App?

Yeah, I’ve seen several maps that you end up having to pay for, that would otherwise be free. The difference, at least with some, is that the “free” maps are paper maps, and it takes quite a bit of work to accurately digitize them and georeference them, which is a service that’s not always done by the government agency (like usfs) who published the paper map that gives them out free. So, it’s a “value added” kind of thing.

It’s either that, or some shmucks just trying to nickel and dime you by charging you for every little thing...

 

I don’t use a lot of GPS features, but the free maps.me app on iPhone works for me. Better trail data than other free map databases, easily downloadable for offline use, and sufficient functionality.

 

GAIA is best right now if u are into overlanding and offroading, it is subscription based but worth 20 bucks or 40 a year if u go with higher end subscription. online track sharing and sharing is great too, and integrates well into your tracks etc. HEMA was my fav before but looks like they stopped supporting app on IOS and it doesnt work in new IOS updates that they rolled now.