AZ BS Thread 4²0

Whatever imagery Garmin was using.. is still the best imagery (resolution and accuracy/updated) compared to what I'm seeing with Onx and Gaia. It blows me away, and pisses me off, that they just bailed on it. my setup was perfect for my needs. I think I'll just focus on using Gaia this trip.. as I have the free 7 day trial.. and I'll download the imagery and all that and give it a shot and find out.

 

Been using the OnX hunt for years and love it but just for hunting. Just started using the OnX backcountry and not a fan so far as it does not have very updated trails. Thought being familiar with the platform would make an easy transition. Will not renew after the year.
Still getting used to Gaia but it will be the go to for the hiking and off road trails but cannot comment on the imagery stuff you are looking for.

 

I echo what @MR E30 said...

I use three layers on Gaia...Topo, Satellite, and Public Land. Previously, I would only download the satellite layer with all the zoom levels depending on where I was going. That worked for a while until I forgot to do that for a CO trip. Now I just download all three layers with max detail and organize by state...that lets me turn on and off the layers on the fly, but still have what I need offline. Alternatively, you can select the area you want to download, layers, and detail level...there's no online or offline mode to switch between.

I find that the detail level and how recent it is corresponds to Google Earth, etc. You can also update saved maps...notifications show up when new info becomes available.

As for OnX, I tried it just to see, and I find it super annoying...I don't need help finding trails or to be social

 

This is the info I was looking for.. thanks. So, I can download all of the satellite imagery I want and just toggle when I go to that state/area. I'm looking at it now and see the sizes/tiles available for different imagery. You use the stock imagery in Gaia or another specific one? With High resolution selected, the one was wanting to use "satellite with labels" only has 10k tiles... while others have 100K. I'm assuming those wont have the zoom resolution I'm looking for. Looks like I'm just going to have to play with a few and see what suites my needs the best.

 

I use the Mapbox Satellite layer...0-19 zoom level...think the "with labels" one is the same zoom.

 

What device are you using for Gaia? Ipad? I have a subscription with my Outside+ and havent started using it yet but I plan to for my big trip this year. My garmin unit is outdated and crappy and needs to be replaced.

 

I see it now.. ok, but then I lose labels on roads.. and then when I layer a road map, even after adjusting sliders on both.. they almost cancel each other out. I guess I'll stick with the "with Labels" map and be stuck downloading a bunch of smaller tiles.

This is the same stuff I remember I experienced a while ago (I forgot I created accounts for both of these apps years ago) and why I never kept up with them. Just too many clunky things I have to go through for something that still isnt 100% what I'm looking for. My Garmin Drivetrack 70 with satellite was perfect. labels, high zoom, large areas I can download, etc.. Sigh... why did they have to fuck with it..

 

Experiment with the layer hierarchy, e.g. which is the base layer, etc...you can move the order around with the 3 bars on the right.

 

glad this was brought up - good info!

 

Been looking at this bike, Costco is selling them for $3500. Seems like a solid deal for carbon frame and entry level components. Any other recomendations?

https://intense951.com/collections/frontpage/products/951-series-trail

 

thats what I was doing.. road map is not satellite so if I crank that to show labels.. it drowns out imagery. if I do the opposite.. I cant see labels..

satellite with labels is the only one that works how I want it to.

EDIT: Satellite Topo works OK I suppose.. just dont need Topography.. but at least it has imagery with labels as well.

 

I’m no fan boy, but I’ll vote Gaia. I also always run my old Garmin Montana, though. It’s never let me down.

Here’s a shot of the top of my house with the Gaia map. Pretty good detail. Not from yesterday, but not too old for most Trail needs.

 

Appreciate the feedback guys. I'll play with it.. About to roll out so we shall see!

 

My suggestion is support a local bike shop. And also support a brand that doesnt dump their unsellable models at Costco.

 

Safe travels!

 

I'd second this. The best bikes I've ever owned came from hole in the wall shops and people that genuinely wanted to help me find the right fit for me - whether that was my old 80's Univega that I bought rebuilt and rode around Atlanta or something to throw over the tailgate and beat up on the trails.

 

I have used both and Gaia is more versatile. I prefer the maps details more with Gaia.

 

That would be a very nice setup! I was a Giant fanboy when I was still riding and if you don't mind aluminum they have some nice stuff. Seems like prices for bikes has gone up a ton! Pivot is a nice high end brand that used to be AZ company. They have some really nice stuff that you wouldn't be wanting to upgrade anytime soon.

 

Commencal is what I ride. I have a hard tail though. My father in law has a Meta AM, great bike.
https://www.commencalusa.com/meta-am-c102x3872635

 

Late to the discussion as usual, I use OnXhunt. They just added car play Now I can access it through my head unit and not worry about the phone.