Bring back NatGeo maps
The loss of NatGeo maps is a big deal for me personally. The Gaia proprietary maps are just not the same and miss crucial details (trail distances for expample.)
This is a big step backwards.
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I went to add the National Geographic Trails Illustrated map layer today and it was no longer there. I don't see any announcements about it going away and the gaia help page still says they are available. Is this an error or did gaia really drop the NatGeo maps?
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Gaia really did drop the NatGeo maps https://blog.gaiagps.com/a-fond-farewell-to-national-geographic-maps-and-a-look-at-whats-ahead/
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Thanks for letting me know. I searched Gaia web page. and goggle but couldn’t find that.
Same story they gave when they dropped NeoTreks map layer. Their Gaia map layers are decent but they don’t have all the same info by a long shot to those other layers. Especially National Geographic. And for some reason they keep coming out with more Gaia map layers. They all have basically the same data as far as I can tell. That Gaia hike layer is horrible. It overlays trails and roads with a worthless colored line that makes it so I can’t even tell what it actually is. Only thing saving Gaia is they don’t have any competition really.
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Agreed. Nat Geo maps are great for trip planning and contain much useful info specific to certain national parks, like backcountry camping zones and other need-to-know regulations about certain areas. Their blog post about this seems disingenuous... Why did they really get rid of the Nat Geo maps? My guess is that Gaia didn't want to pay to license them any longer. Can my subscription price be reduced accordingly?
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Agree. Subscription adjustment needed if Trails Illustrated no longer included. I valued that layer at least 1/3 of my subscription cost.
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Regarding the NPS map "You’ll get visitor center locations, trail info, campgrounds, and more—exactly how the rangers want you to see the park."
Rangers in Yosemite use the NatGeo maps when helping the public due to them having backcountry camping restrictions etc on them.
Not impressed with the Gaia Hike layer, I find slope angle on top of USGS or standard Gaia Topo more useful.
Also unimpressed with how they handled the ESRI layer - that aren't that many high res satellite sources out there, they should have an idea what their options are before they dropped it. Mapbox isn't useful for really complex terrain.0 -
you got be f**ing kidding me! those maps are the most updated sources out there! I can't believe it!
And why are they showing up in the layers list!
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If anyone from Gaia actually reads this blog, please bring the NatGeo maps back. They are so useful and the “better maps” mentioned in the farewell post do not offer the same level of detail as the NatGeo maps, showing trail distance or the modes of transport allowed on a trail (hike, horse, bike) are just a couple of examples. Your NPS Visitor map doesn't even have a legend. You have not come close to recreating the coverage of the NatGeo Maps, which had incredible detail of the entire PCT and other thru-hikes. You have not created better maps for every kind of adventure, you have taken away the best maps for any kind of adventure.
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I’m not sure they’re being upfront and honest. The spin on this was abysmal and transparent.
My guess it’s a money decision.I have found that the natgeo maps have the most current validated routes. only fault is the contour interval, but that’s of minimal concern.
Sigh…
At least they haven’t taken the previously downloaded versions off my phone yet.
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Had I known that they eliminated those, I would not have re-subscribed to the service. Those were by and far the best detailed maps.
Their explanation was a joke; not even a convincing spin on why they did not renew the license.
I use them exclusively for overlanding, and their “replacement” is not even close to being on-par…
Can we vote to bring them back?
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