Don’t want to slip and fall off the mountain? There’s an app for that.

CALGARY — A new mobile application aims to prevent climbers from slipping and falling off the side of a mountain while scaling towering limestone walls. Ben Pearman, a 29-year-old rock climber and master's student in computer science at the University of Calgary, developed the ThreeTopo app after his climbing group struggled to navigate the south face of Mount Yamnuska in southern Alberta's Bow Valley.

The sheer limestone face, known as Red Shirt, is considered a prime climbing destination in the Rocky Mountains. Using drone photography, Pearman created a three-dimensional digital map of the 240-meter-high climb. The app provides climbers with one-handed, step-by-step guidance on how to navigate the route, including specific moves and potential hazards.

Trad climbers, who rely on temporary, removable gear and rope safety, often face uncertainty and fear, but the app aims to simplify the process. Experienced climbers Miles Abesdris, who tested the app, noted that while traditional climbing can be terrifying initially, familiarity with the rock's weaknesses aids navigation. Pearman hopes other climbers worldwide will contribute data, making the sport safer across North America, from British Columbia to Nevada.

He emphasizes the importance of sharing knowledge among climbers to prevent accidents and rescue operations.