Strava launches new 'Flyover' feature for 3D post-ride video recap

Strava subscribers will be able to re-live their rides in more detail, with the platform rolling out a new feature, named Flyover, which provides a video recap of the route completed.

The feature is a product of Strava’s recent acquisition of FATMAP, with the integration of new mapping technology now extending to three-dimensional moving visualisation of routes post-ride.

The Flyover plots out the ride using the familiar Strava orange polyline on the 3D map, with the user represented by a blue GPS dot. The video then zooms in and tracks the dot as it makes its way along the course.

Strava once hosted similar functionality from a third-party app, Relive, but put an end to that integration in 2019, claiming that Relive’s use of Strava member data was in violation of the two parties’ API agreement.

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The Flyover feature will be available to all Strava users who are subscribed to the premium subscription service, and will cover all past GPS-enabled activities on their profiles. The function is found by opening an activity, clicking on the map, and then on the new Flyover button in the bottom right corner of the map, which will start the video.

It is already up and running on Android devices, and will be rolled out to iOS users “by the end of the year”.

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Mapping has been a significant area of growth for Strava, which was founded in 2009 as an app-based community for athletes. In 2017, it launched its global heatmap, which allowed users to see the roads and trails that were most trodden, and plot routes accordingly, with that and other route-building features part of its revamped subscription service in 2020.

At the start of this year, the San Francisco based company acquired FATMAP, which has enjoyed success in 3d digital mapping, appealing in particular to skiers.

“The new feature is the latest integration of FATMAP’s mapping technology into the platform,” read a statement from Strava on Flyover.

“Along with acquiring the outdoor adventure platform earlier this year, Strava has been rolling out additional features for athletes to enjoy such as winter 3D maps, maps and route creation, custom waypoints, route details and photos via the online Route Builder.”

Strava

Strava is an online app that allows users to track their activities and share them with others. It connects over 100 million athletes across a global online community.