The map

Satellite, topo, streets and bare-earth LiDAR, with your old map on top. Four ways to compare them: Overlay, Swipe, Split and Drive.

Along the top of the Map tab: search, the view you’re in, the old map on top, and Layers. Along the bottom: Follow, + Add pin, and Start visit when you’re inside one of your sites.

Four views

• Overlay: one layer over another, faded. Change how strong the top layer is with the Strength slider (tap the old map name at the top).
• Swipe: drag the divider left and right to wipe between two layers.
• Split: two maps, one above the other, moving together. Pan either one.
• Drive: one full-screen map that follows you and turns with your heading. Good for scouting from the truck.

Tap the view name at the top to switch. Your choice is remembered.

Choosing what each place shows

Each view has small labels such as LiDAR ▾ and Satellite ▾. Tap one to choose what shows there: Old map, LiDAR, Satellite, Topo or Streets.

LiDAR

LiDAR is a laser scan of the bare ground with the trees removed, from the US Geological Survey. Under Layers pick how it’s shaded:

• Stretched: strong contrast; the best all-round look.
• Multi: lit from several directions, so nothing hides in shadow.
• Move sun: lit from one direction you choose. Turn the sun to bring out features running the other way.
• Slope: steep ground is darker. Good for old roads, banks and foundations.

Tip Look for straight lines and right angles in the woods. Nature rarely makes them: old roads, fence lines, foundations and cellar holes do.

Public land

Federal, state, county and city land is shaded on the map. Tap a shaded area to see who manages it and what they generally allow. Always confirm the rules with the land manager before you dig. You can turn the shading off in Layers or Settings.

Search and Follow

Tap the magnifying glass to search for a town, road or landmark, or type coordinates like 39.96, -82.99. Tap Follow (the arrow, bottom right) to keep the map centered on you; move the map and it stops following.

Using it without signal

Before you go, zoom to the area, open Layers and tap Save this area for offline. The satellite or topo you’re looking at, plus LiDAR, is stored on your phone. Very large areas are refused; zoom in a little and try again. Your old maps always work offline. Manage saved areas in Settings › Offline areas.