+EcuaDeb Posted February 15, 2012 Share Posted February 15, 2012 Not happy with the new maps. When I move to satellite (aerial) images, my screen just goes blank. Takes a long time to load and if I want to zoom in, forget it. I need aerial views to plan my routes. I would be willing to pay a higher premium fee to keep access to Google Maps. This is not good enough. Quote Link to comment
+ranlove Posted February 15, 2012 Share Posted February 15, 2012 Very sad with the new maps especially the sat view. No hybrid view. Geosphere and GSAK map views still use Google and seem to work, however ... I almost threw in the towel as I depend on the sat view very much. Personally I think the idea to dump Google was a mistake. I understand about the $ but couldn't something have been worked out between the two? Just my 2 cents worth ... Quote Link to comment
+sushi Posted February 15, 2012 Share Posted February 15, 2012 I agree that the new satellite maps load very slow....much slower that the previous google view. There has to be another option....bing, something. Quote Link to comment
+OZ2CPU Posted February 15, 2012 Share Posted February 15, 2012 Here in Denmark, there is NO satelite view option anymore !!! upgrade = downgrade = VERY BAD !! now I need google earth open at the same time, copy/paste position and then research the best or possible ways into a cache area.. I want the good old maps-beta back !!! Quote Link to comment
+clivecops Posted February 15, 2012 Share Posted February 15, 2012 the new maps are rubbish !!!!! cant get them very unhappy Quote Link to comment
+C8W9 Posted February 15, 2012 Share Posted February 15, 2012 Tried the new Aerial view, and after 5 minutes, still have a lovely white screen. Useless. Quote Link to comment
+Shobogan Posted February 15, 2012 Share Posted February 15, 2012 These new maps suck is a understatement I cannot get satellite maps to view for my area but I know if I goto the mapquest website that I can view the satellite image for the area. I think for me now the only option available to me is to use my Android phone at least for now it's still using google maps Quote Link to comment
+De Haelder Posted February 15, 2012 Share Posted February 15, 2012 This is no upgrade but downgrade. Where are the satellite maps Please bring them back, this is really bad!! Greetings from the Netherlands. Quote Link to comment
bigt.cz Posted February 15, 2012 Share Posted February 15, 2012 (edited) As @De Haelder wrote, it's downgrade not upgrade, don't say me, that money from PM aren't enough to buy licence of Googlemaps... Only thing you pay are servers and marketing and other goes to your pockets, GS is too commercial now... Don't you know that MapQuest maps are useless for cental Europe? Edited February 15, 2012 by bigt.cz Quote Link to comment
+TBXplorer Posted February 15, 2012 Share Posted February 15, 2012 Satellite map load time is very slow. And scrolling and zooming is almost impossible. Additionally, I really miss the terrain maps. At least PQs finally work again though. Wish we didn't have to keep breaking one feature to fix another. These site "upgrades" really scare me because I don't know what nice feature I will lose next. Quote Link to comment
+texasgrillchef Posted February 15, 2012 Share Posted February 15, 2012 +1 I agree... It doesn't matter which computer I use, or even iPhone or my iPad... It takes FOREVER to load the Sat images. When they do finally load, there is NO HYBRID mode!!! So you can't tell what road your on, if any at all, or what roads are coming up. Because in SAT images, there can appear to be a road, when it really isn't one. Its a stream, or River, or its even a PRIVATE road! Like I have said before... I do realize that the map issues are entirely Groundspeak/Geocaching.com's fault. However, they CAN do something about the speed at which it takes to LOAD the maps, as well as finding a better sat image map, that includes a HYBRID mode! Geocaching.com... Have you all looked into Bing Sat images? Are they affordable or not? TGC Quote Link to comment
+koharu Posted February 15, 2012 Share Posted February 15, 2012 (edited) Loading and pan/refresh/zooming of Mapquest and the new APIs seem better today from a performance perspective for me. The following are still clunky: Mapquest Aerial view loads part way via Chrome 18.0.1025.11 beta. It seems to load pretty ok with Firefox 10.0.1 and Safari Version 5.1.3 (7534.53.10). However, for the later panning / refreshes leaves blank blocks. MyTopo.com maps are a bit hodgepodge when it comes to map quality but that seems to load faster and refresh better on all three browsers. (Note: MyTopo.com view did not load on our 1st Gen iPad running iOS5 and the latest Mobile Safari browser). Like many others we do miss the hybrid view as well as a cleaner satellite view vs the aerial view that is available now as it is all about one's ability to preplan an outing when it comes to seeing access roads, trails, etc. Having said that, we are trying to adjust our workflow to see if toggling between the Mapquest/Aerial/OpenStreetMap/OpenBikeMaps will help provide enough of an overall picture. Still not as easy of an experience as using the Google Maps API but from what we understand about the cost of access Groundspeak would have to pay, we are trying to see this as just adding a level of research to our quests and outings. In summary: Better than yesterday performance wise. Not as easy / simple as the old mapping views. We've decided to add it to the "sense of adventure" pile. Edited February 15, 2012 by koharu Quote Link to comment
+Bonne Chance Posted February 15, 2012 Share Posted February 15, 2012 I just want my satellite view back! What would it really cost to pay off these sharks from Google? Quote Link to comment
+Lil Devil Posted February 15, 2012 Share Posted February 15, 2012 About $3 million per year. Quote Link to comment
+5Taylors Posted February 15, 2012 Share Posted February 15, 2012 This "upgrade" a big downgrade. I often take with me a printout of the aerial view of where I am caching. It helps when navigating around fields, trying to see where public footpaths are across fields, and also find nearby places to park the car. The only one of the new map options that seems to offer an actual aerial view doesn't work - unless we are snowed under. Just a plain blank, white page. Fine, if it's too expensive to stay with google, then switch But at least provide an alternative that works. Quote Link to comment
+Mr Kaswa Posted February 15, 2012 Share Posted February 15, 2012 I have no problem with switching maps from google to other sources. I understand why they did it. I know all the work arounds to get a satellite view. I understand that I am not now getting less for my premium membership. I can cache without a satellite view. but I still would like to have a satellite view available for my area. Quote Link to comment
+Shobogan Posted February 16, 2012 Share Posted February 16, 2012 so i've been in a email chain with Groundspeak. As i can logon onto mapquest and see my area on street and satellite but when I query why I cannot see this on the ground speak site. This is there response I see the problem. The aerial maps are currently only available for the US. We looking into other map options for everyone and hope to have more information soon. I am sorry I can not be of more help with the aerial view right now. Regards, Jessica Community Relations Lead Quote Link to comment
Moun10Bike Posted February 16, 2012 Share Posted February 16, 2012 I'm merging this into the existing thread on the topic. Quote Link to comment
+BIGBROTHERBEAR Posted February 16, 2012 Share Posted February 16, 2012 The maps in aeriel are useless This upgrade is no upgrade. When I payed to be a premium member, I expeect premium service if this is not fixed. I will nolonger be a premium member. Quote Link to comment
+ChileHead Posted February 16, 2012 Share Posted February 16, 2012 Guess I'm in the minority. I like the new maps, and I don't have any performance problems. Quote Link to comment
+Bob and Kath Posted February 16, 2012 Share Posted February 16, 2012 We couldn't believe the map when we looked at it. No street names until you zoomed way in and then, of course, you couldn't see the nearby caches. One major road in our area has a completely wrong name. Tried the aerial view and that worked at first but now doesn't work at all. And when it did work, no street names--no hybrid view--which has always helped us. We went through the beta phase with the mapping and this is what we get? Why? We're really disappointed with this new map as I'm sure that other cachers will be and we're hoping to see things change. Quote Link to comment
+Menai Scouts Posted February 16, 2012 Share Posted February 16, 2012 I have not really felt strongly enough to post a note before but this is too much. I like the new map - nice and clear - but the complete lack of the satellite / aerial view is really poor. Surely Groundspeak would have tested this for some sites outside of the USA before releasing this to the community? I don't remember having this problem in any of the beta versions... Please can we have our satellite view back? Quote Link to comment
daburns21 Posted February 16, 2012 Share Posted February 16, 2012 o man this new map is terribly. like everyone else this new map is a downgrade. slower to load and not as much detail. at first i thought it was cause i was not a premium member, so i was about to upgrade my account, than i found out its the same for them. I won't become a full member till a better map is put in place. This is just sad. Quote Link to comment
+Isebar Posted February 16, 2012 Share Posted February 16, 2012 (edited) Well, OSM is widely used and maintained here in Germany and therefore rather accurate. No problem with that, BUT - What really upsets me, is the fact that the highest resolution MapQuest Aerial provides for Germany is about 10 x 10 km (approx. 6 x 6 miles for the non-metric). Therefore it is useless! - "My Topo" gives me "terra incognita"; in other words, cache icons on a plain white surface. This is useless too! - OpenCycle Map uses the maps of OpenStreet Map with a few enhancements for cyclists. Not really a different map. - MapQuest and CloudMade look almost identical here in Germany. Summary: Instead of getting what I payed my PM fee for (partially), I get a service worse than before: 1 (one) map instead of four. I'm rethinking my next renewal. To introduce the "avatars" and "challenges", GS probably spent more money than what they would haved payed Google... My 2 ct Edited February 16, 2012 by Isebar Quote Link to comment
+TommeGun Posted February 16, 2012 Share Posted February 16, 2012 Wow, the previous post states it to a tee! Why did GC WASTE all that time and money for "challenges" and avatars? Both are useless trash and now we don't have maps. Is there a way to get a refund on my membership? I also find it strange that GC hasn't responded to all our complaints yet. Like usual, they don't care. That is evident by the total crap that they push without QA in their releases. Quote Link to comment
+jjjgirl2007 Posted February 16, 2012 Share Posted February 16, 2012 I live in the "sticks" and satellite maps don't load. I move to a more populated area and it is very hit and miss. I understand the cost part but the new one should at least work like it should. Quote Link to comment
+GeoAdam Posted February 16, 2012 Share Posted February 16, 2012 The new maps suck. That's the only word for it. Groundspeak should at least offer the Google Option for Premium Members. I'd even chip in another couple of dollars to have maps that work properly. Quote Link to comment
+LucknJoe Posted February 16, 2012 Share Posted February 16, 2012 Like the rest I hate these maps too. Loads are too slow, aerial map almost useless. I really want the hybrid map back too. Very disappointed! Quote Link to comment
+snorchl Posted February 16, 2012 Share Posted February 16, 2012 Greetings from Czech Do you want back Google maps ? Use this script http://userscripts.org/scripts/show/125926 Quote Link to comment
+Menai Scouts Posted February 16, 2012 Share Posted February 16, 2012 (edited) I have seen lots of people saying these satellite views are useless but I don't see any comments from Groundspeak themselves - have I missed a statement or some news on this loss of a feature? UPDATE - I have now found a news item on the website about it. Had sort of expected to see it a little more prominently displayed. Is Groundspeak a non-for-profit organisation? Are there shareholders etc.? If not, doesn't it qualify for continued free usage? Edited February 16, 2012 by Menai Scouts Quote Link to comment
+Afterburned Posted February 16, 2012 Share Posted February 16, 2012 (edited) I doubt Groundspeak is non profit. I for one understand the lack of hybrid and satellite views due to Google cutting off the free service, and I understand why Google has to charge. That's capitalism. Groundspeak will need to adjust too. If I need Hybrid images I use pocket queries to export to Google Earth, the maps we have now are good enough for getting near by road (or path). What ever happened to the adventure of finding the path yourself? I enjoy going out with little clue of exactly where the cache is! MY premium membership is for notifications of new caches - gotta love the FTF game! PS Play - Hide & Seek a Cache - Or, search with Google Maps. #Ahem# Edited to add PS Edited February 16, 2012 by Afterburned Quote Link to comment
+goingtopot Posted February 16, 2012 Share Posted February 16, 2012 (edited) I'm up for renewal this month. I'm not sure the site remains Premium without working maps, and I'm not happy that part of the utilization of the funds we pay aren't used to procure Premium map products. Why the site is limited to such crappy map products as a result of the cost-cutting measure is also a mystery. The mystery might be diminished if they worked at all. I can suffer their use as a non-Premium member, thank you, and use other map products to actually see what's going on out there. The lack of a hybrid map is ludicrous after spoiling us for so long. I'd suggest checking around and finding some worthwhile map products. Third party? What goes around comes around. Edited February 16, 2012 by goingtopot Quote Link to comment
Lukkynn Posted February 16, 2012 Share Posted February 16, 2012 Nove mapy se mi nelibi vubec. Pred tim to bylo o moc lepsi. Kdyby to slo nak prepnout jako to bylo driv. Satelitni mapa mi taky bvubec nejde a cely se mi to nelibi :-( New maps are not like me at all. Before that it was much better. Should it go nak switch as it was before. Map bvubec me too, and not the whole, I do not like it :-( Quote Link to comment
+damburas Posted February 16, 2012 Share Posted February 16, 2012 I have been paying every year to be premium and now I get this crap with the satellite view. Come on, there has to be something better out there. Please fix this issue. Quote Link to comment
+Poehunters Posted February 16, 2012 Share Posted February 16, 2012 I wasn't happy with the new maps update either. I loaded the Google map script from our Czech friends for Chrome and Firefox and it's very awesome! Yeah the maps are back! Here is the link - in case it's buried - http://userscripts.o...pts/show/125926 Quote Link to comment
+DeanSmiths Posted February 17, 2012 Share Posted February 17, 2012 I've never felt the need to comment on the forum before, but I was wondering if I'm the only one that doesn't like the new maps. Nope, not alone on this. This SUCKS big time. Quote Link to comment
+Cdn Howlers Posted February 17, 2012 Share Posted February 17, 2012 (edited) Same problem - not a happy camper, as planning properly really needs a combo of sat & map (=hybrid!!!) & topo, esp if you're not caching in areas with consistent satellite coverage or decent OSM. Plus not all of us have the same quality of highspeed you get in major urban areas. Another vote here for Upgrade=Downgrade Edited February 17, 2012 by Cdn Howlers Quote Link to comment
+Cdn Howlers Posted February 17, 2012 Share Posted February 17, 2012 I wasn't happy with the new maps update either. I loaded the Google map script from our Czech friends for Chrome and Firefox and it's very awesome! Yeah the maps are back! Here is the link - in case it's buried - http://userscripts.o...pts/show/125926 Could you post the full link please - can't find it from your post Thanks Quote Link to comment
+905kaa Posted February 17, 2012 Share Posted February 17, 2012 This will kill Geocaching using your site here in the United Arab Emirates - without a satellite view, it will be impossible to see the small unrecorded tracks that criss-cross the desert and allow one to place caches in locations where people might be able to rwach them. Now, without access to satellite images, people have no ability via this site to see ranges of large dunes or ways around them. I will not be renewing my premium membership and am debating at this point to suspend all of my caches in protest. When caches are withdrawn, then you don't have any reason for people to use your site. Quote Link to comment
+MartyBartfast Posted February 17, 2012 Share Posted February 17, 2012 I wasn't happy with the new maps update either. I loaded the Google map script from our Czech friends for Chrome and Firefox and it's very awesome! Yeah the maps are back! Here is the link - in case it's buried - http://userscripts.o...pts/show/125926 Could you post the full link please - can't find it from your post Thanks http://userscripts.org/scripts/show/125891 All those people threatening to withdraw their PM subscription or archive all their caches need to calm down a bit. The Google Map link is still available on each cache page allowing you to view a single cache on Google Maps, that's never been taken away and isn't likely to be; and there's already at least one script (above) which will put the Google maps & satellite view back on the 'Geocaching.com' maps page. What's the problem? Quote Link to comment
+Daniel C Posted February 17, 2012 Share Posted February 17, 2012 These new maps are AWFUL! No hybrid view, no sattelite view, and I can't see most of the streets in Portugal (with the previous maps I could see ALL of the streets, even the smallest ones in villages with 50 inhabitants). This was truly a terrible update - is this what we're paying for? Sincerely, an upset premium member user from Portugal. Quote Link to comment
+dartymoor Posted February 17, 2012 Share Posted February 17, 2012 All those people threatening to withdraw their PM subscription or archive all their caches need to calm down a bit It's a product from frustrated customers who feel very poorly treated by a company. Lack of information, lack of response to complaints - what is left once complaints are ignored than other than withdrawing your custom? It's clear mapping means a lot to many customers so it shouldn't be any surprise there is upset and bad feeling when it's taken away. Business 101 - listen to your customers and address their legitimate complaints. Pretty sure I'm not alone in thinking Groundspeak have dealt with this poorly. Quote Link to comment
+Lapo&Dillan Posted February 17, 2012 Share Posted February 17, 2012 Please. please. Return to Google Maps. The search function is awful. The quality of the maps is not sufficent. No arial maps anymore. Please put this into reverse. Quote Link to comment
+Menai Scouts Posted February 17, 2012 Share Posted February 17, 2012 The Google Map link is still available on each cache page allowing you to view a single cache on Google Maps, that's never been taken away and isn't likely to be; and there's already at least one script (above) which will put the Google maps & satellite view back on the 'Geocaching.com' maps page. What's the problem? I had also discovered this but was not going to say anything in case it was an oversight and would get withdrawn... If you want to see where any one cache is, on its page you can click on the map (Dynamic Map) and choose satellite - this still works OK. Should we be keeping this quiet? Quote Link to comment
+photolover Posted February 17, 2012 Share Posted February 17, 2012 I HATE the new maps!!! You should not have to choose between a street map and a horrible satellite map with no labels! Why change it when you were doing so well Groundspeak??? Quote Link to comment
+niraD Posted February 17, 2012 Share Posted February 17, 2012 I HATE the new maps!!! You should not have to choose between a street map and a horrible satellite map with no labels! Why change it when you were doing so well Groundspeak??? Groundspeak has explained why in the "Announcements" forum: About Google Maps Quote Link to comment
+photolover Posted February 17, 2012 Share Posted February 17, 2012 I HATE the new maps!!! You should not have to choose between a street map and a horrible satellite map with no labels! Why change it when you were doing so well Groundspeak??? Groundspeak has explained why in the "Announcements" forum: About Google Maps There should at least be an open-source map that combines satellite with street maps... Quote Link to comment
+sardogie Posted February 17, 2012 Share Posted February 17, 2012 I found the old satellite maps to be a big help finding caches. The new ones aren't. What's the point of having these horrid satellite maps if they are useless? Having a graphic of an old rug would be better than looking at the new satellite map. The old satellite maps were great. The new ones are so bad they aren't worth :mad:using. If this is all about saving money, you could save more by doing away with these useless satellite maps. Quote Link to comment
+madherb Posted February 17, 2012 Share Posted February 17, 2012 I use OSM on my outdoor GPS and sometimes even on the one in my car. Nevertheless for preparation purposes, proper topo and satellite maps are an absolute necessity. Dear Groundspeak, please think about a solution for our problem. Quote Link to comment
+madherb Posted February 17, 2012 Share Posted February 17, 2012 The Greasemonkey script suggested in this thread really works for me on Firefox, and solved the problem (for now) http://userscripts.org/scripts/show/125926 Quote Link to comment
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