This is wonderful news to any outdoor enthusiasts, be it hikers, bikers, rock climbers or otherwise. AccuTerra, made by Intermaps, will have all maps preloaded in the app without need of loading routes via internet connection.

The main challenge to this is the massive amount of memory maps take up. Logistically it would be impossible for all of the maps to be stored on the iPhone; what AccuTerra plans to do is allow you to purchase additional maps for different regions of the country. The breakdown comes out to around 10 MB worth for each 50 square mile section of territory. This way, hikers would be able to download the maps they’ll need for each hike before they leave.

Another great feature for AccuTerra is the ability to create Waypoints. This is important for any heavy GPS user because Waypoints act as bread crumbs to help find and stay on the correct route to your outdoor destination.

AccuTerra says the apps will start rolling out sometime after June 17 (today);  the apps require OS 3.0 due to the ability to buy more detailed maps in-app.

Some tidbits from AccuTerra’s site:

• The ‘Walking Tour’ feature replays your trail experience on the iPhone screen to others, along with the photos you took and points of interest you recorded along the way.
• The ‘Email’ feature from within your AccuTerra Library sends a link to your friends and family to either launch your track, points, and photos within Google Earth, or view your track on Google Maps.
• The ‘Upload to Facebook’ feature will automatically post on your Facebook account a link to your track, displayed on Google Maps.

• Recording your adventure is easy and fun – you don’t need a degree in GPS-ology to track your progress and save it for later. Simply tap a button to start recording, and tap it again to stop. Simple, so you can focus on the trail ahead.
• Take photos from within the AccuTerra application and the exact location and elevation of the photo is recorded within your maps. Prove you were there.
• AccuTerra HD maps are available for popular recreation areas, such as national and state parks, special BLM lands, and national monuments and historical sites.
• Trail profiles show the ups and downs and distance of your hike.

Go to AccuTerra’s site to check out video demos of the new apps, as well as FAQs and other info. Visit VentureBeat to read a good preview of the app.

Pricing has been set to $9.99 for initial download and 99 cents for each additional map extension.

Personally I’m looking forward to this app more than any other. This could be Your Next App.