Apple Watch Ultra Waypoints and routes

[Toonartist]

Today I thought I'd try using the backtrack option on the watch alongside the Workout App instead of WorkOutDoors to see how useful it is.

I like the function of the compass, works well and easy to spot waypoints that have been recorded. However, I'm not sure if I'm missing something but it would appear that...

1. I can't add waypoints to the watch from an app on the iPhone.
2. Any waypoints I record on the watch cannot be shared with the iPhone or other Apple gear.
3. Isn't really a route system more of a get out of bother if you get lost. I think this use is a little odd as you would most likely have planned your route already and have it installed on the app you are using. You aren't gong to head out into the mountains with no way to know where you are or have been. Which means that app will also have a record of where you've been.
4. The trackback is really only of use if you are using a route on a paper map.

I think the system to record waypoints would be great if you could share / upload them to your phone / laptop afterwards. I recorded a few waypoints when I was out to mark potential good wild campsite spots. But, unless I'm mistaken, I can't do anything with them as they're on the watch and can't be shared or show up on Apple maps etc.

I have a feeling the route / waypoint system has been rushed through in preparation for a full on Topo mapping system to be released later. At least I hope so, otherwise it has minimal use in practice.

Thankfully, with WorkOutDoors you have a full mapping, tracking and route system already but as promising as the compass app is, it falls way short if you're out in the mountains or remote regions.

 

[BenGoren]

You’ve pretty much already figured out the intended use case for backtrack: somebody heads out for a day hike in a state / national park, gets turned around, needs to figure out how to get back to the parking lot. It’s perfect for that, but not much else.

b&

 

[Toonartist]

Shame really… we can but hope they’ll expand on it as the compass as a tool is really good, if it wasn’t isolated on its own. There are many times I would like to record a GPS poi but I need to be able to use it in future routes. Not much use stuck on the watch with no way to share it!

The wayfinder watch face is excellent. Great interface with the compass, weather and tracking features. Just need to add topo and routes which can be sent to and shared from the watch. Until then, we do have the excellent WorkOutDoors