Getting started

ZoRove is an off-road navigation and community platform for people who go looking. Here's the short version of how to get rolling.

1. Open the map

You don't need an account to look around. Hit Open the map from anywhere on the site and you'll land on a global view. Pan with your finger or mouse, pinch or scroll to zoom.

Tip. Long-press any button on the map to see a quick description of what it does. Most controls also work with a single tap or click.

2. Find yourself

Tap the locate button on the left strip to centre the map on your current location. The first time you'll be asked to allow location access. If you say no by mistake, you can re-allow it from your browser or device settings later.

To start logging where you go, tap the locate button again — a track will record while you move. Stop tracking the same way, and you'll get the option to save the track for later.

3. Make an account

An account lets you save places, leave reviews, and join tribes. It's free, takes thirty seconds, and we don't ask for a credit card.

  1. Tap Sign in on the map (top right) or visit the sign-in page.
  2. Pick Create account, enter your email and a password, and choose a username. Your username is what other people see on places and reviews you share.
  3. Check your email for a confirmation link. Click it.
  4. You're in.

4. Save your first place

Let's save somewhere worth coming back to.

  1. Long-press anywhere on the map to drop a pin.
  2. The pin pops up with two buttons. Tap Save place.
  3. Give it a name, optional description, and pick whether it's public (visible to other Rovers) or private (just yours).
  4. Add photos and attributes if you have them — this is what makes places useful for everyone else.

For more on attributes, photos, and what makes a great place listing, see Saving places.

5. Turn on the layers you care about

Open the side panel (the green tab on the right edge of the map). You'll find toggles for:

  • Public lands — BLM, Forest Service, wilderness, and national parks colored by agency.
  • Active fires — current wildfire perimeters, refreshed every 30 minutes.
  • Forest roads & trails — MVUM (Motor Vehicle Use Maps) and trail networks.
  • Hunting units — state-by-state game management areas.
  • Cell coverage — by carrier, so you know where signal will hold.
  • Weather, sun, moon — current conditions plus golden-hour timing.

Some layers are free; some are part of Pro. The toggles are clearly labelled either way.

6. Take it offline before you leave signal

The whole point of ZoRove is that the map keeps working when your phone has no bars. Before a trip, download the state pack for wherever you're going. See Offline maps for the details.

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