New Feature: Ability to save map layers as a preset group
Completed
I would like to request that several map layers could be saved as a group. For example saving a hiking layer, topo map and shading as a preset and then another group that has other map types. This would be helpful as I move through various actives such as trail running or hiking or even in the city to plan out road running routes. The other benefit would be it would be easier to set up the same map layers on my various devices. The final benefit I see is that Gaia could set up recommended map layers for different activities. I like all the different map layers but feel overwhelmed at the the choices so some guidance from the makers of the ways to blend the different map layers would be appreciated.
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Official comment
Hello all! Big news!
Today, with iOS version 2022.3, we’re releasing a powerful new feature that will allow you to save pre-set combinations of map layers! We’re calling it Map Packs.
Map Packs allows you to quickly swap between sets of map layers with just one tap. Gone are the days of painstakingly removing and then adding layers one at a time when changing activities. Now, you set your map layers the way you like them, save them as a map pack, and you can return to that configuration whenever you like. It’s like a bookmarks bar for your favorite map combos.
You can choose from a list of map packs curated by your in-house maps team or create your own!
We think this is a huge improvement but also understand this might be a big adjustment from the way you currently use Gaia GPS. We’ve released this as an optional public beta feature on iOS only (for now) so you can opt-in and try it out at your leisure. You can enable it by going to Settings > Map Controls > Map Packs.
This feature is in beta, meaning that we are still collecting feedback on the design. As a result, it’s not yet possible to sync Map Packs to the website. If you log out of or delete the app, your Map Packs will not be saved.
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That's a great idea. I definitely use specific groups of map layers for skiing and a different group for cycling or hiking. And yes, the number of layers can be overwhelming and it would be great for Gaia to make some default groups of map layers. Gaia Topo, US Shaded Relief, and Slope is great for backcountry skiing, for example.
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I believe this would be the same or similar as the OP stated as "Saved as a Group", but when we travel in the Pacific Northwest, I use a selection of 4 or 5 maps and layers that are different then say when we are in SE Utah, or in British Columbia. It would be extremely useful to be able to group a selection of maps and name that group, (i.e. PNW or SE Utah, BC, etc..) to be pulled up at any given time, or even shared. When I return to an area that we hadn't been to for awhile, it takes some time to explore the maps to find that perfect selection again.
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Now that Gaia is continuing to add many useful layers, we REALLY need this feature.
I have multiple use groups:
- Backcountry ski (Topo layer, shaded relief, Slope, satellite)
- 4x4 exploring (USGS topo, USFS topo, shaded relief, USFS MVUM, Satellite, et al)
- Hiking (Topo, shaded relief, OSM, custom map sources I have added)
- General exploring (assorted layers I turn on/off)
Changing between these is a pain, especially when I have to scroll through a list of dozens of available/enabled layers and THEN have to change the opacity on each one...
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I travel to many different types of terrains. This feature would save me a lot of time and frustration. I currently keep a separate list of layers I use for different locals. This collection is getting difficult to manage (i.e. to find when I need it)! The glaring example is that when you are in a national forest you really really want the MVUM, but when you are in the desert this is just clutter which gets in the way.
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I would also like this feature. Just to share a workaround I have been using:
Instructions
- Set up your map layers & opacity settings as you want them.
- Activate the 'Download Maps' menu option.
- The exact area you select for download doesn't particularly matter but try to center it around the area you commonly use.
- Drag the zoom level slider to the highest zoom level (least detail and smallest file size).
Now you can use the 'Show on main map' feature on the saved maps to quickly switch between layer groups. Not an ideal solution but works for my needs.
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The idea is great, but the execution here has left me wanting the old tray back. The ability to quickly fine tune the layer order and transparency was extremely useful. Now with the large number of clicks I’m less likely to adjust and less thrilled with the amount of data and more annoyed with the map clutter. Merging the previous layer tray and the map packs would be the best of both worlds.
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Chris Hill,
Thanks for letting us know and I’ve now tried the feature (a feature I’ve been hoping for since first using the app in 2013). It kind of works, but it’s unnecessarily complicated.
The ideal use case, at least for me, is to show all of the layer as before, let us add layers as we did before and adjust their transparency and order, but simply to have a link somewhere in the interface or layer list saying “Save This Map Set” that would capture just as we have them set. We name the set, and we have a subgroup in the map layer list that is “My Map Sets”. What you have built is a good map set gallery that we could use to get preset sets you have curated. That’s good. But what I really would like is the ability to add layers like we did (which was a good interface you shouldn’t have abandoned), experiment and fine-tune until we get the order and opacities just right and then freeze it in a custom set for future use (or even sharing to other users).
Thanks for what you have done, it’s much better than nothing, but its overly complicated and hides necessary functionality either too deep or entirely.
llh
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Does anyone know how to import a custom map with this feature turned on? I get the "All Imports Complete" confirmation, but the map layer is nowhere to be found... Can't add it as a layer by editing the current Map Pack or find it as an Overlay. It imported fine before I turned on Map Packs... now none of them show up or can be added?
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