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Integrating Strava Global Heat-map

To add the Strava Global Heatmap to the QGIS project, we can integrate it using XYZ Tiles (also called raster tile layers). Strava provides the global heatmap, which is a visual representation of activity intensity from users (e.g., cycling, running) around the world.



Strava Global Heatmap
Strava Global Heatmap

🧭 What is the Strava Global Heatmap?


Strava’s Global Heatmap is a tile-based map showing where Strava users have recorded the most activity. It is available in light and dark variants and supports different activity types (ride, run, water, winter, etc.).

Example heatmap tile URL:

However, Strava heatmap tiles require authentication with a valid Strava session token, so casual public use may be limited or temporary.


✅ Steps to Add Strava Basemap to QGIS


🔹 Step 1: Get a Valid Tile URL (if available)

⚠️ Note: Strava doesn't provide openly licensed tile URLs anymore without login. You must be logged in and get a tile URL from the network console while viewing the heatmap.

  1. Go to https://www.strava.com/heatmap

  2. Open Developer Tools (Right-click > Inspect > Network tab)

  3. Filter by tiles-auth or .png

  4. Copy the tile URL (you’ll see a format like this):

This URL requires cookies from your logged-in session. For consistent access, you may need to use a plugin or a proxy or store headers in QGIS.

🔹 Step 2: Add XYZ Tile Layer to QGIS


  1. Open QGIS (3.x or later)

  2. Go to Browser Panel → Right-click on XYZ Tiles → New Connection

  3. Name it: Strava Heatmap - Ride

  4. Paste the URL you copied (with {z}/{x}/{y} pattern)

  5. If needed, use HTTPS headers for authentication (not directly possible in XYZ; you may use QuickMapServicesplugin for workaround)

If it loads successfully, you’ll see the Strava heatmap as a basemap.

🔹 Optional: Use Plugin for Simplified Access

Use the QuickMapServices plugin:

  1. Install from Plugins > Manage and Install > "QuickMapServices"

  2. Open the plugin > Settings > More services > Get contributed pack

  3. Search for Strava (older versions may still include it, though recent ones may not)


🎯 Benefits of Strava Basemap in QGIS

Feature

Benefit

🔥 Activity Heatmap

Visualizes popular routes based on real-world usage by millions of users (ideal for planning bike paths, foot traffic, etc.)

🛰️ Global Coverage

Helps in analyzing movement patterns across cities, forests, trails, or countries

🏃 Activity Type Filters

Heatmaps for cycling, running, skiing, water sports, etc. provide detailed context

📍 Route Planning

Useful in urban planning, recreational trail design, and pedestrian access studies

📊 Comparative Analysis

Can overlay Strava data with traffic, land use, or safety data for analytics

🌐 Public Sentiment Proxy

Real use vs. theoretical infrastructure (e.g., unused bike lanes)

⚠️ Important Notes


  • Strava Heatmap is not open data — commercial use may require permission.

  • Tile access may break without a logged-in session; long-term usage needs an API-based or downloaded vector heatmap alternative.

  • Alternatives: Consider using OpenStreetMap, Mapbox Traffic, or local movement datasets if you need guaranteed stable access.


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