New Maps

Always Be Prepared with New Canada Wildfires Overlays

by Corey Buhay September 12, 2019

written by Corey Buhay

Dodge road closures, avoid burn scars, and find views unobscured by smoke using two new Canada wildfire overlays in Gaia GPS. Using official government data, we’ve launched two big updates to bring you up-to-date information about both currently burning and historical wildfires across Canada.

About the Canada Historical Wildfires Overlay

Anytime you’re planning an adventure, it helps to have all possible insight into the terrain ahead. Many maps show vegetation cover, but they often neglect to mention burn zones. Now, you can view areas affected by fire in past years with the Canada Historical Wildfires layer. The layer color-codes burned areas with a red color gradient. Brighter-colored areas indicate more recent burns, while darker shading indicates burns that occurred in the more distant past.

All data for the Canada Historical Wildfires layer is sourced from the Canadian Forest Service.

one example of the canada historical wildfires overlay and corresponding map legend — The legend for the Canada Historical Wildfires overlay. Gradient shading indicates how recent the fire occurred.

About the Current Wildfires Overlay

We’ve also added full Canada coverage to the Current Wildfires layer. The overlay previously contained only active U.S. fires. Bright red shading indicates actively burning wildfires. Use it to predict park and road closures as well as smoke pollution, which can diminish air quality, damage lungs, and conceal both views and landmarks essential to route-finding.

The Current Wildfires overlay derives its data from a variety of official government sources. It’s updated daily as new information is made available by Natural Resources Canada (NRCan), the Province of British Columbia, Alberta Wildfire, and the Government of Saskatchewan.

An ipad display, showing the Current Wildfires overlay in the Gaia GPS app — The Current Wildfires overlay is updated daily as government agencies make new data available.

How to Use the Canada Wildfire Overlays

Both wildfire overlays are available to all Gaia GPS users with a Premium Membership.

Look for the Canada Historical Wildfires overlay either in the Feature/Weather Overlays section or in the Canada section of the map manager. It’s listed as “Wildfires (Canada, Historical)”.

You’ll find the Current Wildfires layer listed as “Wildfires (Current)” in the Feature/Weather Overlays section, as well. Simply tap the green plus-sign next to the overlay to add it to your map.

On iOS devices, you can see the year and name of the fire—in addition to the number of hectares burned—by tapping on any shaded area.

September 12, 2019

sunset behind stone spires on a beach in Australia

Gaia GPS New Maps

New! Topo Maps for Australia

by Corey Buhay August 22, 2019

written by Corey Buhay

Towering coastal spires, lush rainforests, glittering beaches, and wildlife you’ll find nowhere else on earth: If you’re starting to daydream about where to head for your next big adventure, you should put Australia on your short list. And, fortunately, you can now count on Gaia GPS to be your guide.

*Dangar Falls in New South Wales, Australia. You can navigate here using the official, government-sourced topographic maps available in Gaia GPS.*

Gaia GPS has just released new topographic maps for Victoria, Australian’s second-most populous state. Home to the city of Melbourne and over 100 national parks and reserves, Victoria is an ideal destination for any kind of adventure. It’s also just a short flight or a ferry ride away from Tasmania, an island known for its adventure opportunities and untamed wilderness.

The Gaia GPS map catalog includes full topographic coverage for Victoria and Tasmania. It also includes maps for the states of Queensland and New South Wales, and nearby New Zealand.

*An overview of the map coverage for Australia and New Zealand currently available in the Gaia GPS map catalog.*

About Victoria Topo

The new Victoria Topo map includes cities, roads, trail labels and mileages, clearly labeled peaks, vegetation shading, water sources, contour lines, flood zones, road access restrictions, and important landmarks. The level of detail makes it ideally suited to planning and navigation for outdoor adventures.

This colorful layer utilizes the most current maps available from official government sources. The end result is a mosaic of 1:100k, 1:50k, and 1:25k topo maps, all sourced from the Victoria Department of Environment, Land, Water, and Planning. The 1:25k maps were published in April 2017, the 1:50k maps in June 2017, and the 1:100k maps in February 2018.

*Victoria Topo includes coverage of Grampians National Park, known for its mountain vistas and wild kangaroos.*

How to Use Australia Topo Maps in Gaia GPS

The new Victoria Topo map is available with a Premium Membership. However, Gaia GPS members of all levels can access topo maps for the rest of Australia, in addition to maps of New Zealand.

You’ll find all our official Australia topo maps in the Australia/New Zealand/Asia category of the map manager. Simply tap the map name to view legend information and sourcing details. Then, click the green plus-sign to add the layer to your main map view.

August 22, 2019

Gaia GPS New Maps

Get Nationwide Canada Coverage With the Improved Canada Topo Map

by Corey Buhay June 27, 2019

written by Corey Buhay

We’ve just expanded our official topographic coverage of Canada to include the entire nation from coast to coast. Previously, the Canada Topo map layer only included the eastern part of the country. Now, it includes all available digitized quads produced by Natural Resources Canada (NRCAN). The level of detail has also improved, with map tiles hand-selected to include the versions that show the most roads, trails, and manmade structures.

As such, our previous map for Western Canada (Canada Topo West) has been merged into the new layer to give you one seamless base map for whole country.

Topographic map of Canada, viewed on an ipad — The updated Canada Topo map layer, as viewed in the Gaia GPS app.

How to Use the Canada Topo Map Layer

The Canada Topo base map is available to everyone with a Gaia GPS Membership. You can find it under the Canada category of the map manager.

Because Canada Topo includes roads, trails, topo lines, vegetation shading, and labeled terrain features, it works as a versatile, standalone base map. However, Premium Members can supplement the coverage with the Backroad Mapbooks Canada Trails overlay, which color-codes trails by usage and seasonality to help you choose adventure destinations easily at a glance. We also recommend using the Canada Historical Wildfires overlay to avoid being surprised by burn zones on your next trip.

June 27, 2019

Gaia GPS New Maps

Air Quality Forecast Maps Available in Gaia GPS

by Corey Buhay June 18, 2019

written by Corey Buhay

Plan hikes and runs—and estimate just how good the views are going to be—with the EPA Air Quality forecast maps in Gaia GPS. You can view current estimated levels of pollutants with the Air Quality (Current) overlay, or take a look at upcoming levels with the Air Quality (Tomorrow) overlay.

Updated daily with information from the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The Air Quality map overlays are available to users with a Premium Membership. You can find them in the Feature/Weather Overlays category of the map manager.

Why Air Quality Matters

Clean air is essential to human health. People with asthma, young children, older adults, and individuals with a history of heart or lung trouble are all at risk when air pollutant levels are moderate or slightly above moderate. If air gets much more polluted than that, even healthy adults could experience adverse symptoms, including trouble breathing or irritation of the eyes and nose. Prolonged exposure to pollution, especially ozone, or smog, can damage the insides of your lungs.

Air quality is especially important when you’re exercising outdoors, as exercise increases your respiration rate. More breaths per minute means more exposure to any pollutants.

Plus, one of the best parts of being outdoors is breathing in clean, clear air. You can also see more distant mountains and forests on clear days. So, it makes sense to pick your hiking days based on the air quality forecast the same as you would a precipitation forecast: The better the forecast, the more fun you’ll have.

a clear view of mountains with good air quality — Good air quality means clearer views.

About the Air Quality Index

The Air Quality Index (AQI), developed by the EPA, reports levels of some of the most common air pollutants: ozone (smog), particle pollution, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide. An AQI reading of 101 corresponds to a level that is above the national air quality standard. The higher the AQI rating, the greater the health impact.

The Air Quality map layer uses color coding to indicate AQI. Each category is identified by a simple descriptor that conveys how air quality within each category impacts public health. The table below defines the AQI categories you’ll see on the map. (On this map, uncolored areas indicate good air quality that poses no risk to human health.)

Map legend for the Air Quality Index. — The Air Quality Index, as defined by the EPA. This color coding system serves as the map legend for the Air Quality overlays in Gaia GPS.

June 18, 2019

Adventures Gaia GPS New Maps

The Only Map You’ll Ever Need to Climb All the Colorado 14ers

by Corey Buhay May 28, 2019

written by Corey Buhay

Summit all 58 Colorado 14ers with just one app and one map. Now, you can get accurate, comprehensive National Geographic route information for all Colorado’s 14,000-foot peaks in Gaia GPS. The map includes trail mileages, elevation gain, technical climbing ratings, parking information for both 2WD and 4WD vehicles, points of reference, and detailed route notes.

You can use this map layer to guide you in real time on any peak, even when you’re offline. That’s because the Gaia GPS app uses your phone’s built-in GPS chip to pinpoint your location, no cell service required.

About the Colorado 14ers

Colorado is home to 58 peaks above 14,000 feet in elevation. That includes 14,433-foot Mount Elbert, the second highest summit in the contiguous United States. The routes up these mountains range from non-technical hikes to serious scrambles. The Knife Edge on Capitol Peak and the infamous Keyhole Route on Longs Peak are both good examples of the latter.

For many Colorado locals, as well as avid mountaineers across the U.S., summiting every 14er is a life goal. However, there is some debate about which 14ers should make the “official list.” After all, some peaks are connected by shallow saddles that make it difficult to determine where one summit ends and the other begins.

Currently, many climbers characterize a Colorado 14er as a peak above 14,000 feet with at least 300 feet of topographic prominence. In other words, it has to rise at least 300 feet above surrounding peaks to count. For that reason, you’ll hear many refer to the “53 Colorado 14ers” rather than 58. Just to be safe, the NatGeo Colorado 14ers map includes all 58.

Longs Peak Colorado — 14,259-foot Longs Peak in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado.

About NatGeo Maps in Gaia GPS About NatGeo Maps in Gaia GPS

Gaia GPS has long partnered with National Geographic to provide users with the expertly designed, high-quality cartography NatGeo is known for. The NatGeo Colorado 14ers layer is the most recent addition to the Gaia GPS map catalog, which already includes NatGeo maps of the John Muir Trail, the Colorado Trail, and dozens of America’s most popular recreation destinations.

How to use the Colorado 14ers map layer

Like all National Geographic maps, the Colorado 14ers layer is available to users with a Premium Membership.

You can access it by opening the United States category of the map manager. Then, tap the plus sign next to the layer to add it to your map screen.

map of longs peak — Routes to the top of Longs Peak, as depicted on the NatGeo Colorado 14ers map.

Tips for Climbing Colorado 14ers

Hiking and climbing at high altitudes can be dangerous, and hikers get lost or seriously injured on Colorado 14ers every year. Here are some tips for packing the right kit, nabbing the summit, and getting home safe.

Build up your experience level. Start with non-technical peaks, and honestly evaluate your expertise and emergency preparedness before embarking on a climb.
Wait for the snow to melt. The safest time to summit a 14,000-foot peak is between mid-July and late September, when the spring snow has melted out and before fall snowstorms begin.
Bring a buddy. A partner can help keep you accountable to your pre-determined turnaround time, help you make risk-management decisions, and seek help if you get sick or injured on the trail.
Download maps before you head out. The sheer elevation of 14ers means most of them have service on the summit. However, the rest of the trail is often without cell reception. Always make sure you have the map you need downloaded in Gaia GPS before you leave, so you can access it no matter where you are.
Start early. Aim to be back below treeline by noon; afternoon lightning storms are common in the Rocky Mountains, and often occur even when the forecast doesn’t call for them. Pulling off a successful summit often means beginning your hike well before dawn, a quintessential part of the experience known as the “alpine start.”
Prepare for unpredictable weather. Temperatures can drop fast in the mountains. Look at a forecast that shows predicted weather at the top of a peak as well as at the base (we recommend mountain-forecast.com). Pack for the lows, not the highs. Always bring more food and water than you think you need, as well as a hat, gloves, a good insulating layer, and a rain shell.
Pack safety equipment. Always bring a headlamp, sun protection, sun glasses, a first aid kit, and any other protection you might need from the elements should something go wrong. It’s smart to bring a satellite communication device, such as a SPOT device, as well.
Beware of summit fever. No peak is worth putting yourself in danger. Turn back immediately if you see rain clouds moving in, or if you begin to experience any signs of acute mountain sickness (AMS).

May 28, 2019

Gaia GPS New Maps

High-Resolution Geologic Map with Worldwide Coverage

by Corey Buhay May 28, 2019

written by Corey Buhay

Get the Bedrock Geology map layer in Gaia GPS, and you’ll always know exactly what you’re standing on. You’ll also know what’s ahead: If you’ve ever looked at a rock formation and wondered whether it was limestone or granite, this is the map for you.

The Bedrock Geology layer is based on the map source Macrostrat, which combines U.S. Geological Survey data with over 200 different geologic maps at various scales around the world.

The result is an exhaustively cross-referenced world geologic map, and the highest temporal resolution geologic map of North America ever produced. It includes information about the ages, tectonic histories, and minerals in the bedrock around the world.

In the Gaia GPS app, Bedrock Geology uses smart scaling to show you the most pertinent geologic information at any zoom level. Use it to scout out new rock climbing areas, improve your knowledge of natural history, impress your friends, or educate the little ones in your life.

How to Use the Bedrock Geologic Map

The Bedrock Geology map is available to those with a Gaia GPS Premium Membership. Currently, information about rock types and physical origins is only available in iOS, where the map is interactive. However, we’re working on a fix to bring that same functionality to the Android app. In the meantime, Android and web users can reference the map legend (below) to learn more about the geologic ages of the rocks around them.

To get started:

Find the Bedrock Geology map in the Feature/Weather Overlays category of the map manager.
Tap the plus sign to add the layer atop any of your favorite base maps.
Toggle the transparency as needed to see feature labels or satellite imagery beneath the color-coded swaths of geologic information.

A Note on Resolution

The resolution of map coverage can vary for different areas of the world. Some continents (like North America) have excellent coverage, and draw data from up to a dozen different geologic maps. In countries that lack publicly available geologic data, however, Bedrock Geology relies on the world geologic map provided by the Geological Survey of Canada.

You can use the interactive map on the Macrostrat sources page to learn more about available coverage for different areas of the world.

May 28, 2019

Gaia GPS Hunting New Maps

Meet the New and Improved Public Land Survey System (PLSS) Map Layer

by Corey Buhay May 16, 2019

written by Corey Buhay

Get vastly expanded coverage, new subsection detail, and clearer township and range labels with the updated Public Land Survey System (PLSS) grid layer in Gaia GPS. With more than double the previous coverage, this edition of the map now contains all available PLSS data for the United States.

Earlier versions of the map displayed township and range lines at higher zoom levels, then revealed sections as you zoomed. Now, zoom in even further, and you can see subsections as well. This level of detail makes it easier than ever to find your precise location within a given section.

We’ve also improved the map styling, cleaning up the labels and adjusting the colors to improve visibility across a variety of base maps.

*The PLSS grid layer, before and after the update. Coverage in Alaska (not pictured) has also been expanded.*

About the Public Land Survey System

The Public Land Survey System, or PLSS for short, is a system of boundary lines used for apportioning and describing land areas in the western United States. It was devised in the 1780s, after the Revolutionary War, as a system for dividing land into plots, which could then be given to war veterans and prospective settlers of the then-wild West.

Today, PLSS boundaries are still used to delineate property boundaries, and natural resource managers, surveyors, and hunters use range and township lines to talk about geographic location. Many boundaries are still labeled with physical markers, like disc-shaped metal “monuments” or wooden posts.

*PLSS markings carved into a tree in the Beaverhead Mountains. Photo courtesy of Jesse Crocker.*

How to Use Township and Range Boundaries

The vertical lines of the PLSS grid are called range lines, and the horizontals are called township lines. Range lines are measured in 6-mile increments east and west of lines of longitude, called principal meridians. Likewise, township lines are measured in 6-mile increments north and south of lines of latitude, called baselines.

Each resulting 6-by-6-mile square is called a township. Labels include numbers to indicate the township’s distance from the relevant baseline and principle meridian, as well as letters to show its spatial relationship (whether it’s north, east, south, or west) from the central intersection of those two lines.

Each square mile within a township is called a section, which is numbered 1 through 36. And, finally, each section is divided into 16 40-acre subsections. Each subsection is described in terms of its cardinal direction from the center of the section. For example, the far southeast subsection would be called SESE, and the far northwest subsection would be NWNW. (See an example in the screenshots below).

How to use the Public Land Survey System Layer

The updated PLSS grid is available to Gaia GPS users with a Premium Membership. Android users can find it in the Premium Overlays Category. iOS and web users will be able to access it through the Weather & Feature Overlays category of the map manager.

Simply add the layer atop any base map in Gaia GPS, and zoom to view increasing levels of detail. The map styling will adjust as you zoom to preserve readability, regardless of background.

In iOS, you can tap a subsection to learn its exact acreage.

May 16, 2019

Gaia GPS New Maps

Sweden Topo Maps Now Available to All Gaia GPS Members

by Corey Buhay May 8, 2019

written by Corey Buhay

Explore the inland mountains, alpine valleys, and rugged coastlines of Sweden with the all-new Sweden Topo map layer in Gaia GPS.

Collected from official government sources, this colorful base map includes roads, trails, landscape surface information, and labels for both manmade and natural features. As such, it’s well-suited to exploring both urban environments and backcountry landscapes. You’ll also find clear labels for cities containing airports to help you plan your travels.

Why Adventure in Sweden?

Northern latitudes and a coastal climate make Sweden the best of both worlds. Visitors can experience all the novelty of the midnight sun and the Northern Lights, but without the Arctic weather: The warming effects of the Gulf Stream keep temperatures in Sweden relatively mild year-round.

Add over 400 hiking trails, a nationwide network of bike paths and cycling routes, and a constitutional “Right to Roam” policy (which means you can hike and camp just about anywhere, even on private land), and you’ve got a country that’s pretty much built for adventure.

In the winter, head north to Lapland for snowshoeing, dogsledding, and the fluorescent dance of the Northern Lights. In the summer, kayak the Klosterhavet Marine Park, pick a bite-size section of the 80-mile High Coast Trail (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), or check out the world-famous alpine wildflowers and birch forests of Abisko National Park.

Wherever you go, use the Sweden Topo map to plan your adventure and to navigate once you’re there.

*Paddleboarding near Rosselvik, Sweden. Photo by Jens Johnsson*

How to Use the Sweden Topo Maps in Gaia GPS

The Sweden Topo map layer is available to all Gaia GPS users with a Membership or Premium Membership. Look for the layer in the Europe category of the map manager both in the app and on gaiagps.com.

We recommend using this versatile, do-anything layer as your base map on any trip that takes you within Sweden’s borders.

*Waterfall near Gaddede, Sweden. Photo by Jon Flobrant.*

May 8, 2019

Gaia GPS Hunting New Maps

New! Colorado Fishing and River Maps

by Corey Buhay April 24, 2019

written by Corey Buhay

Whether your ideal afternoon involves casting in riffles or riding rapids, the NatGeo Colorado Fishing & Rivers map layer has everything you need to get out on the water in the state of Colorado.

NatGeo Colorado Fishing & Rivers contains complete coverage of all the wild banks, backcountry access spots, and adjacent lakes and ponds for the Roaring Fork, South Platte, and Blue Rivers. It also covers large sections of the Arkansas, Colorado, and Fryingpan Rivers.

Built with National Geographic’s characteristic attention to detail, accuracy, and smart map design, this layer is a complete picture of not only the river courses themselves, but their banks, recreation areas, access points, and adjacent ponds and lakes. The result is a complete picture of each river ecosystem, and the boating routes within it.

Colorado: A Boater and Angler’s Paradise

In Colorado, Rocky Mountain snowmelt and steep slopes have worked together to forge some of the mightiest rivers in the United States: Seven major rivers, including the Rio Grande, Arkansas and Colorado, all have their headwaters in the Centennial State.

The sheer number and variety of waterways makes Colorado ideal for boaters of all experience levels. Visit river towns like Salida or Buena Vista for a family rafting trip with an experienced guide, or head into Colorado’s deeper canyons and rougher rapids in a kayak or packraft for higher-level adventure.

Colorado’s abundant wilderness areas and protected lands mean all its mighty rivers and fast-flowing mountain streams are not only beautiful to float, but teeming with trout as well. Cast a line, and you’ll find rainbows, browns, brook, cutthroat, and steelhead, as well as kokanee salmon and lake trout.

*Brooke trout coming in for a bite. Photo courtesy of Heath Alseike, via Flickr.*

Map Features for Fishing, Kayaking, Rafting, and Boating Trips

The NatGeo Colorado Fishing & Rivers map includes clearly marked river miles, access points, put-ins, and the names and ratings of rapids, making it easy to locate yourself on the river, share route information, and plan trips. You’ll also find labeled stream gage sites to reference when researching flow rates at potential fishing or boating spots. Land ownership boundaries and recreation sites also make it easy to scout out campsites along the way.

How to Use the NatGeo Colorado Fishing + Rivers Map

The NatGeo Colorado Fishing & Rivers layer is available to web, iOS, and Android users with a Premium Membership. You’ll find the map in the United States category of the map manager. Tap to add it to your Layers menu, and use it as a robust, stand-alone base map for any of the waterways it covers.

Before hitting the water, be sure to review local regulations and guidelines, especially those for decontaminating watercraft. Do your part to protect riparian habitat and help prevent the spread of invasive species in Colorado.

*Rafters navigating the Arkansas River, Colorado. Photo courtesy of Kari, via Flickr.*

Feature photo courtesy of the Bureau of Land Management, via Flickr, of the Arkansas River outside Buena Vista, Colorado

April 24, 2019

Gaia GPS New Maps

Map Updates: MVUM, and USFS Roads and Trails

by Corey Buhay April 10, 2019

written by Corey Buhay

We’re excited to announce some great updates to two map layers from the USFS: the Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM), and the Roads and Trails layer. These updates include improvements to the style of the maps, as well as improved data.

To improve map readability, we created more polished, more compatible styles for both layers. The new styles adopts the same symbology used by the U.S. Forest Service on their PDF maps, making it easier to cross-reference your paper backups with your layered maps in Gaia GPS.

To improve the data, we re-rendered the maps to add more trails to the MVUM overlay, and added both snow-only and water-only (canoe and boating) routes to the USFS Roads and Trails layer.

Style Updates to the USFS Roads and Trails Overlay

For USFS Roads and Trails, the update declutters the map. Thoughtfully designed trail styles reduce visual overlap of nearby routes, letting you view more possibilities at a higher zoom level.

The symbology is also more intuitive. For example, a series of progressively dashed and dotted lines delineate trail accessibility by vehicle type. They’re also color-coded to distinguish snow- and water-only routes from maintained trails.

The new symbology is similar to what you might find in USFS Visitor maps, allowing you to mesh these maps together without having to reference separate legends.

Style Updates to the Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) Overlay

You’ll find similar style updates in the MVUM overlay. The result is a cleaner, more efficient navigation experience and better integration with other maps, including USFS Roads and Trails. Roads are now labeled by road ID number instead of name to better correlate with the signage you’re likely to encounter in the field.

To view map keys for either overlay, visit the Gaia GPS Map Legends page.

How to Use the MVUM and USFS Roads and Trails Maps

Both the MVUM overlay and the USFS Roads and Trails overlay are available to users with a Premium Membership. You can find them in the Feature/Weather Overlays category of the map manager.

If you’ve already downloaded the layer, delete and re-add it to see the updated styling.

We recommend using the MVUM overlay in conjunction with USFS Roads and Trails to make sure you’re looking at all the possibilities available to you. Since the maps come from different datasets, the MVUM overlay contains routes unavailable in USFS Roads and Trails, and vice versa.

These maps are transparent overlays that contain only linear features marking roads, trails, and other routes. As such, they’re best used layered over Gaia Topo, satellite imagery, or any other base map of your choice.

April 10, 2019

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