More Waypoint Icon Choices (restarted)
Since the original Waypoint Icon thread was closed, I decided to restart it as I don't see this new emoji solution to actually be the solution to the lack of Waypoint Icons.
Since that original Waypoint Icon thread was started, 4 years ago, there has been some good improvements in icon choices. Many of which were suggested in that original thread. However, the emoji solution isn't the solution.
As one user mentioned over there, just Standard USGS map symbols is all most of us want. After all, Gaia is a mapping system not social media/texting software.
There are many waypoint mapping icon solutions in the world and after being a 4-year member and waiting patiently for an update to satisfy the mapping world, I am very disappointed that Gaia choose emojis as their solution when the solution is to create and publish more mapping icons.
Or, as users mentioned in the original thread, allow for our own imports.
Some of the icons mentioned in that original thread that are still not present in Gaia include:
Hotsprings
Mountain pass
RV Dump Station
Propane tank station
The emojis have a checkered flag (which was in that original thread request) but there is no green start flag.
Boat put in for unpowered craft
Boat launch for powered craft
Windsurfing
Rock climbing
Dispersed camping v established campground/RV park
I'm sure there are others as well. What else can users add to this list?
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Hey @From Boise, To,
Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
A hotspring icon is available. It looks like this:
I have passed along your other feedback to the Engineers for consideration in future updates. -
I’m right there with you. I just posted an analysis of available icons vs what was requested. There is much room for improvement and what feels like a company that has lost interest in their own app.
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Re: Boat launch icon. I don't know how that didn't make the original list of icons. This is an app for outdoor people, after all.
I use the canoe icon for basic put-ins --- I launch a canoe. But I also have a power boat, and I can't launch it from the side of the road like a canoe.
I was just scanning the list of icons for anything that might be a good choice. How many people use the helicopter icon ... or the pay phone? Really?
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I agree but Gaia made it clear 5 months ago they weren’t going to listen to paying users or appreciably improve the app.
https://help.gaiagps.com/hc/en-us/community/posts/4404828543767--More-Waypoint-Icon-Choices-analysis
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USGS map symbols s are very limited there maps mainly focus on terrain description and not points of interest
https://www.usgs.gov/publications/topographic-map-symbols
this is the icon data base what already appears on Gaia's [open street map base layer]
it covers most uses there free and opensource
https://wiki.openstreetmap.org/wiki/OpenStreetMap_Carto/Symbols
It to use these symbols at first seams like a no brainier it would be simple and consistent they are already using some in there custom library why not make the rest available for you to customize with color circles or other fluff if necessary . and ditch the unless emoji' clutter
then have a searchable fill screen choice list with category's and the {title visible below the icon }since you can’t hover to see the title in an app like you can on the web interface
a simple and free solution.
i know that some wouldn't like getting rid of legacy icons but they would have to adjust.
at least the icon library would finally make sense
in future builds they could have a toggle in map overlays to show public waypoints in you map if you wish
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