This article will give you an overview of the main features of Gaia GPS.
Gaia GPS has both a mobile app and a website. The mobile app (phones, tablets) is useful while you are doing your activity - hiking, skiing, offroading, hunting, etc. In the mobile app, you can see your location on the map, track where you've traveled, download maps for offline use (with a Premium subscription), and much more. The website has many similar features as the mobile app and is useful for planning and reviewing your trips and adventures. You can sync your data back and forth between the website and the mobile app.
Mobile App (Apple and Android)
Here are the basic things to know about the mobile app:
- Install the app on your mobile device
- Create an account
- Show your location
- Change Map Layers
- View the map legend
- Offline maps
- Record a track
- Create a route
- Sync your data between the mobile app and the website
- View your data
Install the app on your mobile device
Download and install the Gaia GPS mobile app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Or, click this link from your mobile device.
Create an account
You'll be prompted to create an account. Gaia GPS is part of the Outside family of products, so your account will automatically work with all Outside brands.
Show your location
Show your current location on the map by tapping the locate icon in the bottom left corner of the map.
iOS:
Android:
- Read more about this feature: Locate and Orient Yourself on the Map
- If the app is not locating you, be sure that your location permissions are set correctly (Apple / Android).
Change map layers
You can change map layers to support your activity. To change map layers, tap the layers icon.
iOS: Android:
The most popular layers are Gaia Topo, Satellite, USGS Topo, Private Land, Public Land, MVUM, and Slope Angle Shading.
- Read more about changing map layers here:
- Gaia Topo is free for all users. You need a Premium membership to view other layers. You can purchase a Premium membership here: www.gaiagps.com/premium
- Preview all the available layers here: www.gaiagps.com/maps
View the map legend
View the legend for the active map layer(s) by pressing the info icon in the bottom left corner of the map: iOS Android
Tap on the map to get information or mark a location
Tap anywhere on the map to view information about nearby trails, points of interest, information from the active maps layer(s), local weather, and coordinates. Save a waypoint by tapping the Save icon.
Offline maps
Before you go offline in areas with no cell service, you must download a portion of the map. Please note that this feature is only available with a Premium subscription. If you don't download a map for offline use, the map will be blurry offline. Gaia Topo is optimized to be a fast download and minimize storage on your device.
On Apple devices, leave the app open and the screen on while the download finishes. If you switch to another app or turn your screen off, it will pause the download.
- Read more about offline maps: Download Maps for Offline Use
Record a track
As you travel, record a track to see where you've been.
To start a track, tap the Record button in the stats bar in the top menu:
Read more about track recording here: Record and Resume Tracks
Read more about the stats bar feature here:
Sync your data between the mobile app and the website
When you are done planning a route on the website, open your mobile device and tap Settings > Account > Last Sync.
You can also sync your data to the mobile app using the Sync to Mobile feature.
Read more about sync here: Backup, Sync, and Transfer Your Data.
View your data in the mobile app
After syncing, visit the Saved menu in the mobile app to see your data. Tap the filter button to filter items by type.
Android: iOS:
Website
Change map layers
You can change map layers on the website, just as in the mobile app. Click the layers icon on the left side.
Use the checkmarks to make layers active or inactive. Drag the slide to change the transparency.
Read more about map layers on the website here: Add, Layer, and Change Map Sources on gaiagps.com
Plan a route
The website is designed to make trip planning easier. Take advantage of the larger computer screen to plan routes and then sync them to the mobile app.
Read more about creating routes here: Create and Measure Routes on gaiagps.com
Read more about managing your Saved data, including organizing it into folders, here:
- Organize Your Data with the Sync to Mobile Feature
- View Saved Data (Tracks, Routes, Waypoints, Offline Maps, Folders, Areas, Hikes) in iOS
- View Saved Data (Tracks, Routes, Waypoints, Offline Maps, Folders, Areas, Hikes) in Android
- View Saved Data (Tracks, Routes, Waypoints, Offline Maps, Folders, Areas, Hikes) on gaiagps.com
- Managing Folders on gaiagps.com