The new version of Locus Map adds support for Android Auto, a feature the community has long requested! From now on, you can use your favorite navigation app on the dashboard of a car or motorcycle that supports Google's Android Auto. And there are other exciting features as well.

What you can look forward to:

• Android Auto
• Photos and videos taken during the track recording
• New chart display system
• A more intuitive selection of routing profiles 

Android Auto

With Android Auto, you can launch a mobile app from your phone onto the dashboard of a supported vehicle or third-party device—whether it’s a car or a motorcycle. In this case, the app features a customized interface designed for easier and safer use by the driver.

With the new version of Locus Map, if you have Premium Gold, you can see your favorite map on the car's screen as soon as you start the app. 

What can it do?

Maps of your choice

You can now display any map you have in Locus Map on your car's dashboard. Whether it's our LoMaps in online or offline versions, road maps, hiking maps, satellite maps, or maps from your favorite publisher. 

The map is automatically selected based on your phone's settings, though you can override this setting directly in Android Auto. You can center the map, zoom in and out, and enable or disable rotation.  For best results, we recommend choosing the offline version of LoMap. Not only will this ensure that you can see the map while driving, even if you lose signal, but these maps also support rotating place names on the map to match the direction of travel. 

The map refresh rate is now determined by the location update frequency. In practice, this means one map refresh per second during active navigation. We are working on ways to make the display smoother. 

In navigation mode, Locus Map automatically applies the "Auto" preset and reverts the settings to their original state when navigation ends. So, if you want to customize the automatic map zoom settings based on speed, locate the corresponding "Auto" preset in Locus Map on your mobile phone. 

By default, the app automatically switches between light and dark modes based on the lighting conditions provided by the vehicle. If this behavior is undesirable for your use, you can configure it differently. In dark mode, the map is currently rendered as an inversion of the light mode. In some cases, the result may not be ideal. However, we plan to release a dedicated LoMap dark theme in the future. 

You can also display your custom waypoints on the map, a feature that geocaching enthusiasts—for whom Locus Map was originally created—will particularly appreciate. You can view caches, open a window with their basic information, and start turn-by-turn navigation to them. Hunting for “drive-ins” will now be a breeze. Similarly, you can also display your planned routes on the map. 

Another available layer over the map consists of auxiliary graphic elements that technically minded users will appreciate—these include time and distance circles, azimuth and direction lines, and dynamic elevation data that appears near the cursor. 

And if you really want to go all out, you can overlay a map on top of the base map on the car’s display—for example, using cadastral data from our WMS/WMTS library. There are no limits to our imagination—you know how it is ;). 

Search

Searching for a destination is an integral part of the basic features. Locus Map performs full-text searches for both points of interest (gas stations, restaurants, accommodation, campgrounds…) and mailing addresses. When stationary, you can use the keyboard or voice control via the vehicle’s audio system to enter your search; while driving, for safety reasons, only voice control is available.  The search history is identical to the history in the mobile app, so if you search for your destination on your phone in advance, all you need to do in the car is click on search and select the location from the autocomplete suggestions. You can then immediately start turn-by-turn navigation to the searched locations.

Navigation

The app can navigate to a selected destination, but also along a route that you plan in advance using the route planner in the mobile app or on the website. 

There are several ways to select a destination. As we mentioned earlier, you can choose a custom waypoint, such as a geocache. You can search for a location or address. And you can also simply tap directly on the map to create a destination. Locus Map will fill in the address automatically.

Locus Map offers two route calculation modes – fast and economy. The fast route connects the start and destination so that you spend as little time as possible on the journey. The fuel-efficient mode ensures that you save as much fuel as possible, thereby also helping the environment. The app remembers your last selection and automatically confirms the route after 5 seconds the next time you start navigation. 

Simultaneous use on your phone and Android Auto

Locus Map has one more trick up its sleeve. You can control it simultaneously on both the vehicle’s display and your smartphone. What’s the point of this? For example, you can use your smartphone to dynamically change the navigation content or destination and control certain features that aren’t available via the vehicle’s screen, for example, track recording. 

Summary

Locus Map was never developed exclusively as a road navigation app. And we don’t plan on changing that. But if its features suit your needs in this regard, why look for another app for car or motorcycle trips? Besides, we know how annoying it is to switch to a different navigation app once you’ve already found your location in LoMap. 

We’re curious to see how many of you will now use Locus Map for things like commuting to work by car. :) If something doesn’t work as expected or if you find that certain features are missing, we’d love to hear your feedback!

Browse photos and videos from your trip

Everyone takes lots of photos and videos on their trips. Locus Map has long been able to display them over the map, but this time we’ve added the option to keep them all neatly organized right next to a specific track. They appear directly below the map with the track.

You can click on the photos to view them in detail:

Photo display is turned off by default. You can turn it on in Settings > Points and Routes > Show Media. When you launch the app, don’t forget to grant Locus Map access to your media. And rest assured—your photos and videos are processed exclusively within the app and never leave your mobile device. 

Detailed charts

The track graphs have been thoroughly updated. You can now set two curves on either the distance or time axis directly in the route details panel. You can choose from elevation, slope, speed, pace, heart rate, and other parameters. 

Tap a point on the graph to display the corresponding location on the track. This allows you to scroll through the track smoothly. 

You can click on a button next to the main graph to view more detailed information, which displays all available route parameters in separate graphs. The graphs are linked. You can zoom in and out as desired and view real-time values at a selected point along the track.

Simpler router settings

Selecting profiles for route planning in the route planner was a bit of a design challenge for us, but with the latest update, we firmly believe we’ve simplified and streamlined the process while retaining all customization options. And there’s something extra on top of that, but more on that later.

The entire route or just the next section?

This decision is now much simpler—just check or uncheck the "Entire Route" option at the bottom of the route profile selection. Then select the appropriate profile by tapping its name, and you can continue planning:

Custom settings

It's located right below the button next to the profile name: 

If you're in the middle of planning a route and want to change your settings, you can use them to recalculate both the next section and the entire route.

Full compatibility with BRouter profiles

Geek alert! For many of our die-hard fans, the profile customization options offered by the app aren’t enough. That’s why we’ve fully integrated Locus Map with the capabilities of the specialized route-planning software BRouter. This allows for truly detailed configuration of routing profiles. 

You can import external profiles into Locus Maps as BRF files (currently only via the system file manager, but we’re working on direct import as well). In the profile list, create a new profile, select the appropriate external file, and start tweaking the settings:

The possibilities are truly endless, so tech-savvy people can really let their creativity run wild.

Spring is in full swing, so head outside and try out all those new features! We can't wait to hear what you think of them in the comments.

Článek Locus Map 4.33 introduces support for Android Auto and a host of other new features se nejdříve objevil na Locus Map - mobile outdoor navigation app.

Spring is just around the corner, and with it comes the urge to get outside—whether it’s for a bike ride, a hike in the mountains, or your first weekend trip with friends. And for everyone who loves to plan together, we’re introducing several important new features in the route planner web.locusmap.app. You can now share your planned route with anyone— simply, quickly, and without restrictions. We’ve replaced the map engine for faster and smoother performance. Plus, we’ve added login method management directly in your user profile. 

More major updates to our mobile apps are just around the corner, but we didn’t manage to release them before the start of spring, so you can look forward to them throughout April.

Share your planned route with a single click

You know how it goes—you plan a great route and want to quickly send it to your friends so they can take a look and tell you what they think. Until now, that meant exporting the route and forwarding the file. Now it’s much easier.

You can now share a link to a planned route directly from the web planner, even without saving it. Just plan the route and send the link. The recipient can open it in a browser or directly in the mobile app, view the route, elevation profile, and details—all completely free, with no Premium subscription required.

Important note: The shared link transfers the route points you’ve clicked on, as well as all router settings and selected profiles—including any custom adjustments. The recipient will thus see the route exactly as you planned it, with all parameters included.

Three ways to share

You can share your route in three ways — choose the one that works best for you:

• Shortened link — generate a short URL that’s perfect for sharing in chat, email, or on social media.
• QR code — Each planned route has its own unique QR code. Just scan it with your phone, and the route will open immediately in your browser or in the app.
• Full URL from the address bar — copy the link directly from your browser.

Who can benefit from this?

Route sharing is perfect for anyone planning group trips. All it takes is for one member of the group to plan the route—the others can simply open it via a link and view it, even if they don’t have a Premium subscription. No need to send files or deal with complicated settings.

Imagine a typical situation: you’re planning a weekend hike with friends. You open web.locusmap.app, plan your route, send the link to a group chat—and in no time, everyone is looking at the same map and sorting out the details. Simple.

Smoother map performance

A lot of work has been going on behind the scenes of the web planner—we’ve replaced the entire core of the map application and switched to the MapLibre platform. What does this mean for you, the users?

• Panning and zooming on the map is now much smoother and more responsive
• The app can handle much more user-generated content on the map—up to 100,000 points or 100 routes
• In the future, the system will allow for the addition of more maps—whether our own LoMaps or maps from other providers. We are currently developing a vector map and detailed terrain shading, and you may even see a 3D view in the future.

We've also adjusted the style of the planned route so that it's more visible on the map. Now you won't confuse it with the bike paths:

Manage login methods

The second update concerns your user account. You can now add or change your login method for your Locus Map account directly in your profile settings.

Do you sign in with Google and want to add email and password sign-in as well? Or would you like to add Apple sign-in to your existing account? Now you can—and it only takes a few clicks.

What exactly can you configure?

• Add a new login method — for example, link a Google or Apple account to your existing login.
• Change the email address for the account you're logging into using the email/password method.
• Manage existing methods — all in one convenient place.

You can find the login methods settings in user profile settings — click on your profile icon in the top right corner.

You'll especially appreciate this improvement when you switch phones, switch platforms, or want to be sure you can always access your account—no matter what service you're using at the moment.

Try out the new features today

Both new features are now available at web.locusmap.app. Open the route planner, plan your first spring route, and share it with your friends—either via a link or a QR code.

We’d love to hear your feedback—let us know what you think of the updates!

Článek Spring updates on the website – plan your routes and share them with anyone se nejdříve objevil na Locus Map - mobile outdoor navigation app.

Those of you who have been with us for many years know very well that our primary goal has always been and still is to create the ideal partner for every situation. Offering a comprehensive, stable, and multifunctional solution that can withstand demanding conditions requires more effort today than it did fifteen years ago when we started.

It's not just about competition. There has been a fundamental increase in demand for quality of execution, global availability of services, server operation, long-term maintenance, and fair remuneration for the team involved in development. Logically, this had to move us away from a one-off payment model to another, long-term, sustainable solution.

A big part of this is that we're still firmly committed to keeping Asamm Software an independent team of enthusiasts—no outside investors and no pressure to make unpopular decisions, like trading user data.

Thank you for being with us.

Whatever your opinion of this decision, one thing is certain: the fact that you are reading these lines means that Locus Classic has been your companion for some time. We greatly appreciate that!

We would like to thank everyone who has used the app. Most of all, we would like to thank those of you who have actively participated in its continuous and never-ending improvement through feedback, bug reports, ideas, and support. Without you, Locus would not be what it is today.

What's going on, and why we're writing about it again

We have been informing you about the end of support for Locus Classic since 2019, originally with a target date of March 2026. However, based on your responses, we realize that we have not managed to convey this information clearly and comprehensively to everyone.

We have therefore decided:

• Extend the support period until the end of 2026.
• Explain again, clearly, what this change means in practice.

In case of urgent need, we will release a corrected version by the end of this year. This should help extend the life of the application despite the complications that Android 16 brings. 

Unfortunately, Google's distribution requirements are so strict that we will have to offer the installation file directly from our website.

What this means for you today and in the future

Nothing significant is likely to change for you in the near future. Locus Classic will continue to function as usual.

However, like any other software, the application requires maintenance, and over time, situations may arise where:

• Some functions will no longer be 100% reliable.
• Newer versions of the Android operating system will not allow its installation.
• External services (maps, servers) will cease to exist or support functionality in the application.

So let us offer you some possible solutions that you can use now or later. There is no time limit, and the choice is entirely up to you:

User

I'm still hesitating and unsure. Is switching to Locus Map 4 really worth it?

Asamm Software

Let's try to summarize it briefly and objectively.

With Locus Map and the "Premium Silver" package, available for approximately €10 per year, which you get for free for the first year as compensation and thanks for your purchase of Locus Classic years ago, you get:

• An application that offers the same functionality as Locus Classic and slightly surpasses it.
• Still an offline-first solution that can be used permanently without the internet.
• No cloud services for user data (an advantage for many of you).
• Environment and philosophy close to the "good old Locus".
• A stable team of people who actively work on the application.
• Regular updates and quick problem-solving.

The transition is very easy today, and we have already described it in detail in an older article >>.

The amount of approximately €1 per month will significantly support the work on the Locus Map project for years to come.

User

I still feel like something is missing, something doesn't feel right. I'm not convinced.

Asamm Software

We would greatly appreciate it if you could provide us with brief feedback via a short form >> (it takes about 5 minutes). We see 2026 as the ideal and last opportunity to listen to your comments and, where appropriate, offer solutions.

We understand that the subscription model is not for everyone. However, for us, it is key to the long-term functioning of the application and the stability of the team in the coming years. At the same time, we try to offer alternative options, such as one-time annual vouchers or Premium for LoCoins.

User

Okay, let's kick off development together.

Asamm Software

Thank you! If you decide to use Locus Map, we believe you will enjoy the application and that it will be a reliable companion even without the paid Premium version.

User

Locus Classic was my partner, but the obstacles to change are insurmountable. It's time to say goodbye.

Asamm Software

Thank you for joining us on this journey, and we wish you many wonderful experiences as you explore nature—whether with a paper map or one of the high-quality alternatives available on the market. We appreciate you being part of this story.

We will see some of you again in the coming years. To the rest of you, we wish you clean air and a pleasant mountain breeze on your face – wherever your travels may take you.

Článek Support for Locus Classic Extended and How to Proceed se nejdříve objevil na Locus Map - mobile outdoor navigation app.

We haven't been in touch since the release of the previous version of Locus Map for Android - we've been busy working. But now it's time to show off the fruits of our tireless labor. November brings several major new features across all platforms, where you can use Locus Map - on the web, iOS, and, of course, Android. And finally, a little Christmas surprise :).

What's new on the website?

Our web application with a route planner and library has once again moved closer to its Android counterpart in terms of functionality. The planner now includes options for custom routing profile settings, undo/redo buttons, and the ability to include these settings when sharing a planned route. 

“Custom” parameters for route calculation

You are already familiar with the options for customizing various parameters for route calculation from the Android version of the app. Now they are all available on the web as well:

• For walking routes, you can set your walking speed to refine the estimated time for the route. You can also add the option "wet conditions."
• There is much more to cycling routes, as each type of bike has its own specific requirements. For mountain bikes, in addition to the flat-surface speed, you can also set the difficulty of the terrain, while for road cyclists, you can set the power in watts or disable the preference for cycle paths. Everyone will welcome the option to enable shortcuts via stairs, tunnels, or ferries.

You can apply your own settings to individual segments of the route or to the entire route at once. Just check the appropriate option:

Undo/redo buttons for full control over planning

We have all been eagerly awaiting these buttons, and we have finally managed to resolve this technical issue. By clicking on “undo”, you can return to the individual steps of your planning, including changes, route point shifts, etc. With the “redo” button, you can repeat the steps you have returned from. 

The "back" button in your browser's toolbar now works similarly, but it can also reverse all other actions you have performed on the page, including map panning and zooming.

Sharing your planned route

The option to share your planned route using a URL link has been available for some time. However, sharing now also reflects the custom route settings and offers two ways to copy the link:

• using the "Share" button with a shortened link
• directly from the browser address bar - this means, among other things, that you will not lose your work in progress, e.g., when restarting the browser

What do you think of the new user interface of the planning panel? We are aware that we have tried to cram a lot of functionality into a small space. We are constantly trying to balance the fine line between simplicity and the range of features. Please let us know in the comments if you find it intuitive and pleasant to use.

Bulk actions in My Library

We have also expanded the library management options for your tracks, routes, and points. You can now view, copy, move, export, and delete multiple items at once. 

First, turn on multiple selection mode. Then check the routes and points you want to perform further actions on:

Select from the menu of actions. Before copying or moving items, select the destination folder:

New version for iOS

Locus Map’s younger sibling, Locus Map Lite, which we are developing for iPhones and iPads, has also gained some key new features:

Guidance to the target

The guidance displays a straight line from your location to the specified destination. It is therefore ideal for guidance in open terrain, such as to a cache. Of course, you can also navigate to points of interest on the map (known as LoPoints) or to your own points.

To start guidance, tap the button in the bottom bar of the point details:

The top of the display shows a panel with the name of the waypoint, a compass needle, and the distance as the crow flies:

It also includes a notification system that alerts you when you are within a certain distance of your destination - you can choose between a beep or a system notification. You can, of course, customize this distance. Cachers will also appreciate the beeping alert with increasing frequency – the beeping speeds up as you approach the target (or slows down as you move away):

You can end guidance by tapping the button in the guidance menu in the top bar:

Temporary point with a long press

When you hold your finger on any place on the map, a temporary point is created with coordinates, aerial distance, and postal address:

You can perform several actions with the temporary point:

• In its place, you can create a permanent point and save it to your library.
• You can share its location using a link, display it in another map application, or launch external navigation to it.
• You can start guidance on it, see above

When you swipe away the panel with details about the point, the point disappears.

Winter vector map

Winter is approaching, so we have added a vector map for winter sports to the app. It includes ski slopes with color-coded difficulty ratings, ski lifts, cable cars, and marked cross-country skiing trails. It now also supports text rotation to maintain readability, just like its summer alternative: 

Compass and GPS status

Every navigation app has a screen with a compass and information about the GPS status of your phone. In Locus Map Lite, you can now display it by tapping the GPS signal indicator:

The compass also includes an accurate azimuth. Furthermore, the screen displays information about your current altitude, coordinates, speed, and horizontal and vertical GPS accuracy.

When target guidance is activated, the compass displays an arrow pointing toward the target:

New Locus Map 4.32

We have also released a new version for Android. Unfortunately, we have not yet been able to get it onto Google Play due to a technical issue on their part. Unfortunately, communication with user support at Google for Developers is incredibly poor, so the official release date for the new version is nowhere in sight.

If you don't want to wait for it, you can download it from our Repository.

A complete summary of news can be found on our Helpdesk.

The Garmin add-on supports the latest watches

We have also updated the Garmin watch add-on, Locus Map for Garmin. We have made it available for a whole range of new models.

Make your loved ones happy

Christmas is fast approaching once again, and if you're thinking about gifts for your loved ones, we have a tip for you - a 20% Christmas discount on Premium Silver and Gold annual vouchers!

You can purchase discounted vouchers on our website www.locusmap.app/voucher until January 15th, 2026. The vouchers have no expiration date, so they can be redeemed at any time.

Článek News from December on the web portal and other platforms se nejdříve objevil na Locus Map - mobile outdoor navigation app.

Although summer is primarily a time for holidays, which we of course also indulged in, we have not slacked off in developing and further pushing the app for the better:

• We have unified the online and offline search for points of interest
• We have made working with geotagged media faster and easier
• We implemented the possibility of a general backup of all data

And of course, the traditional package of dozens of minor fixes and improvements is included.

Search without switching

In the last version of the application, the online and offline databases of LoPoints, i.e., points of interest on the map, were merged for the first time. So far, only in the map content panel, with the possibility to highlight selected point categories above the map. Now this unification is also reflected in the search.

It is no longer necessary to switch between online and offline modes in the search menu, as was the case in the past. You just select one item - Places and addresses.

The application automatically searches from the available data, whether you are connected or not. Online mode is primary, and if no connection is available, it searches the downloaded data. You also no longer have to choose between downloaded LoMaps; the application searches across all of them, and the user interface is uniform for all. However, the latest LoMaps (June 2025) must be downloaded for the offline search to work properly.

Postal addresses, cities, and states are still searched online only in this function. For offline address searches, you need to switch the search to "offline addresses" mode. Linking online and offline, similarly to points of interest, is not yet technically possible due to the use of two independent sources.

Photos over the map faster and better

We have improved the system for finding and displaying your photos above the map. Your memories of holidays or trips will now appear much faster above the map. The app can display photos not only from the default system camera folder, but also from social networking folders such as Facebook or Instagram. Of course, the choice of folders is up to you.

And since we all have thousands of photos on our phones, we've made an effective time filter for you. By a simple selection, you can view photos from today, yesterday, this month, or last month. For a more precise definition, you can set an interval from - to or even select a period from the calendar. Showing only photos from a specific holiday above the map is now a breeze.

The application for working with geotagged media needs your permission to access it. The data is then only loaded locally for display purposes and not sent anywhere.

Easier application data transfer

Moving your app to another device is sometimes a necessity. Mostly this is due to buying a new mobile. Most of you don't have to deal with anything complicated - you install Locus Map from Google Play on your new phone, re-download your maps from the Locus Store, and if you use the Premium Gold package, you download your routes and waypoints from the cloud.

However, more advanced users often need to transfer their own app settings, attachments, custom maps, and other data as well. Users switching from the old Locus Map Classic to Locus Map 4 don't have the option to sync data to the cloud.

That's why we've developed a solution using a general backup of all the data you use in Locus Map - the application migration backup can pack your entire database of routes and waypoints, including attachments, downloaded maps, and all configuration files and settings, into one large file in one click:

This is then moved to the new mobile and restored in the Locus backup manager. However, this has its pitfalls, especially for "power users," where the file size can reach tens of gigabytes. Migration backups should therefore really only be used if absolutely necessary. The feature will soon be implemented in the new version of Locus Map Classic, too.

Saying goodbye to Google Drive

Unfortunately, we also have some unpleasant news for you. As of September 1, 2025, we have been forced to disconnect Locus Map and all of our other apps from Google Drive because we have been denied full access to the service. The alternate solution using Google File Picker or Android Picker is not sufficient for our usage - it doesn't allow for backups, bulk import or export, or the automation you're used to. New users and all those who were not signed in to Google Drive via Locus Map will no longer see this service offered.

Importing individual files from Google Drive will only be possible through the system file manager (if you have Google Drive installed on your phone), and you will be able to share the exported files on Google Drive.

Connectivity with Dropbox and OneDrive remains unchanged.

Summer is slowly coming to an end, but we hope you'll check out the new Locus Map in the field. Let us know how you like it!

Článek Locus Map 4.31 – unified search, photos above the map, and general backup se nejdříve objevil na Locus Map - mobile outdoor navigation app.

After two months of hard work, we are releasing a new version of your favorite outdoor navigation system. It brings again an incredible amount of modifications and improvements. We pick the biggest highlights from the changelog:

• the new route planner
• new in LoMaps
• unified system of LoPoints
• possibility to highlight selected categories of LoPoints above the map
• new notification centre

Now let's take a closer look.

Planning routes faster and more clearly

As you already know, the planner draws a route based on the selected route profile. What is a routing profile? It is a set of certain parameters that the planner uses to plot a route on the map. It can be a means of transport, such as a car or a bike, but also a sport activity, such as walking or cross-country skiing.

Based on your numerous suggestions and our monitoring of the planner's use, we have undertaken a major transformation of the route profile selection and planning logic. Clicking on the profile selection button will now take you directly to a menu of all profiles for the selected router. Click on the selected profile to activate it, and the entire route will be recalculated according to your new selection:

Data analysis reveals that most routes are planned with a single activity, requiring a quick modification of the entire route with a different profile to view it all in a new context. We've now sped this up to two clicks.

A different profile for each segment

Many of you are planning a combined route. For example, you want to drive to the start of the hike and then continue on foot. Of course, we have the option to choose a profile for each route segment separately. We just moved it to the action menu. Click "Continue with..." to change the profile for the next route segment, not the whole route.

What about custom settings?

Of course, it wouldn't be Locus Map if it didn't offer additional options to customize the app. Each LoRouter profile (except for manual mode) includes the ability to change various route calculation and route time estimation parameters. Just hold your finger on the profile select button, and additional setting options will appear:

TIP: As a proper geek, you can place the button to change parameters directly on the planner's desktop. A long press then quickly changes the profile to manual mode:

Detailed instructions on how to use all the options of parameters and their settings when planning your trips will be discussed in a future article.

LoMap always on display

With the new Locus Map, you'll never drive out of an area covered by LoMap and see a blank screen instead of a map. Once the app detects you're off the map, it automatically switches to online mode and streams map data from the internet. You can, of course, turn this option on or off in the settings:

Bulk update

Those of you who use offline LoMaps will appreciate the ability to update multiple map packages at once. You can choose from a list or update all of them at once.

Locus Map Lite now also offline

This news isn't Android-related, but we still want to brag a bit: Locus Map's little brother for iPhones and iPads, Locus Map Lite, can also work with offline maps, as we wrote here. So if you have Apple friends, feel free to tell them.

Online&offline LoPoints in one

LoPoints, touristy and interesting places on the map with lots of information and photos, used to be available separately in online and offline versions, and were also switched on separately above the map. We've managed to simplify this tremendously - everything is hidden under one button in the content panel, and you don't have to worry about whether you have an internet connection or have downloaded the right offline LoMap.

Of course, you can turn off the automation in the settings and display online or offline LoPoints separately. Important note: the new system only works with the latest LoMaps, so make sure you update them.

Highlight the selected category

If you arrive in an unfamiliar city and need to quickly see all the places to eat on the map, just tap the content panel and select the appropriate LoPoints category:

Since there are a plethora of categories available, you can also search them in full text:

What about points of interest from other sources?

You can also display other databases in Locus Map, for example, from OpenAndroMap. There is a separate display button for these in the content panel. Here you can also find LoPoints from older versions of LoMap:

So you don't miss anything

We've created a brand new notification system for the actions the app takes - when and how it downloads maps, backs up your routes and points, syncs with the cloud, and more. You can also get a look at your notification history:

We've also added a button for quick access to manage system notifications, where you can set everything up so that you're only notified of exactly what you need to know.

And now we can only wish you a nice holiday with Locus Map!

Článek Version 4.30 – improved planner, LoMaps, LoPoints unification and much more se nejdříve objevil na Locus Map - mobile outdoor navigation app.

It's finally here! Locus Map Lite, our app for iOS devices, can now be used without an internet connection. You can download an offline LoMap of the area you're in at home, and you can set off without worrying that the map will disappear after the first hill due to a bad signal. As well as browsing the map, you can also search for places of interest without a connection.

New LoMaps

For starters, let's recap what LoMaps are: they're hiking and biking maps of the world, tweaked for the Locus Map app. They are based on OSM map data, which we modify into our map themes and convert for use in our applications. You can use them online, i.e. streamed from the internet, and now also offline. In addition to the map, they also include LoPoints, which are points of interest or places that are either interesting or important for orientation and staying in the field.

Not only are LoMaps on iOS now available offline, but they're premiering their latest, next-generation version, which is improved in many ways:

• maps are faster, clearer and with smoother scaling
• allow a seamless transition between online and offline maps without changing style or behaviour
• have more detailed terrain shading
• can be rotated while the labels remain horizontal for better readability
• can be tilted

Three display modes

So you can easily view the map in places where there is no signal. However, some data still needs to be downloaded, such as photos for points of interest or terrain shading. Therefore, the app offers three map display options:

Automatic

A default setting that seamlessly connects the online and offline worlds - the app prioritises offline data when you view the map, but fetches missing information like photos, shading or addresses from the internet when you search. No worries, you can always see where you are on the map - if you accidentally go off the offline map, Locus Map will display the online map.

Offline only

Without an internet connection, you can only use the offline map and database of points of interest. However, some details are not available, such as photos and ratings on the LoPoint details screen or terrain shading. You can choose to use one downloaded LoMap or view all maps for easy transition from one to another.

Online only

Use this mode if you want to make sure you see the most up-to-date map data. However, keep in mind that the map loads a bit slower (if there's no signal, not at all) and the app consumes slightly more power.

How to download maps?

In the main menu, you will find a new item, "Download offline maps", where you will find a list of downloadable maps. In the current version of the app, the maps are simply sorted according to your current location. We know this is not ideal for downloading more distant destinations. We are planning a better organization of regions for easier selection for a future update.

Three free LoMaps

As usual with its "Android brother", you can download three offline LoMaps for free in Locus Map Lite. So if you're holidaying at home, or in two neighboring countries, you're covered without dropping a penny. Plus, of course, you have the whole world covered for free with the online LoMap in summer and winter themes.

The whole world offline with Premium Gold

If you're travelling further afield and need to check the satellite map now and then, it's worth investing in the Premium Gold package. Not only can you download as many LoMaps as you want, but you also get all the updates. Add to that the ability to sync your trips, workouts and places of interest with your web library and other devices, and it's a no-brainer!

If anything, get in touch!

Introducing the new maps into the app involved a huge amount of background work - we had to completely overhaul the way the maps are generated, deploy new infrastructure... We don't want to burden you with technical details. However, we would be very happy if you let us know how satisfied you are with the new maps. Either in the comments here below the article, or drop us a line at the helpdesk.

Článek Locus Map Lite works offline se nejdříve objevil na Locus Map - mobile outdoor navigation app.

OpenStreetMap is frequently updated but depends on volunteers. Commercial maps are updated with every release. Locus Map's aerial maps, available with the Premium Gold tier, are detailed enough, but they are updated once in a while. But what can tell you the exact state of land cover, vegetation, or snow every day? Satellite imagery, of course!

Free and open satellite imagery is collected and shared through the Landsat and Copernicus programs. Each program has its own online viewer, which can be accessed via a web browser. But is it possible to visualize your location on top of the latest satellite image or create a map of the current snow conditions and display it on your hiking map? The answer is a big yes.

The key: WMS/WMTS

The key to this is the OGC (Open Geospatial Consortium) standard: This is the set of agreements that enable web map services such as WMS (Web Map Service) or WMTS (Web Map Tile Service). If you don’t know how these work, don’t worry! The main thing is that remote servers can create a map of the location you are interested in and send it directly to your device. Locus Map is compatible with WMS/WMTS services, which means it can load any service that complies with these standards.

The source: Sentinel satellites

The Copernicus Data Space Ecosystem is the new gateway to satellite imagery from the Sentinel satellites. It is not only a portal for downloading data, but also offers visualization tools, free virtual machines, and a large code base for the developers among you. For those who want to view satellite imagery on their mobile phones, the good news is that there is also an OGC API. API stands for Application Programming Interface – essentially a piece of code that allows your phone to communicate with the servers.

A typical case you might want to load onto your map is the latest Sentinel-2 true-color image. It has a 10-meter resolution and is updated at least every five days—if cloud cover allows. The data is free, but you will need to manage your user quota through your credentials, so let us walk you through the steps.

How to get the data into the app?

In short, you will need to create a configuration for your WMS and then load it into Locus Map.

First, register at dataspace.copernicus.eu. You can view the privacy policy: No data is used for profiling, you don’t have to provide any personal information, this registration is just to ensure that no one accidentally consumes a disproportional amount of data.

Open the Sentinel Hub Dashboard (Analyse data/Sentinel Hub), where you will find a configuration utility. If you click on „Add New Configuration” and select „Create configuration based on Simple Sentinel-2 L2A template”, you will get a new configuration with 10 different layers that you will be able to choose from within Locus. 

A few settings: Click on the arrow next to the layer name on the right to access its settings. First of all, you can delete some of the layers if you don’t want to keep all of the options (you will be able to choose the layer in Locus). You can also set a time range. If you click on „relative”, you can set „From -1 month” and „to 0 Hours” from today. Also, set the „Mosaic Order” to „Least cloud coverage”. This will give you the least cloudy image of the last month – very handy if you want to know exactly what is on the ground.

On the left side under „Settings”, uncheck the „show logo” box, and under „Service endpoints” click on “ID” and scroll down to select WMS. You will see a URL with a long code at the end. Copy this code.

Open the Map Manager on Locus Map and select the WMS/WMTS tab. Click on the plus symbol in the bottom right-hand corner. Enter the long URL, add your CDSE username and password when prompted, and you should be good to go.

If you enable this WMS and select a layer (typically you would want to use true color), the latest Sentinel-2 satellite image of the area you are displaying on your map will be available.

Once you have this image, you can set some additional details. Open Copernicus Browser at browser.dataspace.copernicus.eu and take a look at the available datasets and visualizations. There is an in-app tutorial (a short tutorial can be found here if the controls are not self-explanatory). You can select the available layers from the list, or you can also explore the extensive collection of additional visualization tools in the Custom Script Repository, including predefined scripts for applications such as wildfire or flood mapping- or even create your own!

Once you have found the dataset of your choice, open the Sentinel Hub configuration utility. Here you can create a new configuration with the exact settings you used in the Browser, to send the visualization to Locus Map on your phone. You can find detailed instructions on custom scripts and configurations in this blog post. Select the template for the dataset of your choice (typically „Simple Sentinel-2 L2A template”) and create a new configuration. Here you can again create a new layer and copy the visualization script of your choice into the „Data Processing” part of the new layer definition.

You can then create a WMS from this layer in a similar way and open it with Locus Map.

And don't forget to clear the WMS layer cache each time you need fresh data from the server:

As you will see, the possibilities of satellite imagery are almost limitless, and having it directly in your mapping application creates a whole new level of awareness of your surroundings. Whether it’s finding the right panoramic point, or supporting your work as a first responder, we hope you will find satellite imagery on your phone both useful and inspiring. The future is now!

András Zlinszky is a science communication expert and environmental activist. He works at Sinergise and is responsible for the promotion of the Copernicus Data Space Ecosystem. Outdoors, he likes kayaking, mountain biking, hiking, and parkour. His favorite trip-planning trick is to travel light and bivouac in caves.
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Článek How to load free satellite imagery in Locus Map se nejdříve objevil na Locus Map - mobile outdoor navigation app.

A little history at the start

At the beginning of 2019, we began to think intensively about the future of Locus Map, and thus the future direction of our company. Our priorities were and are clear from the beginning - we want to continue to develop and improve Locus Map for you, on all platforms - Android, iOS and web. However, such development would no longer be possible without a fundamental change in the concept of our project.

The Locus Map Pro app, now Classic, was already technically very complex at the time and it was necessary to take into account the increasing costs of maintaining its functionality in the rapidly changing environment of the Android operating system and connected services.

That's why, in the spring of that year, we first informed you about the launch of the next generation of Locus Map and our next steps:

• Our priority is the development of a single application, Locus Map 4, contingent on sustainable funding through subscriptions and other recurring payment options
• The emergence of our own web services to manage your data - web portal, cloud, and synchronisation and the associated reduction in dependency on third-party services and applications
• The decline in the development of Locus Map Pro, the renaming of the application to Locus Map 3 Classic, and the transition to maintenance mode with the end of support within a few years

Two years later, we launched the Locus Map 4 project, including the promised functionality and web services, which we have been developing, improving and expanding ever since. We have also introduced Premium Silver and Gold advanced feature packages, available by subscription and for one-time term payments.

For Locus Map 3 Classic users, we've offered 100% off Premium Silver and 50% off Premium Gold for one year. This exclusive offer, among other things, offsets the investment on the previous purchase of the Classic version. So it doesn't matter if it was purchased a week ago or 10 years ago.

• Locus Map 4 has undergone several phases of redesign for better ergonomics and user-friendliness
• It is fully usable offline without relying on third-party applications and add-ons
• It is connected to a web portal with its own hiking/biking and satellite maps, route planner and library of user tracks, routes and points
• It automatically syncs your routes and points between multiple devices on all platforms
• It is also being developed for iOS devices, so far in a "Lite" version
• And much more...

Development continues apace, thanks to sustained funding from you, our users. Thank you! We have no other resources - we pride ourselves on being a small company with no outside capital, no investors, and a clear commitment to the sanctity of your data - we manage it for your benefit, not for resale. However, this gives us a tremendous amount of freedom and independence, so we can develop the application and services exactly to your imagination!

Locus Map 3 Classic enters its final phase

As time goes on, the development of the two variants of Locus Map has become increasingly divergent and it has become very costly for us to maintain both product branches.

So the time has come to announce that we will end support and maintenance of Locus Map 3 Classic in the spring of 2026.

The app will be pulled from Google Play and will continue to be available only as an APK file in our public archive.

We want to welcome you among the users of Locus Map 4!

What do you get by switching to Locus Map 4?

A modern navigation application

• Efficient UI - everything you need is at your fingertips, and you can adjust the layout of the controls to suit your preferences
• Save battery with dark display mode
• You can launch the app with a widget
• You can connect it with heart rate, cadence, power sensors and some e-bikes; it also works with Garmin bike radars
• It can connect to Dropbox, Google Drive and OneDrive for unlimited data import and export
• It is fully equipped with geocaching features without the need to connect to external add-ons

New maps, points of interest and router

• Online biking, hiking and winter LoMaps, worldwide FREE, updated daily
• Global satellite maps from HERE and Maxar
• Library of WMS and WMTS resources with hundreds of additional maps
• Points of interest on the map (LoPoints) with information and photos from Wikipedia and other users and full-text search
• Built-in LoRouter for route planning with a range of customisable options

Web services

• Route planner with a Library to conveniently plot your trips on a large PC screen
• Sync your routes, downloaded caches and favourite places between all your devices and the web library

Developer and user community support

• Continuous development of the application and associated services
• Fast support via helpdesk and social networks
• Source ideas, tips and tricks from users on the Locus forum

Some features are available in Premium packages. Locus Map 3 Classic users automatically get 100% off Premium Silver and 50% off Premium Gold for one year! The Premium Silver package builds on Locus Map 3 Classic (with many extra features). With the Premium Gold package, you get the ultimate selection of all the features and services in our current offer. 

What is the best way to switch to Locus Map 4?

Seamless upgrade from Locus Map 3 Classic

• Tap "Upgrade to Locus Map 4!" in the Locus Map Classic main menu
• You are redirected to Google Play to install Locus Map 4 (if you have already installed Locus Map 4 before, this step is skipped)
• Back in Locus Map Classic, a migration backup file is automatically created. It contains all your data - tracks, routes, maps and settings
• When done, Locus Map 4 is started and the migration backup restored
• Restart Locus Map 4 and you're done!
• To get the discount of 100% on Premium Silver and 50% on Premium Gold, log in with the same Locus account you used in Locus Map Classic

This guide is valid for the latest version of Locus Map Classic (3.70.17). If you encounter the slightest problem, feel free to contact us at helpdesk. We are happy to help!

We hope you will find the transition to the next generation of Locus Map to be a rewarding and enjoyable experience on your outdoor adventures with family or friends.

Photo by Locus team and David Griffiths on Unsplash

Článek Locus Map Classic on its way to the last season se nejdříve objevil na Locus Map - mobile outdoor navigation app.

We’re sure you've gotten used to (and so have we) new versions of your favorite outdoor navigation app coming out at roughly monthly intervals. In fact, we usually get so many tweaks and improvements done in about a month that we have to get it out the door. But now we are releasing news after a much longer time. Why? There are two reasons.

Already before Christmas, we had a "banger" ready for you, as we call it internally, in the form of Locus Map support for Android Auto. The version even came out briefly. But then, when we needed to release a quick fix, Google "threw a pitchfork" at us. Unfortunately, the project has been stalled since then, and several weeks of arguing with robot reviewers have not yet yielded any results. Anyway, we're not giving up and hope to show you this news in full glory one day!

The second reason we are writing to you in the first place is much more cheerful. We're bringing you a brand new library of routes, tracks, and waypoints, allowing you to do things you've never seen before. And since the library is one of the cornerstones of all our platforms, including the web and iOS, it took a little longer.

All data in one place

Common folders for routes and points

A first glance at the new library tells you a lot - the separate tabs for tracks and points have disappeared. You can now have both in one place. You can store everything Locus Map has to offer in folders - your planned and recorded routes, favorite spots, and geocaches ready to go.

Uniform work with data

Tracks, routes, and points can now be sorted, filtered, copied, moved, deleted, displayed on the map, or hidden together. Plus, you can import and export both at the same time. So everything is much more flexible and faster. If you have Premium Gold, all changes are automatically synced with your other devices and the web interface.

Up to six levels of folder nesting

Common folders aren't everything - you can also nest them inside each other. So, for example, the "Biking Croatia 2025" folder will contain subfolders with individual trips to the Croatian islands, which can be further subdivided into routes, places with nice views, geocaches... You have many more possibilities at once. With the Premium package, you also get the option to add up to six levels of nesting to your folders.

You can customize the look

In the Android version, the new library offers four display modes. You can choose between two layouts - simple and advanced, and two types of lists for folder contents - slim and full.

By default, you see the library with a simple layout and a full list for visibility of necessary statistics. Tools for working with the folder and the data in it are available in the menu in the top bar.

The floating button at the bottom right unfolds the tools for adding content to the folder - importing points and routes, track recording, route planning, etc.

The new library on iOS and web

As mentioned in the introduction, the new version of the library database applies to all platforms on which Locus Map can be used. So syncing data across platforms and on all Android, iOS devices and on the web supports the new folder structure as well as multiple plunges.

iOS and the web also "catch up" considerably with their Android counterpart in terms of data handling capabilities in the new library:

On the web, you'll love the improved logic for viewing items in bulk on the map - for example, you can view all routes from one folder above the map in 2 clicks. Just note that for a large number of routes, this is not an instant operation and we'd appreciate it if you keep in mind our background infrastructure that has to do the work. :)

Locus Map LITE for iOS has now even experimentally overtaken the Android version with the ability to browse the library with a simultaneous view of the map on the other side of the screen.

However, even here we still have some work to do, e.g. in the web library we still need to refine some controls for batch processing.

What happens during the switch to a new library?

Since the database under the surface of the application changes significantly with this change when you upgrade to the new version, your original library will automatically migrate to the new one when you first run the application. Before this process, the application will automatically perform a backup to eliminate the risk of data loss. If such a situation does occur and you find nothing in the new library, or if some data is misplaced, keep calm and DO NOT UNINSTALL the current version of the application. Contact our helpdesk right away, we will be happy to help. And you will help others.

For those of you who have Premium and use the library sync with our web portal, you will be switched to the new library on the web the first time you sync your data with the new version of the mobile app. If you sync multiple devices between each other or even between Android and iOS apps, it doesn't matter which device you launch the version with the new library first.

However, due to the gradual release of the new version of the app on Google Play, you may have one device for which the new version is already available and another for which it is not. If this causes you problems, you can update the other device manually from our public repository at https://bit.ly/lmVersions. The iOS version should be available to everyone at the same time.

And what does the future hold for you?

The preparation of the new library has given us a lot of work. If you feel that the functional benefit does not match it, we want to reassure you that the current version of the new library is just the beginning. It is a stepping stone to further plans to develop our applications and services that would not otherwise be possible.   We don't want to promise too much more yet, but we can at least reveal the preparation of sharing entire folders. You'll have to wait for the announcement of other features for now. :)

What else does the new version bring?

Of course, the new library is not the only change to Locus Map. The update includes dozens of minor improvements and fixes. We have to mention a pair of major ones related to system permissions:

• if you want to navigate to an address from your contact list, you no longer need a special add-on - the functionality is implemented directly in the main application
• the function of automatically turning on/off the display when navigating no longer requires admin rights for the app - we have found a better solution

So, are you looking forward to spring too? We sure are!

Článek The new library brings major improvements to your data management se nejdříve objevil na Locus Map - mobile outdoor navigation app.