Diejenigen unter Ihnen, die uns schon seit vielen Jahren begleiten, wissen sehr gut, dass es unser oberstes Ziel war und ist, für jede Situation den idealen Partner zu schaffen. Eine umfassende, stabile und multifunktionale Lösung anzubieten, die auch anspruchsvollen Bedingungen standhält, erfordert heute mehr Aufwand als noch vor fünfzehn Jahren, als wir angefangen haben.
Es geht nicht nur um den Wettbewerb. Die Anforderungen an die Qualität der Ausführung, die weltweite Verfügbarkeit von Dienstleistungen, den Serverbetrieb, die langfristige Wartung und die faire Vergütung des an der Entwicklung beteiligten Teams sind grundlegend gestiegen. Logischerweise mussten wir uns daher von einem einmaligen Zahlungsmodell zu einer anderen, langfristigen und nachhaltigen Lösung hinbewegen.
Ein wichtiger Grund dafür ist, dass wir nach wie vor fest entschlossen sind, Asamm Software als unabhängiges Team von Enthusiasten zu erhalten – ohne externe Investoren und ohne Druck, unpopuläre Entscheidungen zu treffen, wie beispielsweise den Handel mit Nutzerdaten.
Vielen Dank, dass Sie bei uns sind.
Wie auch immer Sie zu dieser Entscheidung stehen mögen, eines ist sicher: Die Tatsache, dass Sie diese Zeilen lesen, bedeutet, dass Locus Classic schon seit einiger Zeit Ihr Begleiter ist. Wir wissen das sehr zu schätzen!
Wir möchten uns bei allen bedanken, die die App genutzt haben. Vor allem möchten wir uns bei denen bedanken, die durch Feedback, Fehlermeldungen, Ideen und Unterstützung aktiv an der kontinuierlichen und nie endenden Verbesserung mitgewirkt haben. Ohne euch wäre Locus nicht das, was es heute ist.
Was ist los und warum schreiben wir erneut darüber?
Wir haben Sie seit 2019 über das Ende des Supports für Locus Classic informiert, ursprünglich mit einem Zieldatum im März 2026. Aufgrund Ihrer Rückmeldungen haben wir jedoch festgestellt, dass es uns nicht gelungen ist, diese Information allen klar und umfassend zu vermitteln.
Wir haben daher beschlossen:
- Verlängern Sie den Supportzeitraum bis Ende 2026.
- Erklären Sie noch einmal klar und deutlich, was diese Änderung in der Praxis bedeutet.
Im Falle eines dringenden Bedarfs werden wir bis Ende dieses Jahres eine korrigierte Version veröffentlichen. Dies sollte dazu beitragen, die Lebensdauer der Anwendung trotz der Komplikationen, die Android 16 mit sich bringt, zu verlängern.
Leider sind die Vertriebsbedingungen von Google nicht mehr akzeptabel, sodass wir die Installationsdatei direkt auf unserer Website anbieten müssen.
Was das für Sie heute und in Zukunft bedeutet
In naher Zukunft wird sich für Sie wahrscheinlich nichts Wesentliches ändern. Locus Classic wird weiterhin wie gewohnt funktionieren.
Wie jede andere Software muss jedoch auch diese Anwendung gewartet werden, und im Laufe der Zeit können Situationen auftreten, in denen:
- Einige Funktionen sind nicht mehr zu 100 % zuverlässig.
- Neuere Versionen des Android-Betriebssystems lassen die Installation nicht zu.
- Externe Dienste (Karten, Server) werden nicht mehr existieren oder Funktionen in der Anwendung unterstützen.
Lassen Sie uns Ihnen daher einige mögliche Lösungen anbieten, die Sie jetzt oder später nutzen können. Es gibt keine zeitliche Begrenzung, und die Wahl liegt ganz bei Ihnen:
Benutzer
Ich bin noch unentschlossen und unsicher. Lohnt sich der Wechsel zu Locus Map 4 wirklich?
Asamm Software
Versuchen wir, es kurz und objektiv zusammenzufassen.
Mit Locus Map und dem „Premium Silver”-Paket, das für etwa 10 € pro Jahr erhältlich ist und das Sie als Entschädigung und Dankeschön für Ihren Kauf von Locus Classic vor Jahren im ersten Jahr kostenlos erhalten, bekommen Sie:
- Eine Anwendung, die dieselben Funktionen wie Locus Classic bietet und diese sogar noch leicht übertrifft.
- Nach wie vor eine Offline-First-Lösung, die dauerhaft ohne Internet genutzt werden kann.
- Keine Cloud-Dienste für Benutzerdaten (für viele von Ihnen ein Vorteil).
- Umwelt und Philosophie, die dem „guten alten Locus“ nahe stehen.
- Ein stabiles Team von Mitarbeitern, die aktiv an der Anwendung arbeiten.
- Regelmäßige Updates und schnelle Problemlösung.
Der Übergang ist heute sehr einfach, und wir haben ihn bereits in einem älteren Artikel >> ausführlich beschrieben.
Der Betrag von etwa 1 € pro Monat wird die Arbeit am Locus Map-Projekt in den kommenden Jahren erheblich unterstützen.
Benutzer
Ich habe immer noch das Gefühl, dass etwas fehlt, dass etwas nicht stimmt. Ich bin nicht überzeugt.
Asamm Software
Wir würden uns sehr freuen, wenn Sie uns ein kurzes Feedback über ein kurzes Formular >> geben könnten (das dauert etwa 5 Minuten). Wir sehen 2026 als ideale und letzte Gelegenheit, Ihre Kommentare anzuhören und gegebenenfalls Lösungen anzubieten.
Wir verstehen, dass das Abonnementmodell nicht für jeden geeignet ist. Für uns ist es jedoch entscheidend für das langfristige Funktionieren der Anwendung und die Stabilität des Teams in den kommenden Jahren. Gleichzeitig versuchen wir, alternative Optionen anzubieten, wie z. B. einmalige Jahresgutscheine oder Premium für LoCoins.
Benutzer
Okay, lassen Sie uns gemeinsam mit der Entwicklung beginnen.
Asamm Software
Vielen Dank! Wenn Sie sich für Locus Map entscheiden, sind wir überzeugt, dass Ihnen die Anwendung gefallen wird und dass sie auch ohne die kostenpflichtige Premium-Version ein zuverlässiger Begleiter sein wird.
Benutzer
Locus Classic war mein Partner, aber die Hindernisse für eine Veränderung sind unüberwindbar. Es ist Zeit, Abschied zu nehmen.
Asamm Software
Vielen Dank, dass Sie uns auf dieser Reise begleiten. Wir wünschen Ihnen viele wunderbare Erlebnisse bei der Erkundung der Natur – sei es mit einer Papierkarte oder einer der hochwertigen Alternativen, die auf dem Markt erhältlich sind. Wir schätzen es sehr, dass Sie Teil dieser Geschichte sind.
102 Comments
Szkoda dobrego programu, trzeba będzie poszukać alternatywy.
Diakujem for very generous length of support for a product that was paid once long time ago.
"An application that offers the same functionality as Locus Classic and slightly surpasses it." I think even with gold subscription still there is no calculation of alternative routes by BRouter. I'm curious what are the biggest obstacles.
Hello Pawel,
alternative routes are already supported for the offline LoRouter. Just enable this feature in the app settings > Navigation > settings of the "LoRouter offline" and "Alternative routes".
Thanks, I think it should be in the documentation
I mean with screenshot how it works. It's free advertisement.
Ja i moja rodzina, koledzy którym polecałem Locusa zainwestowaliśmy sporo pieniędzy i w dodatkowe mapy dla różnych obszarów i jednocześnie w rozwój Locusa aby stał się takim jakim programem jest dzisiaj ale inwestycja była z myślą, że kupuje program, który nie będzie wiązać się z miesięcznym opłatami. Nie podoba mi się pomysł subskrypcji bo z map korzystam może ze 2-3 x w roku kiedy z rodziną lub z kolegami jadę w góry, a funkckonalność classica mi w zupełności wystarcza. Kwota abonametu mimo, że nie wydaje się wysoka pomnożona przez klika osób w domu i co roczna staje sie sporym obciążeniem. Niestety jeśli nie będę mógł korzystać w obecnej formie poszukam innej alternatywy albo zostanę przy mapach Garmina i Compassa, które posiadam. Niestety poza uznaniem i podziękowaniami za obecne wsparcie i oferta srebrnego abonamentu to jednak słabe, biorac pod uwagę, że wielu ludzi tak jak ja swymi płatnosciami zbudowalo ten produkt, a teraz płać albo dziękujemy. ☹️
I don't like the new Locus Map interface compared to the Classic. I don't want a subscription. I was ok with paying for locus map points occasionally to update the map. That was already kind of a subscription revenue for you. I will completely stop using Locus if the Classic version stops working. Thank you
it is the same for me, exactly.
no abo.
thanks for your great Work and support.
Cześć Przemo,
Twoje argumenty są logiczne i w pełni je rozumiem. Model subskrypcji zawsze stanowi problem w przypadku rzadkiego użytkowania. Zastanawiamy się, czy możemy rozwiązać tę kwestię po naszej stronie (jest to również pytanie zawarte w formularzu).
Uważam, że Locus Classic, a także zakupione mapy będą działać przez kilka lat, więc z pewnością nie była to strata pieniędzy. Jeśli możemy w czymś pomóc lub coś wyjaśnić, nie wahaj się do nas napisać.
Przetłumaczono z DeepL.com (wersja darmowa)
Hallo
Falls ich über die Webseite und einer APK Datei aktualisiere werde ich dann eine Version mit "Werbeeinblendungen" haben wie die letzte Googleversion oder eine "neutrale" Version?
Danke für die Info und Grüße
Hallo Axel,
nein, alle APK-Versionen von Locus Classic (Versionsnummer 3.x) sind immer das gute alte Locus Classic, ohne Werbung und mit allen Funktionen, die Sie bereits genutzt haben.
I'm not paying for subscriptions
I will own something and be happy
Good luck with your new business model
In a saturated market you cannot survive by new sales.
If everybody applied such selfish ideology, any SW company would be dead by now. Well, one might survive, as a monopoly, and force subscriptions on you, if you like it on not.
Will I be able to use the maps from openandromaps.org in LM4?
Yes, very good question. I too use their maps in Locus.
Sure, there are no new limitations regarding vector maps (not just OpenAndroMaps). Bonus compared to Locus Classic is a new library with a little faster map rendering + rotation of texts during navigation.
Rotating text is a bonus 👍. Will the text rotation work with openandromaps.org maps or just with locus maps?
It works with OAM 🙂
Exactly. We use so-called "MapsForge maps", so every map of this kind will have this full functionality.
I will not use this anymore.
As a long-time Locus Map user, I am so disappointed with the changes of Locus from one-time purchase to subscriptions. i will keep using the Classic version till it could not be run on my phone.
Hello Larry,
this is perfectly ok. We also hope that Locus Classic will work for a long time. It is stable, mature software, and as long as there won't be a major change in the Android devices, there is no serious reason why it should stop working in the next few years.
Ich nutze Locus Map seit 5 Jahren hin und wieder im Urlaub. Im Alltag hauptsächlich jedoch Google Maps und Komoot. Für 5 Jahre wären die Kosten 50€ gewesen. Für diesen Preis hätte ich es nicht genutzt.
Für die Nutzung ausschließlich im Urlaub ist das Abonnementmodell problematisch, was ich vollkommen verstehe. Locus Map funktioniert recht gut, natürlich mit einigen Einschränkungen, auch ohne Abonnement. Während Ihres Urlaubs können Sie die App einfach nur für die Dauer Ihrer Reise (ein Monat oder länger) erwerben.
Wie ich in meinem Beitrag geschrieben habe, sollte Locus Classic noch einige Zeit voll funktionsfähig bleiben.
Übersetzt mit DeepL.com (kostenlose Version)
Kiedyś zapłaciłem za aplikację PRO aby się nią cieszyć, zrobiliście z niej darmową, pogodziłem się z tym i aktualizowałem mapy płacąc za punkt, ale wam jeszcze jest mało. A teraz Pan sobie kupi subskrypcję. A wiecie co walcie się.👎👎👎👎👎🖕🖕🖕🖕🖕🖕🖕🖕.
Yet another application that I paid for and and now you're changing the rules. I'm really sorry to hear that. I would also like to say, that mentioned "unpopular decisions, like trading user data" that you don't want to follow, are still illegal in EU, according to GDPR. I am sorry to say that, but I am not planning to pay. I kept using Locus, because I paid for it and bought few additional maps. However, over the years I have found some other apps like maps.cz, that better suit my needs. I didn't want to change permanently, because of payment, but now I will have to think it over again.
Wenn man bei der Installation auf die Verwendung von Nutzerdaten hingewiesen wird und diesem zustimmt, ist es auch in der EU legal.
Siehe Kundenkarten in Supermärkten.
Lediglich die ungefragte Erfassung ist verboten.
If you are informed about the use of user data during installation and agree to it, it is also legal in the EU.
See usercards in supermarkets.
Only unsolicited data collection is prohibited.
[PL]
Locus Map Classic (dawniej Pro) nigdy nie był darmowy. W każdym razie wszystko zostało wyjaśnione powyżej. Sześć lat temu nie była to dla nas łatwa decyzja. Jednak bez tej zmiany ani nasz zespół, ani Locus Map nie istniałyby dzisiaj.
[EN translation]
Locus Map Classic (formerly Pro) has never been for free. Anyway, everything has been explained above. It was not an easy decision for us six years ago. However, without this change, neither our team nor Locus Map would exist today.
Very disappointed. One time payment for life means one time payment for life.
If this version stops working I will switch to another brand. Once trust has been broken it's not easy to get it back!
Who can recommend alternatives?
I fully support this opinion. Previously, there were different conditions for a paid subscription, but now they are changing them in my favor. I have already found an alternative where you can purchase and use it once. It depends on your goals, but I prefer Vetus map.
Hello Jeroen,
Locus Classic is still a very reliable product and your license is (and will remain forever) valid. We did not break this promise. Locus Map 4 is a different product based on subscription, and we just recommend, not force, to update.
Good news for extending maintanace period.
But still i worry about oneday i need to transfer my data,
I hope it should be working on locus4
And i want you guys change locus4 interface like locus classic
That would be nice to persuade me and my coworkers to use locus4
(Some of my coworker use locus classic even though they got a subscription of 4, because of interface, and heaviness of app itself)
Please make it more light for smooth working
Thanks, have a good one.
Hello Lee,
are you able to very shortly describe a major problem with the Locus Map 4 interface? We read these complaints from time to time. Except for the main map screen, the interface is almost identical. On the main screen, there is only one major idea behind it > bring the main map control closer to the fingers, so the app may be controlled by one hand. It was not possible with Locus Classic so easily. Thank you!
I paid locus clasic for the whole time. I don't want and won't pay the subscription for locus 4. so please act accordingly and allow the product I bought for an unlimited period to continue to function normally.
Hello,
purchased Locus Classic (formerly Pro) will work for an unlimited period of time, and we won't limit it in any way!
Istotne dla mnie pytanie w celu rozważenia przejścia na subskrypcję - czy płacąc za nią jestem w stanie dzielić się licencją z bliskimi w ramach grupy rodzinnej Google - tak jak w modelu jednokrotnej płatności w przeszłości, czy też każda osoba musi wykupić licencję osobno?
Nie jest to jeszcze idealnie rozwiązane. Technicznie jest to możliwe, jeśli zalogujesz się do aplikacji na identyczne konto. Prawdopodobnie nie ma problemu w przypadku Silver Premium. Nie jest to zalecane w przypadku Gold Premium ze względu na synchronizację danych.
Twoja opinia (nie tylko Twoja) skłoniła nas do rozważenia wprowadzenia pewnego rodzaju licencji rodzinnej. Z pewnością zastanowimy się nad tym w ciągu najbliższych miesięcy.
Nezabudnime, že prvý Locus prišiel, keď tu bol ešte Android 4? Naozaj si niekto myslí, že zaplatí 8€ a bude mať k dispozícii 15 rokov tím vývojárov, ktorí budú pridávať nové funkcie a udržiavať aplikáciu funkčnú na každej novej verzii Androidu? Kto si kúpil Locus v čase, keď Android dajme tomu vo verzii 10, celkom isto ho môže na telefóne s touto verziou veselo používať ďalších 100 rokov.
Zdravím Andreji, začínal jsem dokonce na Androidu 2 😊.
Díky za pochopení!
I have been using Locus for many years in remote places with no network connectivity, as well as on bicycle journeys. It has never failed me. Thank you for that.
I don't remember how much I paid or when, but I think you deserve a pay rise.
I have switched to Android 16 and am now experiencing some limitations that could be a reason to upgrade.
Will I remain free from marketing and advertisements? Is there anything else you would like to warn me about?
Hello Matthias,
nice to read, app never failed you!
What exactly do you mean by "free from marketing and advertisements"? We do not do an email marketing or advertising. Anyway, the Android version of the Locus Map 4, if you do not have an active Silver or Gold Premium, starts to display a small ad banner at the top of the app. So be aware of it.
Thank you, Menion!
I have used Locus (now classic) for many years - albeit quite lightly. I will have to consider if a subscription is worthwhile.
My first concern: Will 4 run on old versions of Android? I still use an old tablet (8.1.0), but increasingly find app developers don't support it.
Secondly, the range of available free maps has been gradually decreasing over the years - which for me is devaluing Classic.
Can you point me to a good summary of the maps available as part of the subscription - or will I find myself needing to pay for any detailed walking maps?
Hello Nick,
with most recent Locus Map 4, we had to remove support for Android 6. Android 7 is still safe for some time. My personal opinion is that Android 8 will be supported for 2 more years.
About maps - the identical problem is with Locus Map 4. We usually recommend our own LoMaps (download for a fee from Locus Store or for free as a part of Gold Premium) or external maps like OpenAndroMaps. All these vector maps are usually very good for hiking and biking activities. Locus Map 4 also provide good online hike & bike maps (visually almost identical to offline LoMaps) and Gold Premium contains satellite maps. Hope this gives a basic overview.
Hi Locus Team,
Perfectly understood the subscription model. I confirm that I have a certain number of paid apps which have been abandoned by their authors.
I have read your articles explaining the rationale and the comparison of Classic vs various plans on LM4.
I am OK to contribute a symbolic subscription to support the team. However, the 10 Euros of the Silver plan seems too much. Can you make another plan "Free, no-ads" for the Locus supporters?
I use LM Classic lightly, maybe twice a year when there is an opportunity to explore new trails. My usage is very basic: recording, draw my own trails, offline LoMaps, see the altitude variations of the trail and recording stats. That's it. In a words, I use Locus Map just for offline navigation, keep track of some points such as parking spots, save my trails and recordings on my cloud storage. No social, no sharing, no health monitoring, no coaching, no offline router, no satellite, etc.
I believe the LM4 free tier can do all that, just with some ads displayed in a top banner. Can you please confirm?
Also, let's assume I continue to use LM Classic beyond 2026. Can you please show how to load an offline LoMaps? Is it manually possible? Even with some complicate tricks such as rooting a phone?
I understand the team needs to make a living. Me too I am also happy when I get a pay raise. But please understand that there is a category of low tech users like me, who don't need all the new fancy features in LM4. Try to keep the faithful Locus map users you have. Before they are tempted to migrate to other apps.
Hello Trikenstein
this is quite a lot of questions 😊
Not just because of many Locus Classic users, we will think about alternative solutions next month(s). An option for cheaper "ad-free" usage is on the table.
I personally still see a good solution in the activation of Silver/Gold for a month/two, just when needed. Anyway, this does not solve the "ad" problem, understand.
About functionality: probably the easiest is to try on your own. Expect limitations in altitude charts (all features related to altitude are usually in the Silver tier). Otherwise, it should work ok for your use-case even without a Premium.
Offline LoMaps - you want to transfer maps from the Locus Classic or download some maps from the internet? Many online vector maps for Locus have implemented a "Download" option that automatically starts the Locus Map app and downloads the map.
Feel free to write to our help.locusmap.eu, if you have any questions.
Používám classic, který jsem si koupil před mnoha lety a byla to jedna z mála aplikací, za ktére jsem vůbec kdy zaplatil. Za to co mi Lucus za ty roky dal to byla až směšně malá suma. Děkuji tady proto celemu týmu. Rozumím tomu rozhodnutí a ještě nevím jak na ně budu sám reagovat. Rád bych s Locusem zůstal a taky nemám nic proti tomu dobrou věc, která mi navíc přináší užitek, podporovat.
Děkujeme Pavle. Doufám že víte, že v případě nejasností nám jednoduše můžete napsat na help.locusmap.eu. Obratem pomůžeme/poradíme 😉
Ahoj Menion, pouzival som roky Locus Classic (predtym Pro) hlavne na geocaching a turistiku. Co mi vadi (a aj mojim kamaratom, co odmietaju prejst na Locus 4), je, ze pri kliknuti na kesku sa zobrazi detail cez celu spodnu polovicu obrazovky (predtym tam bol len maly dialog), takze to zatieni celu mapu. Predtym som si poklikal po mape, boli tam male dialogy a az ked som naozaj chcel ist na detail, klikol som si na dialog. Teraz mam dialog v Locus 4 cez viac ako pol obrazovky (mam Samsung S25). Po oznameni skoncenia podpory som preto presiel na c:geo a Locus pouzivam uz iba kvoli navigovaniu na dlhsich horskych turach napriklad cez Alpenverein mapy.
Zdravím Robo,
díky, rozumím. Zkus na okně s otevřeném bodě kliknout na horní panel se jménem. Panel by se měl výrazně zmenšit. Aktuálně řešení upřímně považuju za lepší, umožňuje rychlejší práci s daty. Otázka je, proč klikat na bod, když s ním pak nic nedělám?
Nicméně, celkem logicky Locus Map bude vždy trošku pozadu v geocachingu proti c:geu či jiným specializovaným aplikacím. Výhodou může být stabilita (využíváme legální API) a samozřejmě funkce/mapy Locusu, které se i při lovení keší hodí a c:geo je nemá. Na druhou stranu, Locus Map a c:geo tvořili vždycky celkem dobrý pár 😀 a není důvod nepoužívat oboje pokud to člověku sedí.
Ať se daří!
Diky, presne to som potreboval s tym kliknutim na horny panel. Je to o dost lepsie. Celkovo sa mi tie dialogy zdaju velmi velke (velky font a velke medzery), hlavne s mojim malym telefonom, ako keby to nebolo proporcne k velkosti obrazovky - mozno sa to da prisposobit, musim si preklikat nastavenia. Este ste pisali, ze je to lepsie s ovladanim 1 rukou, ale ak dam menu kesky - kde je napoveda, zalogovat..., tak to aj tak palcom nedociahnem. Ale mozno je to iba tym, ze ja som proste na predosly Locus zvyknuty, kedze ho pouzivam roky a tym padom mam pocit, ze tie predosle dialogy boli take jednoduchsie.
Zdravím Robo, tlačítko menu kešky můžete přemístit do spodního panelu, kam na něj určitě dosáhnete. Více viz nastavení > geocaching > nastavení rychlých tlačítek dole.
I would have tried a voluntary option for paying a little donation from time to time instead of charging permanent fees.
Everyone understands that lifetime payment an lifetime support are difficult to match.
But the idea of permanent fees for apps that are used occasionally are evenly difficult to match.
Regards, Mark
Hello Mark, thanks, I perfectly understand this. The problem of subscription with occasional usage is a big topic in these comments, and we will discuss it in the team during the next few months.
My usual recommendation is activation of Premium just when needed. Vacation for 14 days? Fine, Premium for one month and done.
Ako sa postupom času su ukazalo tak oženiť sa z mojou ex, a vybrať is Locus, boli moje dve najhoršie rozhodnutia v živote ....
Zdravím jaro,
pravděpodobně to nebyl záměr a nechci to zlehčovat, ale srovnání zní minimálně úsměvně. Sdělte mi prosím ve stručnosti, proč. Stačí ta část týkající se Locusu.
Pokud jste se dostal až sem, předpokládám, že Locus Classic znáte a byl vám k užitku. Na tom se nic nemění a může vám sloužit i nadále. Změna bude přinejhorším v tom, že vlivem neaktualizování bude jeho životnost omezená na několik let.
Díky a ať se daří.
It's a sign that both need to be upgraded.
I think I need to consider a replacement app. I've purchased the PRO version and use it quite frequently. However, the subscription option has turned me off. There are plenty of other apps from other developers worth considering, rather than subscribing to something we've already purchased. Honestly, I'm very disappointed, and I no longer trust your app.
Hello Hanif,
just for your information > Locus Classic is still a very reliable product and your license is (and will remain forever) valid.
Hi Menion at all,
I've been a Locus user for many years and even participated in testing and bug reporting back then. I understand the economic reasons for further development funding. For me, the obstacle wasn't so much the money, but rather the fear of the change itself. Considering how long it took me to find all the components and configure them correctly, I don't necessarily want to go through that again. Therefore, I'd like to inquire whether some kind of crowdfunding might be possible. I would be willing to donate €50, for example, if it means my Locus Classic continues to be supported in its current form. A one-time payment is psychologically easier for me to bear than an annual subscription.
Hi Jürgen, the configuration of your Locus Classic can be easily migrated to Locus Map 4 and if anything changes, we are ready to help.
Financing our team with donations or crowdfunding is not an option for a sustainable business but thank you for the offer.
Leider habt Ihr es mit LM4 falsch angefangen.
Normalerweise bringt man zuerst eine zuverlässige und fehlerfreie App als Testversion auf den Markt und nimmt nach einer gewissen Zeit dafür dann Geld. Gute Apps dürfen schon was kosten, auch als Abo.
Stattdessen schlagen wir uns aber nach soviel Jahren immer noch mit einer App herum, die haufenweise und teils gravierende Fehler, bis hin zu Totalversagen aufweist und sollen dafür Geld bezahlen?
Das wird niemand gerne tun.
Hi Bernd, what tons of bugs are you talking about? All bugs that are reported to our helpdesk are dealt with as soon as possible. We admit that some problems get less priority than others, which can result in longer terms of delivery times, but that is a pretty standard way of the app's maintenance.
Liebes Team,
Eine lebenslange Lizenz sollte ein "Leben lang" Gültigkeit und Funktionalität behalten.
mfg
Hallo Ralf,
die Lizenz für Locus Classic bleibt während der gesamten Lebensdauer der App gültig. Sie können Locus Classic weiterhin nutzen, wann immer Sie möchten. Wir sperren die App weder jetzt noch in Zukunft.
I like the concept of ownership.
So I'll stick with the version I got.
When future changes of Android will prevent it from running one day, I gotta find an alternative.
I understand that revenue is always a concern, but to me, renting software can only make sense B2B.
Selling a license once and keep delivering updates for free is of course a difficult business model that is relying entirely on growth.
I'm old fashioned, I like the concept of selling a version and offering a discount for updating to a new version.
Hi, ich bin bin wirklich langjähriger Nutzer von Locus, nun Classic. In vielen Touren hat es mich unterstützt und seine auf offline ausgerichtete Weise war immer toll zu handhaben. Egal ob zu fuss oder mit dem Rad, es hat mir wertvolle Dienste geleistet.
Die Änderung schreckt mich natürlich auch ab, aber eher dahingehend, das ich LM4 nich nicht probiert habe, weil das UI wohl eher nicht so "toll" seon soll. Aber der Test steht noch aus.
Zum Thema Silber und 10 Euro in Jahr. Wer es wenige Male benützt, fur den ist das sicher nicht so schön. Ansonsten halte ich 10 Euro im JAHR für fair. Klar, eine Subscription mehr, aber Streaming Dienste kosten euch 5-10 euro im Monat. Kosten für Hardware und Personal sind ebenso gestiegen. Ausserdem, wenn man Qualität geliefert bekommt, warum nicht dafür einen Gegenleistung erbringen? 10 Euro broingt keinen um, solange sie sinnvoll investiert sind . My just 2cent...
Hi Bert, thank you for supporting us.
Locus u mě skončil a používám ho už jen z nostalgie (uložené trasy). A další hřebík do rakve je že jste x-měsíců vypnuli mapy Geodézie! Poslední Locus 3.70.17 mapy Geodézie "vrátil" v tak hnusném rozmazaném formátu, že jsou pro navigaci nepoužitelné i v nové verzi Locus 4. Takže strčte si předplatné do špic.
Zdravím Petře,
proč už pro Vás není Locus užitečný nebudu rozporovat, to je na vás. Jen k těm mapám. Před 10 měsící jsme měnili mapu kvůli problémům s projekcí. Nicméně srovnání s prohlížečkou ČUZK zde https://ags.cuzk.gov.cz/geoprohlizec/ ukazuje naprosto identická data. Pokud byste to chtěl řešit, klidně nám napište na help desk. Rád se na to podívám, protože pokud vidítě horší data, bude to nějaký neplánovaný renons.
Mějte se!
I've been using Locus map since the app was launched – it's been a struggle at times, but it's also been incredibly helpful on countless cycling and high-altitude tours!
In the past, you had to customise a lot of things yourself (‘config’), and there were always those unspeakable problems with memory management, but now many of the major issues seem to have been ironed out.
For me, it is by far the best and most helpful app! Thanks also to the Locus team, the support staff and the great support in the forum area (‘menion’)!
However, a subscription model is not at all to my liking!
I very much hope that a solution without a subscription (+advertising) can be found for Locus Silver (which currently differs only marginally from Locus Classic).
One request:
Some people may like the LM4 interface, but I prefer the Classic version, which I find clearer.
There should also be an option in LM4 to customise the interface design (->LM classic).
And:
In LM4, the coordinate grid can be displayed, which I think is excellent. However, this also displays the coordinates, which sometimes makes it a little confusing.
Please add an additional function where you can display the grid but switch the coordinate information on or off.
Anyway, thanks for your great app!
Hello Jason,
thanks for your reply.
I sometimes recommend adding 869 photos to our LoPoints for a reward of 869 LoCoints. This is the cost of the one-year Silver that may be purchased for LoCoins 😊.
Anyway, we will be thinking about some alternative options this year for sure!
Interface & grid > this is more for a separate discussion on our help desk or forum. See you there!
I didn't want to subscribe to the premium plan; I was more than happy with the old version. But thanks to your detailed explanation, now I'm considering it. Compared to other web services, the silver plan isn't demanding even for an Eastern European citizen. Thank you for being open/honest.
Hi, thank you for your understanding and support!
To bo reci kedysi, "dozivotna livencia". Zaplatte si a budete navzdy moct vyuzivat nasu aplikaciu.
A teraz? "Sorry, kasleme na vas, dobre sme vas vtedy dostali...."
Klasicky podnikatel dnesnej doby.
Zdravím Romane,
asi netřeba něco dále vysvětlovat, vše je napsáno v blog postu. Jen dodám, že licence na Locus Classic vám nekončí. Aplikaci používejte jak dlouho budete chtít a jak dlouho to nové Androidy dovolí. Samotný instalační soubor je ke stažení přímo u nás a jakkoliv blokovat jeho využítí se rozhodně nechystáme.
I understand your decision. It is almost impossible to pay a team without a subscription model (or ads). Btw, I really didn't notice up to now that Locus Classic will run out of support.
I 'm interested in the differences in the routing features between silver and gold.
- What does "limited" web route planner in Silver mean? Which limitations are there in comparison to gold?
- Do I understand correctly: with silver, I can plan on the web, but need a manual export on the web and import on the phone?
Thanks
Hi Maria, yes, exactly, with Silver, you can't save your routes to the web library and sync them with your phone. This can be done with Gold only. But the route planning, including all options for customizing the routing profiles, is available for all, even without Premium.
Vielen Dank für eure ausführlichen Erklärungen. Ihr habt euch damit wirklich Mühe gegeben. Auch wenn ich ebenfalls nicht glücklich bin über eine subscription, verstehe ich es und finde es fair.
Trotz langjähriger Nutzung, überfordert mich manchmal die Vielfalt der Funktionen, da ich die App nur gelegentlich nutze. Das ist natürlich keine Kritik, sondern mein Problem.
Das ist auch u. a. der Grund, weshalb ich beim Classic Modell geblieben bin. 2026 plane ich zur Silber Version zu wechseln.
Vielen Dank, Herr Fritz, für Ihre Unterstützung und Ihr Verständnis.
We are still using Pro and share with my wife on google. We are still considering moving to the new subscription models.
We mostly use Locus offline with our own custom maps exclusively with very occasional online map use. We use route locally and backup to our own cloud storage.
We customised Locus to add online satellite maps and online Strava heatmaps online using AnyGIS - although the Strava heatmap overlays stopped working due to underlying Strava changes (this was exceedingly useful when exploring remote areas). Does Locus 4 have the ability to overlay Strava heatmaps? Will AnyGIS still work to configure LM4?
We don't really require online mapping as we can't rely on data being available.
We understand your funding challenges. My wife and I would to be able to share LM4 via Google Family. We do worry about ongoing future price increases especially as we are both retired. Other companies introduce subscription models and then quickly start to increase fees ofter much higher than inflation.
Have you considered adding some discount for family licences? Have you considered the ability to buy multiple years (3 or 5 years) subscriptions for silver and gold at a small discount with full payment up front? These would be very useful additions to the new subscription model. We would be interested a 3 year joint use subscription.
Regards, Peter and Jennifer
Hi Peter,
AnyGIS files also work in Locus Map 4 but be aware that the maps included violate terms of use of many providers included. Nevertheless, Strava Heatmaps only work in Strava - they are only accessible with Strava Premium subscription. Nevertheless, there are still some attempts to work this around, have a look at https://help.locusmap.eu/topic/strava-heatmap-requires-now-authentification-at-higher-zoom.
Discounted family plan is planned but at the moment, Google PLay doesn't provide this option for subscriptions so we'll have to make up our own solution. Multiple years one-off payments are also on the table but the decision hasn't been made yet.
Thanks for making an amazing and useful mapping software. I purchased locus classic in 2020 for$10.99 CAD. I understand we had different understanding around what "lifetime" meant at the time. Perhaps simply an unfortunate choice of words that was interpreted differently by developers and users. I understand that continual updates are needed to make software run on new operating systems. As new Android versions get released continuously it makes no sense to expect you to keep updating the old software to run on new Android versions for decades for an original purchase of only $10.99. that is currently less than $2 a year which is amazing value, and classic will keep working on old Android versions for years. That is amazing value Thanks!
I do understand how subscription model works well for developers and their cash flow and supports continual updating needed for new operating systems. However, it always costs me more and is bad for my cash flow which I understandably don't enjoy. So obviously there is tension here between users and developers each trying to get themselves the best deal. All of us need to balance our budgets to have resources to live and eat and we all make our own choice about what works.
Thanks for extending support!
I currently can not try the locus map 4 as it freezes on loading screen at 100% and does nothing else...
Hi Conan,
thank you very much for your kind words of support, we really appreciate it.
As for the problem with the app initialization, please contact us at https://help.locusmap.eu and send as much information as possible about your installation, used storage, type of Android, etc. We'll try our best to help.
Hi Conan, we've found the cause of the getting-stuck-at-start issue. It's been fixed so please wait for the next app version. For the time being, it will do to turn the phone to the landscape mode and back when Locus Map gets stuck.
Hello.
I've noticed some people are having problems updating to a paid version. I've already paid for Locusmap 3. Now I'm using Locusmap 4 Gold. I'm very satisfied with the app, but the navigation of an imported track could be much better regarding the accuracy of the directions. But that's a different problem.
I hope Locusmap isn't just used for walking around the church. So, if you're actually walking, you'll often have to travel by car or bus to a nice walking area, or eat something along the way. This alone costs more than an annual subscription. So what are people complaining about? Besides, the developers also have to pay expenses and, of course, have something left over to make a good living.
Hi, thanks a lot for your support! If you have any issue or a suggestion for an improvement, please let us know at https://help.locusmap.eu. Cheers!
I really don't understand these angry messages. This is not your typical "bait and switch". It's been clear to me that Classic has been in maintenance mode for a long time, and this has been communicated by the company almost too much with additional incentives just to make migration as painless as possible. At this point, I don't think many of the unhappy people in this thread can be made happy. We should move on.
I understand the feeling of not wanting a subscription. But I also think Locus subscriptions are a great value, and there isn't a better map app for serious users for the price. I'd rather pay this modest sum to support ongoing development and have up-to-date maps while enjoying the app without ads and not have my data, app usage, and location sold to a third-party.
More importantly, I'm now able to use Locus Map on all of my devices without Google Store or Google Play Services. I use a newer phone with GrapheneOS alongside several old rugged Android 10 devices that have been pared down with ADB and are kept mostly offline, LM performs great on all of them. This is really important to me.
Thank you for caring about users. Most companies don't.
Hi, thank you very much for your kind words of support. They really mean a lot to us and motivate us to go ahead. Enjoy outdoors with Locus Map!
Hallo liebes Team,
Jetzt ist ja schon soweit das man nicht mehr auf seine Punkte / Tracks zugreifen kann ohne auf eure Bezahlversion zu kommen.
Soll das so stimmen???
Hi Ralf, you can manage your points and tracks for free in Locus Map, of course. Why are you asking? If you have any problem with the app, please contact us at our helpdesk at https://help.locusmap.eu. We'll have a look at it ASAP.
Hallo! I usw Locus Classic since 2015, loved it then, love it now.. thanks for the best App ever die only 10,- thats the best buy ever made.
Now with Locus 4, will it have custom online maps XML, custom WMS, free SRTM/ DEM Data Download, Routing as good as BRouter?
If thats the case, I'd switch immediately.
Thanks a Lot, you all are awesome!
Cheers, Kay
Hi Kay, there are no features in Locus Map that are missing compared to the Classic version. On the contrary, all the "Classic" features remain and/or were improved, includig all the mentioned - custom online maps XML, custom WMS, free SRTM/ DEM Data Download, Routing as good as BRouter.
Hello,
I can understand hesitating over regular software payments. I didn't like it either when I was a student and didn't have much money. However, compared to the regular payments we all make (mobile phone contracts, Netflix, Spotify, etc.), 1 EUR per month is nothing. For someone with a regular income who uses the app regularly, it should not be a big deal.
I would be more than happy to pay for this great app! However, I'm still hesitating because I'm unsure whether I will be happy with the new interface. Would it be possible to try out the new version before I switch completely?
Hi Noki, thank you for your kind words of support. Of course, you can try the new version for free! As a user of Locus Classic, you can do so for a whole year! Just log in to Locus account with the same address you used in Locus Classic. Then select Premium Silver Exclusive plan in the Go Premium section of the main menu.
Yes, I know. But the question is whether I can then still switch back to classic (if I have problems with the new version)?
You can always switch back to Locus Classic. We will not "kill" it - we can't and we don't want to either. Nevertheless, keep a backup of your data from Locus Classic because Locus Map 4 uses a different type of database which is not compatible with the Classic version. It is not possible to use LM4 data in LClassic.
I'm only writing here because locus (pro) Classic was really valuable to me as a reliable tool, that by some miracle, not degraded over time. It stayed what it was from the times I started used it on Android 4. It managed not to break the interface each year by chasing latest design trends, not forced you to agree to new terms of service each time you open it, and not turned everything into the marketing machine to extract as much money as possible. It was tool made for a job. I have a feeling that it was made by people who really wanted that tool first of all, and the business was secondary. That's probably why it was so good.
But time goes on, people are getting older, priorities shifts. No judgement, that's what happens to everyone, and everyone will understand sooner or later.
Now with all that additions of subscriptions and rest attributes of modern e commerce, it just feels different.
I really thank you for what you did over that years, I had a lot of memorable adventures guided by your creation. I'll stay with what I have, till it's working, but will need to go on with something different, if nothing will change.
I honestly wish you a success, with the new app. Hope new generation, who's more tolerable to all that stuff will catch up, and fulfill your goals.
As for me, the best thing you can do with the Classic, is to make it open source. I'm sure, there will be people with a great passion and time who will not let you beautiful creation to die.
I understand you concerns that it may hurt your business, but in my practice, people who are ready to spend hours in github discussions and wiggle with a million different builds to tweak things, is completely different group from ones who are ready to pay for subscription, and don't care to much. And of course you can restrict your code for non commercial use only, and forbid any publishing to major stores.
Hello Mykhailo,
thanks for the nice words. In our mind, there is no big shift. It is all driven by a simple fact > with Locus Classic and its one-time payment, we were very limited in what we could really do. It was not possible to pay for any servers or external services. And we mainly wanted to change this.
Making Locus Classic open-source > to be honest, I was already thinking about it. And will be for sure. We'll see ...
Thank you for this great news of extending the support even longer! Locus is the best mapping app for me. I've installed the new version on my tablet and will give it a try. You probably already thought about it: would a Microsoft Office approach, were you can buy a new version every other year, be a solution for the "I don't want subscription" faction? (I include myself in that category)
Hello Harald, thank you for your kind words and wish you luck with new version!
You are not the first to ask for such business model. Honestly, we would also like it. But it is not compatible with the way how Android/iOS works and how the apps are distributed there. Technical cores of mobile platforms are rapidly evolving and complex app as Locus Map needs to be updated periodically in order to meet requirements of new OS updates, and to simply work and be safe. This is complemented by how our main distribution channels (Google Play and App Store) works.
Windows are much more "stable" in this manner, but even older Office must be maintained. And support multiple version of the app is not the option for us. Not even Classic + LM4 anymore.