Where is MapQuest?

Michal, Locus team

As you have obviously noticed, MapQuest maps are not in Locus online map portfolio since 7/11. The provider of these maps that have been part of Locus offer since the very beginning of the app radically changed the terms of use of their map data. And to such a degree that its return is not currently possible even at the cost of charging the source. At first it seemed to require just some paid download plans but later MapQuest completely disabled its direct links to its map servers and started to force developers to use its own solution (SDK). This approach is unacceptable for us, unfortunately, from a technical viewpoint, therefore we have to say goodbye to MapQuest maps (MapQuest online routing service necessary for route planning and navigation remains available in Locus).

What to replace it with?

The basic MapQuest topo maps can be fully replaced by any maps based on OSM projectbest by our Asamm LoMaps that are used offline and can be switched into several map themes. MapQuest wasn’t much detailed and in areas outside US it was quite outdated, however, it was set as default online map in some states for the first Locus app start. In such cases it was replaced by OpenStreetMap Outdoor map.

MapQuest map in an older version of Locus
MapQuest map in an older version of Locus
The same area covered by LoMaps with hike&bike theme
The same area covered by LoMaps with hike&bike theme

Not so easily dispensable is, however, MapQuest satellite map that was in Locus portfolio in many countries the only one of its kind. Especially in above mentioned USA or Germany for instance. Therefore, we’ll welcome any tips for quality satellite/aerial maps of the USA, Germany and other European countries except Czechia and Austria – they’re covered by their government-backed projects ČÚZK and Basemap.at.

We apologize to all who miss MapQuest maps – the change was not our intention. Thank you for understanding.

16 Comments

  1. Wade
    28. 7. 2016

    Is ther a reason we cant have the ability to use our own google api? I understand why you cannot provide the access to everyone, but i have my own api from Google thai use on fully approved web properties.

    • Locus team
      29. 7. 2016

      We were planning to make a workaround with personal APIs but MapQuest disabled all direct links to the tile storage - the only access to their tiles are via their own API/SDK solution that we refused to implement.

  2. Ken
    31. 7. 2016

    I just want to offer my continuing respect and loyalty. Locus Pro remains the best application for mapping, routing, navigation, etc of anything I've seen, either mobile or desktop.

    In guessing that the maps used by Google are just as restricted at this point as are Mapquest maps now. In not sure what Apple is using, or what their terms would be to share, but they appear to be using something different from Google. Just thoughts.

    I do appreciate the 3 free LoMaps, though so far I've only downloaded the one for my home state. I've not decided yet which others would be of best benefit to me.

    Anyway, please be aware that I am not a fickle user like a number of reviews. Locus is still the best, and Mapquest's arrogance in this case week not dissuade me from my resolution to keep Locus as my map of choice in all cases. I look forward to the eventual return of satellite images from a reasonable alternate source, and I compliment Asamm on developing a to-notch application for android. Thank you!

    • Locus team
      1. 8. 2016

      Hi Ken,
      thank you for your kind words. A you say, Google maps usage is restricted in similar way. Apple products use very poorly furnished Apple maps (see e.g. http://www.tomshardware.com/picturestory/607-ios-maps-fail.html). We sincerely hope you'll find a replacement for MapQuest maps that you'll be happy with.

  3. Dostosow
    1. 8. 2016

    For satellite/aerial maps of Poland, check Geoportal

    • Locus team
      5. 8. 2016

      Yes, we've done so. Now we are solving their terms of use but we believe we'll manage.

  4. SammysHP
    10. 8. 2016

    Bing provides high quality aerial images in Germany and most other countries. Don't know the exact terms of use, though. I only use it for OpenStreetMap mapping.

    • Locus team
      10. 8. 2016

      Bing terms of use in third party apps are sort of similar to those of MapQuest...

  5. DaleN
    14. 8. 2016

    For aerial imagery of the USA, have you checked into what the source is for the BackCountry Navigator app? I believe they use the US Geologic Survey and caltopo. I hope you're able to come to terms with an imagery provider.

    • Locus team
      15. 8. 2016

      Hi,

      thanks for the tip. We'll have a look at their terms of use.

      • DaleN
        17. 10. 2016

        Glad to see you're able to provide the USGS aerial imagery.

  6. Bernd
    16. 8. 2016

    Swiss Topo ist seit Kurzem frei zugänglich.

    https://map.geo.admin.ch/?bgLayer=ch.swisstopo.pixelkarte-farbe&lang=de&zoom=6&Y=673500.00&X=146610.00&time_current=latest&topic=ech&layers=ch.swisstopo.swisstlm3d-wanderwege

    • Locus team
      16. 8. 2016

      Swisstopo frei zugänglich ist nur auf ihrer Website.

  7. eng3
    28. 9. 2016

    Have you looked at MapBox

    • Locus team
      29. 9. 2016

      Hi, yes we did but MapBox requires their own SDK library implemented in Locus which is the way similar to the MapQuest and which we'd like to avoid.

  8. Jens
    25. 4. 2021

    Satellite maps for Sweeden, Norway, Denmark? Any chance og getting this? Othervise I really enjoy Locus (former Viewranger user)

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