In this study, we use field ion microscopy (FIM) to study and characterize Pt and Pd covered single atom tips (SATs) prepared with electrochemical deposition methods. Field emission patterns of (100) and (221) faceting were investigated by field emission microscopy (FEM) and the corresponding FIM patterns were obtained as well. We find that some Pd covered tungsten tips do not form good pyramidal structure probably due to an oxide layer at the tip surface. The FIM images of these tips resemble those images obtained for tungsten tips which have been annealed after oxygen exposure. There are several similar features, including longer ridge of the pyramids, higher defect density on the tip surfaces, and wider separation between atomic rows on (211) facets.