderboards: Why We Don't Gamify
Streaks, badges, leaderboards, kudos: the standard engagement toolkit of fitness and social apps. We chose to leave all of it out of Baseline Maps. Here's why.
By Baseline Maps Team · May 25, 2026
Philosophy
The Calm App Philosophy: Software You Don't Want to Open
Most consumer apps are designed to be irresistible. Baseline Maps is the opposite — useful, then invisible. The case for software that gets out of your way.
By Baseline Maps Team · May 25, 2026
Philosophy
The Case for a Feedback Box Over a Roadmap Committee
Most companies decide what to ship through quarterly roadmap meetings. We decide through an in-app feedback box. Here's why a box beats a committee.
By Baseline Maps Team · May 25, 2026
Philosophy
How We Decide What to Ship Next (The Actual Process)
Not the slide-deck version — the real one. How a feature request becomes a shipped feature at Baseline Maps, including the ones we say no to.
By Baseline Maps Team · May 25, 2026
Philosophy
Why We Sell One Paid Edition (And Why Most Outdoor Apps Sell Three)
Most outdoor apps split features across Premium / Elite tiers. Baseline Maps sells one Professional Edition for every mode and state, with the first week free.
By Baseline Maps Team · May 25, 2026