Add, Layer, and Change Map Sources in the Android app

Gaia GPS includes a wide variety of map sources to customize the map for different activities.

This article will show you how to: 

• Change map sources
• Layer multiple sources
• Add new sources that are not in the default list
• Delete map sources

Note: You need a Premium Membership to view map sources other than Gaia Topo. A Premium Membership also allows you to layer maps together to create a custom view.

Change the map source (Layered Maps toggled on)

The map menu will look different depending on whether Layered Maps is toggled on or off.  For the best map experience, we recommend turning on Layered Maps. 

If you don't have a Premium Membership or if you want to use the app with layered maps off, see Change the map source (Layered Maps toggled off).

1. Turn on Layered Maps:

• Tap the layers icon in the lower left.
• Tap Map Overlays.
• Scroll to the bottom of the list and toggle on Layered Maps.

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2. You can customize the map in several ways:

• Tap the map preview icon on a source from the Inactive list to make it Active on the map
• Tap the map preview icon on an Active source to make it Inactive 

• Adjust the opacity of a source by dragging the slider

• Drag and drop Active sources to change the order in which they appear on the map

Add new map sources

Gaia GPS has an extensive library of map sources. Popular sources include National Geographic Trails Illustrated, Private Land, Public Land, Slope Angle, and USGS Topo.

Tap the Add Layers button to explore the map library.  You can search by name, view recommended map sources, or browse the categories.

When you find the source you want, toggle it on and it will be added to your Inactive list.

Then, tap the back arrow and make the source Active on the map by tapping the green up arrow.

Change the map source (Layered Maps toggled off)

Tap the layers icon in the lower-left corner of the map. The active source will have a blue checkmark next to the name. Tap another source to make it active. Close the map source drawer by tapping the line tab at the top of the maps menu and swiping it down.

Remove a map source from your Active or Inactive list

• Long-press the map layer you want to remove
• Tap Delete
• Alternatively, you can tap the Add Map Layers button, find the source, and toggle it off. 

Troubleshooting

Map sources are blurry when offline

If the map source is blurry when you are offline, you may not have downloaded the map for offline use.

Map sources are blurry when online, don't show on the map, or partially show on the map

Try removing the map source that isn't working properly and then re-adding it.

1. Remove the source

2. Force close the app

3. Add the source again