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.