At Gaia GPS, our mission is to provide the best mapping tools for outdoor adventurers. To achieve this, we continuously evaluate and improve the map layers available in the app. As part of this effort, we will be deprecating the Esri World Imagery layer on March 4, 2025, to prioritize better, more up-to-date satellite imagery for all users.
Why is Esri World Imagery Being Removed?
While Esri World Imagery has been available in Gaia GPS for years, usage of this layer has remained low compared to other satellite options. Additionally, Esri has significantly increased their licensing costs, making the map layer an unsustainable option for us to continue offering. Rather than passing these costs onto our users, we are redirecting this budget toward securing best-in-class satellite imagery that provides better coverage, higher resolution, and more frequent updates for adventurers around the globe.
What’s Next for Satellite Imagery in Gaia GPS?
We know that high-quality satellite imagery is essential for trip planning, route finding, and backcountry navigation. We are currently in the discovery phase, evaluating multiple providers to ensure we deliver the best satellite imagery available.
Our focus is on improvements that could bring:
- More Frequent Updates – Ensuring you have the latest imagery when planning your next adventure.
- Higher Resolution Data – Offering clearer and more detailed views of the terrain.
- Better Global Coverage – Expanding high-quality imagery to more regions worldwide.
How Will This Change Affect Users?
Starting on March 4, 2025, the Esri World Imagery layer will no longer be available in Gaia GPS. However, our other satellite layers remain available, including:
- Satellite (Mapbox) – An alternative for high resolution aerial imagery. In many areas, Mapbox’s satellite imagery is on par with, or higher resolution, than the Esri layer.
- Satellite with Labels – A versatile satellite imagery layer; providing roads, trails and POI’s labeled over Mapbox satellite imagery.
- Satellite Topo – Another option, also based on Mapbox imagery, with labels for roads, trails, and POIs in addition to contour lines.
- FreshSat – Recent – A great way to see very recent satellite imagery for any location; provides lower resolution than other satellite providers but is updated more frequently.
- FreshSat – Cloud Free – Similar to FreshSat Recent but will prioritize visibility over recency.
If you’ve relied on Esri World Imagery in the past, we recommend exploring these existing satellite layers. We’ll keep the community updated as we finalize our plans for enhanced satellite imagery in Gaia GPS.
We are Committed to the Best Outdoor Mapping Experience
Removing a map layer is not a decision we take lightly, but this change allows us to invest in better mapping resources for the entire Gaia GPS community. Our team is committed to providing the best possible outdoor mapping experience, and we appreciate your support as we make these improvements.
Thank you for being a part of the Gaia GPS adventure. If you have any questions or feedback, we’d love to hear from you!