Locus Map offers a lot of maps for your outdoor fun. Over 150 online maps that can be downloaded or cached (not all of them, though :(), offline maps, raster (e.g. SwissTopo) or vector - our LoMaps. Each map has its properties, covers a certain area, has its price, downloading or caching limits so almost everybody in the world can choose one.

But this is not all. There are also WMS maps. Myriads of them around the world, just add them to Locus. In the newest 3.44, we completely overhauled the way WMS maps are offered, searched, or added. But before we get to our new Web Services Library, let's make clear what it is all about.

What is WMS?

Web Map Service (WMS) is a standard protocol for serving georeferenced map images over the Internet. These images are typically produced by a map server from geo-information data. Such a definition sounds quite geeky, right? Take it easy, WMS is just another channel of many interesting map sources.

WMS can serve almost any type of map. Beginning with topographic maps, historic maps, satellite, and aerial images, cycling routes, town plans, ending with various data layers like cadastral maps, weather services, environmental layers, etc.

Advantages and drawbacks

The biggest plus of WMS is the range of content you can get, switchable layers, metadata in some sources displaying even more information. Drawbacks - WMS maps and data can be viewed online only with no option of downloading or caching so they are not the choice for remote areas with weak or no internet signal.

Check this practical example of using WMS maps when pinning a friend's land plot >>

How do I get WMS maps into Locus?

Browse and search the Library

Originally, we maintained a website with a list of recommended WMS links. Some time ago we found out most of those links don't work or are not updated. Therefore, we created the Web Services Library containing only verified links. You can find it in the WMS tab of Locus map manager. When you open it, Locus offers WMS maps surrounding your GPS location:

To narrow your selection, use full-text search:

When you choose the source you like, tap it - Locus Map automatically uploads the source and inserts it in your WMS list. You just select the needed layers and confirm.

On the main map screen, notice the special button in the upper left corner. With it, you can switch among visible WMS layers and control their opacity:

Enter link of a specific WMS source

If you don't find the right WMS channel in the library but you know its URL address, select Add manually in the WMS tab and insert the link into the dialog:

Locus adds your channel to the WMS tab.

If you think other users would enjoy the WMS link too, you can add it to the Library:

We'll just check the link is functioning and activate it.

Flexible function panel

Web Service Library is not the only improvement brought to you in this version. A few of you had an idea of flexible shifting of buttons between upper and right function panels when rotating the phone:

You can select this option in the settings of the panels:

Beware of memory cleaners

Some phone producers, especially Xiaomi and Huawei, equip their devices with very aggressive memory cleaning software. Such a cleaner can wipe out all your Locus data - points, tracks, maps, even settings. Please, always exclude Locus Map from these cleaners' to-do list. If you forget to do so, Locus Map will prompt you after some time.

These are, in a nutshell, all major improvements in Locus Map 3.44. (actually, there are much more minor changes and fixes all over the app, as usual). In the meantime, we are working on features for Locus Map 4.0 - new design, a built-in router, user database, cloud sync, etc.etc. Keep your fingers crossed :)

Článek WMS maps in Locus Map 3.44? Not just for experts ! se nejdříve objevil na Locus Map - mobile outdoor navigation app.

"Hey bro, you work with these maps, eh?...", recently a friend of mine asked me and I was about to explain again that I was collaborating on developing a mobile map application rather than mapmaking. "I want to exchange some land near my cottage with Frank and I need to check it out according to the cadastral map ...", he continues without interruption and I am relieved - I don't have to explain anything: "Sure, I can handle it with Locus." And I'm looking forward to the White Carpathians - I'll copy the plot to Locus according to the cadastral map and then we'll mark it with wooden pins in the field - nothing official, just approximately, so the accuracy of GPS, which makes some 3 m in the place, will be enough.

1. I looked into the Land Register

I was not at the computer so I could not use the great Ikatastr.cz services , but I had a cell phone and a wifi access was nearby. I turned on Locus and opened the WMS Map tab in the map manager. I chose the option of recommended WMS data sources:

I selected the source of the Cadastral Maps of the Czech Land Registry Office:

And in Locus, I checked all the map layers needed:

As a background, I chose an aerial map from the same office, the cadastral map beautifully drawn above it.

I pointed the cursor over the plot and clicked on the plot information button to make sure I displayed the right one:

After a few more clicks I verified ownership of the parcel on the site of the Land Registry, to be absolutely sure.

2. I transferred the plot to Locus

From my friend I had GPS coordinates of the points on which he would like to place provisional pins. I quickly brought them to Locus:

Their positions perfectly matched the boundaries of the plot on the map.

In the field I will be without the Internet so I copied the plot to Locus using the "Add new route" tool:

I'm ready, we can go.

3. Let's go out!

The captivating landscape of the White Carpathians always gets me, especially in the spring, when local meadows are blooming, full of rare flowers.

We put the pins and a hammer in our backpack and set off. Locus obediently guided us to the border points of the parcel:

Even in the difficult terrain of the deep valley, the GPS mobile behaved fairly well and showed the position with promised accuracy of 3m. With Locus's guidance, it was not a problem to set the plot at all. Again Locus gave us proof of his universality :)

Článek Viewing the Land Register, pinning land plot area… no problem with Locus. se nejdříve objevil na Locus Map - mobile outdoor navigation app.