Skip to main content

Strava’s Global Heatmap shows a billion workouts from across the globe

Sträva Global Heatmap
Image used with permission by copyright holder
Activity-tracking app Strava (iOS/Android) has launched yet another tool to help users stay motivated in their quest to get fit. Recently, the company took the wraps off of its Global Heatmap, which presents a stunning visual representation of just how active Strava users across the globe truly are.

The Global Heatmap incorporates data directly from Strava Metro, a system built to help improve the local infrastructure for runners and cyclists. When users upload their most recent workouts to the Strava platform, the tracking data from their routes is analyzed and compiled. That information is then shared with city planners, who can examine it to get a better idea of how people are traversing their cities. Metro can offer insights into popular routes for instance, as well as places that are being avoided by pedestrians. It can also reveal commute times, the average length of a wait at an intersection, popular origin and destination zones, and much more.

Recommended Videos

That same information was compiled for use with the Global Heatmap which in turn provides users with insights about how athletes from all over the world are training. The Heatmap tracks data from 31 different activities, including not just running and cycling, but also hiking, skiing, kiteboarding, climbing, and more. Strava says that in addition to daily workout routines, the heatmap also shows extraordinary activities like long-distance swims across the English Channel, hikers trekking along trails in Patagonia, and even mountaineers going to the summit of Everest.

Sträva Global Heatmap
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Visually, the Global Heatmap resembles night time images shot from orbit that display how much light urban settings produce. The maps are brighter where more activity is taking place and darker where fewer people are uploading data from their routes. As you would imagine, heavily populated areas with numerous Strava users light up the map with plenty of intensity, while places with few users glow a bit less brightly.

Strava has given users the ability to adjust the color and opacity of the heatmap, while also turning off and on geographical labels and satellite imagery. There is also an option to filter by activities, which comes in handy when you consider that more than a billion different workouts are displayed on the heatmap itself.

So what is the purpose of all of this? Beyond just providing an extremely stylish way to display all of the data Strava is collecting on our workouts, the heatmap can help athletes discover new routes or learn about other activities that are available in their area. If you want to know where the cyclists are hanging out, simply filter for that activity and you’ll soon find out. Likewise running, snow, and water activities, too.

To find out more checkout the Global Heatmap and start discovering the fitness habits of Strava users in your area.

Kraig Becker
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Kraig Becker is a freelance outdoor writer who loves to hike, camp, mountain bike, trail run, paddle, or just about any other…
Save up to $50 on EGO power tool bundles at Amazon today
Ego Lawn Mower

Power tools are available from several noteworthy brands, and nothing screams “deal” like sweeping markdowns on hardware from a company like EGO. As we speak, Amazon is offering numerous discounts on a number of terrific EGO products, making this one of the best times to save big on DIY gear like mowers, chainsaws, and lighting rigs! Want more power tool options? Check out our list of the best power tool deals featuring brands like Dewalt, Milwaukee, and Ryobi.

Why you should buy EGO power tool bundles
At the time of writing, there are several great EGO tools on sale, but we’d like to highlight some of the best markdowns we came across. One such offer was for the EGO Power+ CS1604 16-inch Cordless Chainsaw. At full price, this model costs $300, but today it’s marked down to $200. This IPX4-rated battery-powered saw delivers up to 6,800 RPM, making it ideal for cutting hard and soft woods, tree branches, and more. The included 56V battery should also get you around 250 cuts on a full charge.

Read more
Everyone should have a LifeStraw in their emergency kit — only $13 today
Someone using a LifeStraw in a puddle.

With Amazon having just announced the return of its Prime Big Deal Days event in October, the retailer has also launched some great sales right now. One such awesome discount is on the LifeStraw Personal Water Filter. It normally costs $20 but right now, it’s down to $13 so you’re saving $7 or 33% off the regular price. If you regularly hike and explore, you seriously need this in your collection. Here’s a look at why but bear in mind that the deal will end soon.

Why you should buy the LifeStraw Personal Water Filter
If you travel off the beaten path regularly, you need one of the best water purifiers. After all, we all need water to live and water you come across on your outdoor adventures is almost always contaminated. Whether you’re thinking to protect your weekly hikes or a much bigger trip, the LifeStraw Personal Water Filter will help.

Read more
Best grill deals: Summer savings on gas, charcoal, and pellet grills
People grilling outside.

While summer is on it's way out, the weather is still warm and good enough to do some grilling, and if you haven't had a chance yet, then there are quite a few nice grills you can snag for yourself before summer is over. Whether it's an outdoor grills or grills and smokers, there's a surprising variety out there, and there has even been a boom in smaller and portable grills that are great for picnics or camping, so if it opens up a lot more activities. Either way, we've tried to save you a bit of hassle by going out and collecting some of our favorite grill deals below.
Megamaster Charcoal Kettle Grill  -- $65, was $129

For a classic backyard barbecue at a more affordable price than most grills you can turn to the Megamaster Charcoal Kettle Grill. It’s a charcoal grill with a total cooking area of 245 square inches, and it makes for one of the simplest grilling experiences available. At 18.5 inches wide, you have quite a lot of space to put larger or longer items on the grills plus the little rack at the bottom is great for any sort of additional storage while you're grilling, making this a very convenient option.

Read more