GAIA map download

I use it on my phone so I only download the maps and GPX tracks for where I am going and delete the old files.  My 2 cents

I just save a map for the area I will be walking.  Simple and easy.

Some local areas I go to frequently, so I’ll keep those maps downloaded on my phone. Other areas that are only visited once a year, I’ll download and then delete after the trip.

I do like to download the USGS or FS topo maps. I think they are more accurate than the Gaia topos. One time, Gaia topo had the locations of two lakes in the wrong place (so did the Garmin map). Satellite views can be helpful sometimes, and they are fairly small downloads.

I do each area I will be visiting. Delete older areas. I do multiple layers-topo, satellite, etc. and do max resolution.

It can depend on how much storage your phone has. Mine has plenty, so I don’t delete old maps I’ve downloaded. I use various maps offered by Gaia, as I’ve found some are better than others for certain areas, haven’t found one that’s always better than the rest, so I pick and choose depending on the trip.

It appears that I can download all of Oregon, Washington. most of California and Idaho and Nevada at low res

Then specific areas at max res

Gaia will automatically use the highest resolution available for any particular spot

It takes several hours to download each

My Garmin 60CSx downloaded all of Oregon/Washington/some adjacent areas at max resolution all at one time.  Took several hours and a couple GB.  Smartphone uses a couple GB to do that at low res.  Garmin must be vector, more efficient, smartphone must be bitmapped, but you can zoom out so it must be more complicated than that.

I assume someone will tell me an easier way, what an idiot I am.  And quit spamming with stupid smartphone questions : )

I didn’t even know you had to download the map so out in the field I learned that the hard way. I went ahead and drew a huge square over where I like to hike. I have yet to see Gaia GPS work. Maybe with this big map things will work out better.

Diane, I’m assuming this is what you are describing but just in case: click the plus button in the top right and then choose Download Map. Then draw a box over the area you are interested in. You can then pick the resolution and types of map overlays you prefer.

Another way to do it is to click on a GPX from Saved and then either Trips or Routes. The you click the … and choose download maps and then options. I use this option frequently after importing a GPX file that I’ve generated on Caltopo. It’s worth noting that Caltopo will pad your route with map tiles approximately 3000 meters away from your route.

A ! In a box shows in the upper left of the main map screen while map tiles are downloading.

if you want to test whether everything has downloaded properly you can put your phone in Airplane Mode and zoom in/change map type.

thanks for the clues Matthew, I’ll have to experiment with that

I have noticed it’s much easier to select an area to download if I have a track already defined