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Satellite Topo Resolution

joemarcotte

I tried the new Satellite Topo layer today, and found the image resolution very poor, especially when compared to the Sattelite With Labels.

 

Is this a problem on my end? I get the same result on my iPhone, iPad and PC web version, very poor imagery.

 

Thanks in advance.

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Comments

13 comments

Date Votes
  • Nathan

    @joemarcotte
    Thanks for posting. We have received a couple similar reports and are looking into this.

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  • jennifer.malat

    Is there an update on this? If not, which Gaia satellite map has the best resolution? I’ve been toggling between Google Maps and Gaia to look for backcountry camping spots.

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  • Robyn

    Hey Jennifer, 
    If you're not seeing the resolution you need in your area on the Satellite Topo map, I recommend trying out World Imagery from ESRI and the Satellite map from MapBox. Follow this link to see a preview of the available satellite maps:
    https://www.gaiagps.com/maps/global-satellite/ 

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  • adam.starr

    Robyn, searches on this forum for “satellite imagery” go back years. It’s a recurring issue for users. Often users are told satellite imagery options have changed due to “licensing issues”

    Will Gaia EVER give users access to the Google maps that we’ve all gotten used to from day to day use?

    Money is the root of all evil, and I’m sure cost is the issue. Maybe users who wanted it could pony up extra $$?

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  • Ashli Baldwin

    Hey Adam,

    Google doesn't allow its maps to be downloaded for offline use - it's against their terms of service. Because of that, we might never be able to offer Google Satellite imagery in the app. We do keep our ears to the ground for the best maps that we can offer. Have you tried out the World Imagery Satellite layer that Robyn recommended? If it's lacking in your area, let us know where that is. 

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  • adam.starr

    Thanks for the reply

    Google Maps recommends saving their maps for offline use, so users can track their position, just like you guys do.

    I love Gaia’s topo maps and trail maps. But satellite images are mediocre.

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  • adam.starr

    https://support.google.com/maps/answer/6291838?co=GENIE.Platform%3DiOS&hl=en

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  • snell

    I think that Google Maps offline availability is limited to downloading for use in Google Maps itself.  I've not found an app that supports downloading Google Maps data for use in another app - like Gaia.  I have used Gaia's ESRI World Imagery data extensively and I can't find anything dissatisfying with it

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  • adam.starr

    Hi snell. I’ve used it pretty extensively too. I wish I could post images here - but as an example, look at

    14RPV 15198 55272

    In ESRI World Imagery. Then in Google maps.

    One shows good detail, the other does not.

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  • snell

    Hello Adam:

    I apologize - I didn't mean to imply that there aren't areas where Google Maps imagery might be of higher detail than the ESRI World Imagery.  I meant that I've been satisfied with the ESRI Imagery in the overall context of what GaiaGPS provides for my needs.  I often use Google Earth (which I prefer to Google Maps) alongside ESRI World Imagery to get higher resolution views if I need them and if I have internet available.  Just to be clear - if Gaia offered Google Earth imagery I'd be happy to use it!  But I'm satisfied with the ESRI Imagery if that doesn't happen.

    Howard

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  • Ashli Baldwin

    Hey Folks, 

    Snell is correct - Google lets you use their maps offline in their apps, but it's against their terms for 3rd party applications, like Gaia.

    I do see how Google Satellite is a better resolution than the World imagery at 14RPV 15198 55272, though - thanks for sharing the location. I don't know of another source that we can use right now that would be better in this area - but if we find one I'll come back to you with an update!

    Also, a quick reminder that you can import nearly any map you find on the internet yourself:

     

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  • the.cragrat

    What interests me is up to date satellite photos at high resolution so one can see recent changes due to weather events. The Mapbox layer shows much higher resolution that I can get with FreshSat - cloud free which shows the actual geological event ( a massive washout of the Tasman Glacier moraine wall ( NZ) I am looking at. How often does Mapbox update? NB Google Earth is not up to date either (2018)

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  • Kristin McLane

    Hi @the.cragrat,

    Mapbox satellite imagery is updated at the discretion of Mapbox. You can learn more about their update process on their blog.

    You may find more up-to-date imagery on the World Imagery layer, however, we do not have a high-resolution version of the most up-to-date satellite layers - FreshSat - Recent and FreshSat - Cloud Free.

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