Offline Maps

One of the most valuable tools for a landscape photographer is a detailed topographical map with waypoints and routes. Photographers often spend hours planning the details – waypoints for potential image locations, routes, lighting conditions and so on. A fully prepped topographical map is an essential tool for a successful photography trip.

Saved on your device

Online maps are **static** in your device's memory (not cache) and is **not dependent on** having access to **cell service**.

And when connected to a strong cell signal, you can rely on real-time access to maps via applications such as Gaia GPS, Google, and AllTrails. However, many of the locations landscape photographers want to capture are in remote locations that are difficult to reach and far from services, especially cellular services with data capabilities.

Without good cell service, the GPS coordinates and/or trails you downloaded to your favorite locations as waypoints are all but useless. And getting lost in the desert, forest, or another unknown place can be frustrating and potentially life-threatening.

There is a straightforward solution that most of my photography buddies and I use on each trip – an offline mapping system. And at the heart of any offline system is a good, reliable GPS tracking app.

Here are the key features to look for with a GPS tracking app

Downloadable offline maps

Tag waypoints and pictures

Ability to import GPS and tracks

Personal tracking

Different Offline Map Options

Gaia GPS

There are many good mapping apps, and everyone has their favorites. Gaia GPS (www.gaiagps.com) is my favorite, as it has the functions I need and rely on, such as personal tracking, the ability to drop waypoints, tag locations with reference pictures, and most importantly - accurate information within a few feet. The app allows me to download offline maps from anywhere in the US.

Transparency: I have no relationship with Gaia GPS whatsoever. It is simply currently my personal choice.

Other GPS track apps I am familiar with:

Google Offline Maps

Google also provides a powerful offline solution with its offline maps option. The main advantages are that it is free, and once downloaded, you can still use standard Google search features even when you no longer have access to cell service. However, my experience with using Google offline maps is that its reliability could be better.

I have found through experience that maintaining Gaia GPS and Google offline maps simultaneously provides thorough coverage for all my potential needs. Gaia GPS records my photography locations, other waypoints, routes and tracks. Google provides a back-up source for my location while providing routing directions offline (a feature not currently available in Gaia GPS).

AllTrails

AllTrails is a GPS hiking tracking app with access to thousands of trails and works great when you have cell data service. The app also allows you to download the hike/trails to your phone in advance to enable you to track your route and destination. This app falls short of my needs because it will not allow you to upload other GPS coordinates and/or trails that are not on the AllTrails system. Also, it will not allow you to download complete maps for an area or state. This is important as you travel in areas without cell service; you have no way of navigating.

Important: Download the offline maps in an area with a strong Wi-Fi connection (like your home or hotel room). Downloading on the road via your cell phone is not ideal, as offline maps are very large files that will consume a significant portion of your data allotment and may take a long time to download.

Click this link to access a complete guide to preparing and downloading offline maps:

https://www.donmetzphotography.com/gaia-gps-offline-maps.pdf