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WMS maps in Locus Map 3.44? Not just for experts !

Michal, Locus team — Thu, 20 Feb 2020 12:00:10 +0000

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.

Croatian aerial WMS map

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.

Czech aerial map with WMS cadastral data layer

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.

New Locus Map 3.37 – new live-tracking web, Garmin FIT file support and many “invisible” changes

Michal, Locus team — Mon, 18 Mar 2019 15:33:19 +0000

Hi there,
can you feel it too? Despite the skiing season in the Alps has not finished yet, the spring has quietly crept up behind the door and somewhere it is even knocking on it. And that's the greatest impulse for us to come up with a new Locus Map release. And what we cooked? Here's the menu:

Share your position on a new Live-tracking web

The first big thing we are releasing with the brand new Locus Map is an extra-application improvement - we've relaunched our live-tracking website. Check it out at Live-tracking.locusmap.app. Everything on it is new:

new design, graphics, texts
map viewer of both public live tracking and private group tracking
quick and concise guide how to establish your live tracking session

Now you can view not only public live trackers but also your own private groups or groups to which you receive an invitation. Just tap "Find group" and insert your access code:

A lot of useful information is available about live trackers on the map screen - their speed, altitude, even accuracy of their GPS:

Import/export your activity in Garmin FIT file

Garmin devices are not our competition (OK, they are, a little bit :)) and we aren't against cooperating with them - we can't be. Therefore, we added full support of Garmin FIT format both for import and export of tracks. FIT files allow you to track your physical activities over time. For example, you can upload exported FIT file to Garmin Connect each time you run and review traveled paths on a map and the total distance, duration, and burned calories for each activity.

Manual segments in route planner colored by elevation

Locus Route planner manual drawing mode has been very useful for planning trips in free terrain without road network. However, until now, it wasn't possible to color the route line by elevation. Thanks to our genius developers, we managed to tackle this problem and direct lines between two shaping points drawn manually now display elevation in colors. Which is very useful for decent route planning.

"Invisible" improvements

GPS location filtering

If you're not a GPS insider you even don't have to notice this feature. However, this enhancement can be pretty visible, especially when you can directly compare GPS track with and without it switched on. You know, there can be troubles with wrong GPS data in bad weather, difficult terrain etc. GPS horizontal filter can reduce these unwanted effect to a minimum:

New Geocaching API

Despite almost nothing has changed on appearance and functioning of our geocaching features, the inside part of them was completely rebuilt. The reason for this was a new API that is compulsory to be used in GC apps according to new terms of Groundspeak - geocaching game owner. At least, now you can download your personal notes from Geocachnig web to Locus:

20% OFF SALE on all BackRoad MapBooks maps of Canada!

Apparently, the spring is coming to Canada too. Guys from BRMB feel like expressing their joy with it by offering their fabulous maps to you with 20% sale. If you're heading to British Columbia for spring vacation, you'll surely appreciate it!

So, are you looking forward to spring and testing all these news? We are indeed!

Článek New Locus Map 3.37 – new live-tracking web, Garmin FIT file support and many “invisible” changes se nejdříve objevil na Locus Map - mobile outdoor navigation app.

New Locus Map – easy Live Tracking setup, souped-up Route Planner and Backroad MapBooks

Michal, Locus team — Wed, 26 Sep 2018 11:55:21 +0000

You would say alas, the summer is over. Temperatures dropped twenty degrees in just a few days, Fabienne storm ran over the middle of Europe with freezing winds and downpours. Nevermind, as all true outdoorers say, there's never bad weather - there's just a poorly dressed hiker! So, reach deeper in your closets for warmer garments and install our new Locus Map. There's something prepared for your autumn adventures:

Wizard of Live Tracking

Some of you often complained that for setting up a Live Tracking session it's necessary to have university degree in technical engineering and information technologies at once. We in marketing part of our tiny team often agreed so we persuaded our devs to try to look at it from the same point of view. Fortunately, we succeeded - they removed their diplomas from the wall for a few hours and started to pretend to be absolutely unaware of any Locus or Live Tracking. The result finally came and setting up Live Tracking is now a matter of a few simple steps executable by a school kid. Please, meet Wizard of Live Tracking:

Say who is your audience

As you already know, Live Tracking is mutual real-time sharing of position between you and someone else. Here you select whom you want to share your position with. All other Locus users? Your MTB gang? Or mom, dad and sis?

If you like to share your current outdoor adventure generally, choose the first option. Nothing more is required, your name and avatar is pre-filled from your My Locus profile. Of course, you can edit both. Then, just press the start button. Your position is visible to all other Locus users who are using public Live tracking and also on Locus Live Tracking website.

Did you previously join a group of Locus users from your local hiking club? Then select it. Or, if you had received an access key to another group, you can enter it here as well. After you press start button your position will be visible only to those in the selected group.

If you bought Live Tracking Premium subscription, you can start your own new group and invite (send access keys to) whoever you need, right here.

Are you a live tracking pro or just another geek who needs to have everything under control? Then select the last option and set your own real-time position sharing service.

And that's it, go Live Tracking now!

Manage route points easily and recalculate route segments

You've liked new Route planner right from its launch. Nevertheless, we felt a few things could have been done better.

New popup boxes

We redesigned popup boxes where you can manage and edit shaping, via and navigation points on the planned route. See how you can change one to another easily:

Edit via points names and icons:

Show a routepoint in Google Street View:

Partial route recalculation

You can recalculate segments of the route. Just select the route part and another routing profile:

Recalculate all!

Changed your mind and would like to go for a walk instead of biking? No problem, you can recalculate whole route with a different routing profile and avoid roads:

This works, so far, with BRouter only.

Explore Canadian Rockies with premium Backroad Mapbooks!

We've recently partnered with Backroad Mapbooks, a renowned Canadian map publisher. Their Backroad GPS Maps bring the most detailed and comprehensive coverage of Canada available to recreational users. With the most up-to-date outdoor recreation information including topographic contours and summits, industry and forest service roads, campsites, trails for hikers, bikers, ATVers and snowmobilers, paddling routes, hunting and fishing hot spots, parks and wildlife viewing areas, and thousands of geographic and recreation points the maps offer adventures for every explorer.

In connection with unprecedented functionality of Locus Map you can have finally a very powerful navigation tool for traveling Canada.

Enjoy autumn with Locus!

Photo by Joel Cross on Unsplash

Článek New Locus Map – easy Live Tracking setup, souped-up Route Planner and Backroad MapBooks se nejdříve objevil na Locus Map - mobile outdoor navigation app.

Track part stats and cloud backups in new Locus Map 3.28!

Michal, Locus team — Wed, 20 Dec 2017 15:03:56 +0000

We in Locus team have resolved that you deserve one more treat for this Christmas. Besides the 50% sale of Locus Map Pro we are releasing a brand new Locus Map 3.28!

And what's awaiting you?

Track analyzer with per parts statistics

A lot of you wished your recorded tracks or planned routes could be displayed in sections for better understanding your performance or for optional re-planning of your route. This can be done now in a new tool - track analyzer.

The definition of the section is upon you - you select borders of the section and display its stats and charts - distance, average speed, elevation gain, pace... all you need in one chart. The analyzer can be turned on from a track detail screen bottom menu or directly from the track popup label (after setting it in settings >Maps > Points&Tracks > Tracks popup content):

You can change the range of the selected section freely before confirming and check the sliding chart on the go.

Don't lose your data anymore - back up your tracks, points and settings to cloud

Losing data from a mobile phone or tablet can be quite an annoying issue. Unfortunately, it sometimes happens, especially when you store data on the external SD card. Saving your data backup to a cloud can solve this - until now you could do it manually after creating a backup in Locus Backup Manager.

Now Locus can do it for you automatically - go to Locus Backup Manager > Edit Automatic backup > check Upload backup to cloud. Then just select your favorite storage, Dropbox or Google Drive.

Set track recording profile by one click

Setting Presets are now even better. One feature has been missing in them until now - selection of the track recording profile. Now, just select a preset and all Locus is adjusted to the one activity. Check this example of setting a biking preset:

The new release contains, traditionally, a lot more - whole bunch of improvements and fixes.

We all wish you have fun during your Christmas vacation hiking or skiing adventures. We're also looking for the next year's season with you and with Locus Map!

Článek Track part stats and cloud backups in new Locus Map 3.28! se nejdříve objevil na Locus Map - mobile outdoor navigation app.

New Locus Map 3.25 brings a nice bundle of improvements

Michal, Locus team — Wed, 09 Aug 2017 16:19:26 +0000

Despite the summer vacations are only a bit behind its middle, we have been extensively developing and testing. Huge work has been done on the new Route planner and Track editor - both in brand new screens, new UI, with new functionality. However, we are still not absolutely satisfied with them and we must also include results of their public testing in their final appearance so a bit more work must be done on them. So, you have to look forward to them a little longer :). Nevertheless, we decided to publish a new Locus version as we managed to finish many other things:

Map language switch - read the map as locals

Our World is pretty colorful, you know that. And not only in colors but also in languages and alphabets. Latin alphabet is generally known but in many countries a Westerner has problem with reading local names. Fortunately, the OpenStreetMap project enables displaying multi-language names of cities and villages in many countries. For example, Laos. A beautiful country with booming tourism, luring more and more adventurers. Laos alphabet, however, might be quite tricky for many of them. Our LoMaps, rendered from OSM data, can help - you can switch the language of the map in something more understandable.

Map with original names:

The language switch can be found in the map detail screen:

The same map after switching it to English:

Online GraphHopper - fast and data-efficient

We've added a new online routing service to our portfolio - online GraphHopper. Some of you have probably used its offline version in Locus via a GraphHopper add-on which is, to be honest, still in a sort of alpha version. This online version, however, works amazingly fast and consumes only a tiny portion of your mobile data (FUP) - in a range of just tens of kilobytes. Here in Europe where the extra charges for data roaming have been abolished it's pretty nice.

To turn this router on, go to Locus settings > Navigation > Navigation data source and tap GraphHopper:

When you want to start navigation, just choose your target and then means of your transport (a.k.a. navigation profile). GraphHopper offers "car", three kinds of bike - "cycle", "MTB" and "racing" and two types of walk - "walk" and "hike":

Function panels settings in presets

Many of you wished to have the option to set different layouts of function panels for various activities with one or two clicks:

Since launching Locus Presets we've been close to it. Now, finally, we found a way how to implement function panels settings in Presets. If you need to re-set function panels position by one click, you have to switch this option on first:

1. open Presets and check the "advanced mode" in the topbar:

2. Select the Preset you want to adjust and tap "Edit":

3. Go to the Preset settings mode:

4. Check the "Set functions panels" option:

The option to set functions panels appears in the Preset. You can set the panels as you are used to.

Pick the right color!

Locus line color manager has been also significantly improved. Firstly, we reworked the basic color selection so that it contains colors easily distinguishable on map:

You don't have to confirm your color selection as before. Just tap the color and your new line color is set.

The advanced color picker stays as it was because it's just perfect :):

For super-geeks we've added an option to define colors by codes - in HEX, RGB and HSV modes:

Nice, isn't it? And, of course, it's not all but we don't want you to spent your vacation reading the whole list of changes, improvements and fixes the new version offers. And if by any chance you are interested, you can find it on the traditional place - in Locus menu > About application > Release notes.

Článek New Locus Map 3.25 brings a nice bundle of improvements se nejdříve objevil na Locus Map - mobile outdoor navigation app.

Addresses offline. Worldwide. Really.

Michal, Locus team — Mon, 16 May 2016 15:38:18 +0000

Locus Map 3.17 is here with a long, long awaited feature - offline address search. It took us a little bit more time to tackle this task than we had expected. Petr and Menion had to solve many issues so that the system would be functional worldwide. However, they succeeded and Locus can offer addresses without need to be connected to the Internet.

Are offline addresses included in the new Locus?

No, you have to update your LoMaps first. Offline addresses are included in newly rendered LoMaps packets. Offline address search doesn't work with your current or even older LoMaps:

go to Locus Store
tap your profile settings in the upper right corner
select Check for updates
update all LoMaps that you want to use for offline search

Where do I find the offline address search?

Right where you are used to search online addresses - in Menu > Search > Address & Place:

go to Search > Address & Place
when you enter it for the first time in Locus 3.17, the icon of the topbar menu shakes and unfolds to offer both online and offline search - select Offline (next time you'll be offered offline directly, you can change the method in the topbar menu)
Locus offers a list of available address packets - countries (corresponding to your updated LoMaps - if you don't update at least one LoMap, there are no address packets). Select the country you want to search address in.
start writing the city name, after two characters Locus starts offering matching entries, choose one you want
start writing the street name, after two characters Locus starts offering matching entries, choose one you want
Locus displays a list of all house numbers on the street, enter numbers to narrow the selection
any time during the search you can tap the centering icon to show the item on the map

Anything else in the new Locus?

You bet! There are loads of minor changes and fixes as usual, rather a lot more than usual. For example navigation:

support of navigation commands in BRouter routing service
option to select means of transport (car, bike, ...) for route recalculation of current active navigation

Maps:

Swedish Lansstyrelsernas maps were added to the list of online maps (definition in Store)
we added option to colorize map by altitude
we redesigned "map overlays" screen
support of MapsForge V4 maps (e.g. language selection in map detail)

Points and tracks:

support of long tap in points/tracks list enabling selection mode and pre-selecting single item
all waypoints closer than 500 m from a track are now visible on track chart

Etc., etc., etc. Enjoy!

Článek Addresses offline. Worldwide. Really. se nejdříve objevil na Locus Map - mobile outdoor navigation app.