Locus Map Lite iOS BETA program - open for new testers

Jan Čapek shared this question 54 days ago
In Progress

Hi everyone,

The demand for bringing Locus Map to the iOS platform has been overwhelming, and we truly hear you all! :)

For years, we've had a straightforward response: Not possible. iOS isn't as open as Android, which restricts the level of customization and full utilization of Locus Map's main capabilities. Moreover, funding such development solely from the old Locus Map Pro was a challenge. However, times change, and both mobile platforms and Locus Map itself have evolved, making this argument obsolete. Even on Android, certain modifications have been necessary due to its decreasing openness. For instance, some of you might recall the difficulties with migrating app data to a private directory, something we weren't happy about either!

Secondly, thanks to Locus Map 4 and our supportive users embracing its new features, we've encountered new opportunities. We are immensely grateful for that! 🙂 One such opportunity is transforming Locus Map from being "just an app" into a full-fledged service, which naturally requires presence on both major mobile platforms. Additionally, not only do we want you to enjoy Locus Map on iOS, but it also opens doors for exciting new features in the future.

Therefore, we've been diligently working behind the scenes to make this happen. However, the task is not simple, as the Android version of Locus Map has had 12 years of continuous development, resulting in an astonishing array of features and customization options. That is what defines Locus Map, and we want to be transparent that achieving the same level on iOS will take time.

Starting today, if you send us your request, we will add your email to the list of testers for our upcoming app called "Locus Map Lite," which is not yet publicly available. Eventually, this Lite version will evolve into the full-fledged "Locus Map," but it will be a gradual journey.

What can you do with the Lite version currently?

  • Browse online worldwide LoMaps, including LoPoints.
  • Search for locations using our new search feature.
  • Record activities.
  • Log in with your account.
  • Utilize MyLibrary for your tracks or points.
  • Synchronize MyLibrary with the cloud (other devices, including Androids or https://web.locusmap.app/ ) if the account is Gold Premium.

What features are currently missing?

  • Registration of new accounts.
  • Only online LoMaps are accessible; other maps are not supported.
  • No route planner.
  • Navigation capabilities are limited to manual following of the line on the map.
  • Offline features are not available except for activity recording.
  • Imports/exports, sharing features as well as many other features are not yet implemented

Who is this build for? Anyone willing to help us with testing or who wants to experience what it currently offers!

Our priority is to verify the robustness of user data synchronization and gather feedback on the overall app experience from an iOS perspective. We especially welcome those migrating from Android with an already populated MyLibrary. If you meet this criterion and don't have Gold Premium, let us know, and we may provide a temporary voucher to activate it upon request.

A few notes about MyLibrary synchronization in this app build:

  • If you already have your data in MyLibrary from using Locus Map on Android or the web, make sure to back them up before attempting synchronization on iOS! You can use the Backup feature on the Android app to avoid data loss in case the iOS version encounters any issues during synchronization (though we don't anticipate any problems!).
  • Data synchronization can be triggered from the MyLibrary screen or within the app settings. Gold Premium is required for a logged-in account to use this feature.
  • The background running of the synchronization process is currently limited. If you have a large initial data to download, keep the screen with the synchronization process on. The app disables the screen limit on this screen so it will be able to finish the process as soon as possible.
  • The app cannot yet receive instant notifications about new data available for download from the web or other registered devices. Currently, the app checks for new data only once every 2 hours after the last attempt. So, if you create a new track on the web or elsewhere under your account, trigger the synchronization manually.

Glimpse of upcoming new MyLibrary

There are even some first on the iOS platform for us. MyLibrary UI here is already built in mind of new features which we are working on. For example it will allow you to place both waypoints and tracks under the same folder in the future. So we hope you don’t be too confused by some quirks of this transitory version.

Still with us? Interested in applying for our closed BETA testing? Here's what you need to do:

  1. Create a new private ticket here.
  2. Provide us email of Apple ID and optionally Locus Map account.
  3. Let us know if you already have Premium activated and whether you synchronized some of your data to our cloud in the past.
  4. Set your post as a question.

In the first wave, we plan to grant access to only a limited number of testers to ensure we can handle the feedback effectively. However, subsequent waves will likely follow quickly.

Once you're accepted into the BETA, you'll be able to download or update the app using "TestFlight," which can be found on the Apple App Store.

We eagerly await your feedback either here or via tickets with your requests!

Jan, Locus team

Replies (37)

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Hi, thanks to all who already requested to join the beta program. Only first few got access so far, as we quickly discovered some issue preventing some of you to test what we need. This is sorted now, so during today second wave of invitations will be sent.


As previously mentioned we are now focused to test and ensure, that synchronization process works well and everyone personal databases of tracks and waypoints are transferred properly both ways on any scenario. Of course best case for us is when you can synchronize it even with Android device. All others might benefit at least from synchronization with our web planner - https://web.locusmap.app . Any other feedback is welcomed too of course!


See 2 attached screenshots bellow showing where to activate data synchronization once you have Gold Premium under your account. Be default it is not enabled.


8a21c3f484211544e80dc92ae82a6b15

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Dzień dobry, na jakim urządzeniu to mam zrobić , ??

Iphone , Mac ? przeglądarka?

Kod otrzymany nie działa , proszę ponownie przesłać!

Mariusz Porwolik

Od: Locus Map <locus.map@asamm.com>

Data: piątek, 4 sierpnia 2023 o 11:45

Do: Mariusz Porwolik <porwolikm@gmail.com>

Temat: New Comment in "Locus Map Lite iOS BETA program - open for new testers"

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Hi Mariusz, as mentioned in your personal ticket, I didn't received any requested info from you yet. In case you will provide them, we will add you to the list to candidates for participants of BETA program.

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Ticket ID32470-08-04

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To all invited testers, we are experiencing some issue now with enabling Premium for accounts where it was activated by voucher. I will report once this will be resolved. You will have Gold or Silver activated within the app only if you see this under your account!

bc96a9b68047d7f522c54c8b58bbf6b3

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Ikona GPS nie zmienia się na zielono, przy planowaniu trasy, podczas zapisywania ze względu na niedokładność ustawień punktów, kiedyś usredniało położenie punktu(większa tolerancja).Pozdrawiam

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Hi all, last week the testing didn't go pretty well as we are yet to fix issue of synchronization with cloud when user have activated Premium by voucher, which is most of the current testers. I will report as soon as this will be finally fixed.

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Update: We finally fixed synchronizations issues for voucher enabled Premiums. Sorry for lots of confusion in recent days. Unfortunately we were hurry to introduce ability to redeem voucher on web and iOS and it brings many unexpected issues. Even after we fixed that the app reported Premium status properly the synchro and web planner still wasn't fully usable. All this is fixed now so all testers can continue and finally try to to sync data with Locus Cloud. Thank you for your patience.

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Problemem jest teraz

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Hi Mariusz, I would like to ask you to write in English in this public forum for others to follow or use your private ticket. Thanks.


Can you please try to log-out and log-in again? Is it still same?

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Sorry, Yes problem is still.

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I think I see the reason why your account is in this state, will confirm it with colleagues and hopefully fix it tomorrow. Thanks.

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0.4.6 (39) installed

Bascially UI is working fine.

Buttons at the main screen are little small for my personal preference

Recording Profile is only cycling - under clycling I see cycle and walk.

Track recording --> 3 Buttons are too large for me. Track recording worked, also the sync with Locus Cloud.

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Hi Bernd,
please send us screenshot of your main screen to verify whether all is rendered as intended - as you are among those who experience also those 3 large buttons on track recording dialog (which was already fixed for next release).

Walk is not under cycling profile, I believe it is just not really intuitive button to open list to select the profile. We will think how to improve it to be more intuitive (considering the available space). That is exactly the reports what we need to hear now, so thanks! :)

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Hi,

2 screenshots from my phone.


Best Regards

Bernd

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Hi Bernd,

Thank you for your screenshots. I apologize for a little bit confusing UI for selecting recording profile. We will change it in next release. There are only two built in profiles (walking and cycling) but you can easily create your own profile. From "Track recording" tap on selected profile and you will see list of all available recording profiles (actually this is confusing). You can tap on + and new recording profile will be created. If you switch to edit mode by tapping on Edit button, you can rename selected profile and change its parameters. It is important to select proper activity because system location services use this information. You can also change distance and time between samples according your needs and target folder for storing recorded tracks. I can see from your screenshots that you are tracking some boat trip so it can be really helpful to create your own recording profile and tune recording parameters.

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Hi Petr,

Thanks for explanation.

I can create my own recording profiles and save it - I found it in the menu.


Regards

Bernd

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Hi,


Can you check the function visible/non visible for recorded tracks. For me it works currently the opposite way.

If the recorded track is marked non visible, I can see it in the map.

If it’s marked visible, I can‘t see it.


Regards

Bernd

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Hi Berndt,

Thank you for your feedback. Eye symbol in bottom status bar is actually button, not visibility of the track. If track is hidden, eye (make track visible) is shown. You are not the first one who is pointing at this problem. If you have some idea how to clarify this situation in UI, please give us some hint. Current UI is not final version and we can change it.

Cheers,

Petr

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Personally I would just swap the icons round so the eye shows that the track is currently visible and the crossed out eye shows that it is invisible. But it's not a big deal - either way has disadvantages - but once you know what the symbol means, you soon get used to it.

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Thanks, this is definitely topic which we want to think through more also in relation to other similar future toggles. Current state is indeed not optimal.

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Hi Petr,


understood. For me it is misleading.I

I would prefer if the button is indicating tracks is shown or not shown.

If you have a version logic behind it, then it is also possible to get used to it.


Regards,

Bernd

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Sorry I mean logic to version

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Hi Bernd,

I'll discuss it with Jan when he is back from holiday. It is not a problem to change it.


Cheers,

Petr

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Still testing the beta version and really enjoying it. I think it's pretty well designed and the UI is simple and uncluttered. Main thing that needs looking at from my point of view is offline mapping and adding distance markers along tracks and routes so you can check progress and take in the main features of a track at a single glance. Also I can't see the photos that I added to waypoints as I was recording but I guess that is something that can be sorted out later. Looking forward to continuing the test program.

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Hi Adam,

Thanks for your feedback. Offline maps are huge topic and it will take some time to implement this feature. We don't know, how many people will request it. Maybe other users will ask for it in this forum and we will give it higher priority.
There are more possibilities how to display distance markers along tracks and routes. Should they display distance (for instance 1 km) from the beginning of the track as it is displayed on enclosed screenshot from Android version?
Waypoint photos are stored, but not displayed yet. I'll include this feature in some upgrade.

Cheers,

Petr

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you said "Offline maps are huge topic and it will take some time to implement this feature. We don't know, how many people will request it. Maybe other users will ask for it in this forum and we will give it higher priority."

I wanted to chime in to say this is an important feature. My primary use case for Locus is outdoor activities in areas with no cell tower coverage.

I switched to iPhone recently. Before I switched, I found some iOS apps that I thought would fill the gap left by the absence of Locus Maps. Several months later I have 5 iOS map apps loaded, and the combination of those 5 apps provides me less functionality than Locus Maps. So I'm saying that Locus is great, and I will probably go back to Android for my next phone if you can't make an iOS version of Locus.

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Hi Petr thanks for the quick response. I Hope offline maps can be implemented at some point - the app would be quite hard to use when out in the mountains etc if they aren’t available. Also you will rack up huge mobile phone data charges if you’re online all the time rather than downloading over wifi before you set off. But I guess you know all this already!

In terms of the distance markers, I’d just put small icons with numbers in showing the distance from the start of the track or route in km. See attached example from the now-defunct Viewranger app. I think it should be fairly easy to do and would be a really positive feature for the app. Thanks. Adam.

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Hi Adam, there is indeed no "full" Locus Map without its offline capabilities or maps. We are well aware of that and it is also one of the reason, why there is that "Lite" in the app name for now. Offline maps are for sure on our priority list, but unfortunately not for anytime soon yet as we are currently focusing on bringing other missing essential features. Lets see what next year brings in this!

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I don’t think my screenshot came through. I will try again.

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Hopefully the screenshot comes through this time.

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Thanks for screenshot. This is basically the same system, only marks are different.

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Excellent. Hope it can be implemented! Thanks. Adam.

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Hi,

the offline maps would really be great as next step.

For hiking in the mountains you can’t rely on a mobile network. Most of the Locus Users I know us it for outdoor activities- with the advantage of offline maps and following tracks.

Regards

Bernd

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Hi Jan,
thanks for reply. As mobile network in my area is not reliable as it should - offline maps are really good.
Got your point - hope you shift prio a little bit.

Regards,
Bernd

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witam, pojawił się problem z synchronizacją nagranych utworów. Prawdopodobnie wtedy, gdy do chmury można było wysłać dwie trasy jednocześnie. Spróbuję odtworzyć problem.

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Hi Mariusz,

I understand spoken and written Polish quit well, but I can't write so I'll answer in English. Thanks for report, we will investigate according incident id and I'll inform you later.

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Hi Mariusz,

Thanks a lot for your report. The problem was in missing location points in recorded route. It means that recorded points were not written in database in time of synchronization. The track name was "2023-08-24T11:21:48+02:00". Does this track still exist in your library? Thanks.

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Hello, where are the photos taken during the recording of the route?

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Hi Mariusz,

Photos are stored in the local file system. I'll implement displaying of waypoints and photos in detail views in some future update. In the meantime you can switch on option "Copy photos to PhotoLibrary" settings to store photos also in PhotoLibrary.

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po naciśnięciu w nagranej trasie „miniatura” zawiesza się.

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Hi Mariusz,

Thanks for bug report. I'm not sure, how can I reproduce this problem. Can you please write more details?

If content of the folder is not displayed, It should be possible to press "Back" or swipe back to go one level up and then again go in to target folder. The folder content should be displayed. Nevertheless it is bug and I would like to find the reason.

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Ahoj ;-)

je správně, že se místo ikonek co jsou na webu obrazují jen íčka v modrém poli ?

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Zdravím,

děkuji za dotaz. Které ikony máte na mysli? Pokud se bavíme o ikonách bodů v knihovně, tak pro většinu by se měly zobrazovat přiřazené ikony. Problém může nastat, pokud je ikona stahována z internetu, připojení není k dispozici a ikona ještě nebyla stažena na lokální disk. Speciální ikony pro geocaching rovněž ještě nejsou zobrazovány. Potřeboval bych ale více informací nebo snímek obrazovky. Díky.

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Ano, posílám nějaké screeny ale v zásadě se jedná o kešky a labky. Zajímavé je že Garminí obrázek "summit" se zobrazuje. Přidal jsem nějaké screeny. I ty zakroužkovaný se zobrazují jako i. Zakládal jsem je ale ještě na androidim telefonu, tak to může být tim.


Je nejaky odhad kdy se budou zobrazovat kešky?

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Zdravím, díky za obrázky. Ikony pro kešky jsou poměrně komplikované a berou se z několika zdrojů, z nichž některé zatím nejsou na iOS z časových důvodů implementovány. To se týká hlavně kešek. Pak je zobrazena ta standardní ikona "i". Až se vrátí z dovolené autor a znalec toho systému, tak to s ním prodiskutuji a snad i implementuji. Zatím prosím o trochu trpělivosti. Díky.

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Hi there

I just tested out ver 0.4.99(55)

Overall impressions still very good.


Suggestions:

1) I’d still like to be able to see distance markers along routes and tracks

2) It would be better if in the library of my recorded routes, the default sort order was newest at the top not the bottom

3) Would be good to be able to export GPX files of recorded tracks from within the app rather than having to go to the website

4) When recording a track, in the info screen it would be more useful to show cumulative metres ascended and cumulative m descended, than distance (uphill) and distance (downhill)

5) Photos still not showing in recorded routes

6) Offline maps…


Thanks. I’m really enjoying using the app.

Adam

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Hi Adam,

Thank you for your response. I'll try to answer some questions.

1) It is in my ToDo list. It is not so much requested feature so priority is still low.

2) You are right. This is wrong. I'll change it in next update. Nevertheless, it will affect only new app installation. For you is better to change track sorting order in menu.

3) GPX import and export is planned before first app release in app store.

5) Next update will contain search improvements and following one will bring full LoPoint media support. I'm planning to include track's waypoints details to this update.

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Sorry one more thing. The track that I recorded today hasn’t appeared in my library on the website, even though it is in my library in the app. I’ve pressed the “sync now” button several times but it doesn’t appear to be syncing. Previous beta versions seemed to sync fine.

Thanks

Adam

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Hi Adam,

I've just tried to record and sync track. It was working normally.

> I’ve pressed the “sync now” button several times but it doesn’t appear to be syncing.

It means system doesn't detect any changes in My Library compare to server version. Please try also refresh button in your web browser. It helps sometimes. Please let me know if track was synchronized.

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Hi Petr yes it eventually synchronised about an hour later. Not sure what was going on. I’ll keep an eye on it next time I use the app. Thanks. Adam.

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Hi Adam, thanks a lot. Petr.

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Hi Adam, if you are replying to some sub-thread, please use respective text input directly under it. It is starting to be bit messy there, thanks! :)

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Hi,I just draw a track in the web application - the height increase total is 883 hm. If I open the track in the locus app, the height increase with the track is 497 hm.

I think the app is right here.
Do you have a update on the offline map topic?

Regards,

Bernd

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Screenshot from app

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Hi Bernd,

Thank you very much for your feedback. We are investigating this case and I have some questions. Where did this track come from? Is it recorded or planned track? It looks like planned track (track time in app is zero). If it is planned track then I'll pass this case directly to my colleague. It would also help, if you can share (see screenshot) this track so we can have a look in detail. Thanks a lot.

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Hi Petr,
I have drawn the track in the locus web app.
Then saved it to the cloud and opened it again in the locus app Ios.

Link to the web app track:

https://link.locusmap.app/t/cejpse

Best Regards,
Bernd


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Hey Bernd,

Thanks for sticking with us over the years! We're aware of the elevation difference between our web and app versions—it's due to different algorithms. We're on it, aiming to improve the web planner soon. So, there might be a few hiccups for now.

Really appreciate your patience and understanding. We're on the case!

Cheers,

Ondrej from Locus

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Hi Petr,
is sharing of the track temporary? If not, I just want to disable sharing as it is posted public.
Regards,
Bernd

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Hi Bernd,

Yes, you can disable sharing.

Cheers,

Petr

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How to delete a saved route? Maybe add "Delete" when editing?

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I still can't find the photos while recording the route? It syncs tracks fine.

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There are two ways how to delete routes in My Library folder:

1. Swipe from right edge and tap delete (see attached pic).

2. Tap edit, select routes to delete and tap delete button.

I'm sorry for still missing waypoint's data in track detail. Next update (hopefully this week) will bring huge search improvements and next update will contain LoMedia support and also waypoints details.

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Please continue below this comment and use one thread per topic. Use "Leave a Comment" If you want to start new topic. Use "Replay" if you want to add comment to already existing discussion. Thanks.

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How to delete track in planer browser?

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Hi,

It is not possible to delete track in web planner. This feature is currently under development.

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Hi all, you can now finally login to our web planner (https://web.locusmap.app/) with AppleID or complete account registration here. So this barrier for you guys to use it should now be gone.

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Note: it is easier to plan a route if, after selecting a bicycle, only bicycle routes, paths, etc. are visible

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