Philosophy
How we think about building software for the outdoors. Opinions and principles.
5 posts in this category.
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
Why We Don't Gamify the Outdoors
Streaks, badges, leaderboards, kudos — the toolkit that turned exercise into Strava. We chose not to bring any of it into Baseline Maps. Here's why.
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 Our Subscription Has No Tiers (And Why Every Other Outdoor App Does)
Most outdoor apps split features across Premium / Elite / Pro tiers. Baseline Maps has one tier at $34.99 a year. The case for simple pricing — and what we give up.
By Baseline Maps Team · May 25, 2026