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Low quality of Locus maps

Martin Golembiovsky shared this problem 6 years ago
Not a Problem

"Taras D" here are the requested screenshots on which you can see how empty is your Locus paid map as compared to free OpenTopoMap. As a proof I'm providing screenshots of all sorts of terrain so that Locus users can clearly see that the Locus really misses the point customers are trying to make here. OpenTopoMap covers all the World unlike the maps which are included in Locus "Store" which cover mostly Czechoslovakia, USA and other developed countries. The Locus maps of the undeveloped countries where the natute is in its best are nearly blank - with very little surface features.


Therefore it's way better to use the 4G internet and OpenTopoMap rather than the empty Locus maps.

Replies (6)

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What do these three maps have in common?


  • OpenTopoMap
  • OpenAndroMaps
  • LoMaps

They are all based on OpenStreetMap (OSM) and what they contain/display is controlled by the map editor (the person and process that produce the map).

What are the differences between the three maps?

OpenAndroMaps and LoMaps are vector-based. The user can adjust the map's appearance using themes. A vector-based map is very space-efficient. An entire state/province or country fits into a few hundred megabytes and contains SRTM data and Points of Interest.

OpenTopoMap is presented in raster format (all your sample images are from OpenTopoMap's web-site). When downloaded, for offline use, this kind of map occupies considerably more space (than a vector-based version). It contains no POIs or SRTM data. Yes, it is available as a vector-based map but exclusively in Garmin IMG format. Both Locus Map and OruxMaps have only limited support for Garmin's map format.

I do agree with you that OpenTopoMap has a pleasing appearance and can show a few more details (from OSM) than LoMaps. I don't know if the LoMap theme's options are responsible for the difference or if it is a choice made by the Locus Map team during the map's creation. I haven't compared your samples to OpenAndroMaps but I have viewed it in TF Outdoors.

http://caltopo.com/map.html#ll=42.13084,23.12473&z=15&b=oo

Some of the details seen in OpenTopoMap are visible in TF Outdoors (and some aren't). In summary, the level of detail is determined by the map editor because all three maps get their data from the same place.

PS

For the places where I hike, there is no cellphone service so any solution requiring "4G internet" isn't practical for me.

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Hi Martin,


Taras already posted comprehensive information about vector and raster maps. (thank you for it). However I would like to also mention that crucial can be the version of LoMaps (or other vector maps). More over you can influence the appearance the map using the themes. For example internal Hiking theme for LoMaps doesn't use strict "TOPO" style but it's more general. I've created some screenshots of the Rila with the latest LoMaps and different themes.

It really seems that you used probably quite old vector maps that doesn't contain the latest elements.


Thank you

Best regards

Petr

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Thanks Peter,


I will try to purchase the new map, I had the old map because I was afraid that if I pay for the new one it will be the same like the old one. Thanks.

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Ok I have updated it and it's all good now. Thanks. I didn't want to update because in the Locus store are screenshots from a map from some other country. But now, when you have sent me the screenshots, you convinced me. I will purchase more maps, thanks.

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Dear Martin,


I've already thought about improving images in Locus Store - good point, thank you!

Please note that LoMaps are updated about every 3 months. For this reason, some elements may actually be missing on the map.


BR

Petr

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Thank you Peter, how can I download additional (external) or edit the existing themes of the maps? Thanks.

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There are several possibilities:

1. You can download themes from Locus store: Menu > Store > By usage tab > Graphic >Themes vector map > select any theme and download it

2. There is section on Locus forum focused on themes: http://forum.locusmap.eu/index.php?board=40.0

3. Other sources on internet like OpenAndromaps, Freemap Slovakia, Paws.cz , probably more

Petr

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http://osm.paws.cz/ is great for Czech Republic and surrounding counties, as it is updated very often. It is free, but without Searchable DB.

http://www.openandromaps.org is useful worldwide. It has its own great vector map theme Elevate/Elements. Especially good Alps, as it has included better than SRTM elevation data. Similarly as paws - free, but without searchable DB.

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