Locus Map 4 is so different from Locus Map 3 Classic that there is no need to deal with their differences too much. These are clear – the “4” has a much more ergonomic user interface, it can synchronize data with the cloud, communicate with a web-based route planner, it has its own offline router… Yes, but some of these benefits can only be found in the highest Premium Gold subscription.

But still, we have Premium Silver here. “It’s the same as the Classic version so what’s all that hassle about?” many say. So how can you decide what to do? Should you go for a prepaid Silver, or stay with the well-proven Classic (ex-Pro)?

The FAQ section of our website offers a brief answer. However, many probably overlook it or do not find enough detailed information in it, as we are still getting questions about version differences. That is why we’re bringing you a more detailed summary here in the blog, which will be pointed out by notifications directly in the application:

Main screen and menu

Locus Map 3 Classic

It is based on years of organic development of the application according to current trends, but mainly according to the wishes of users concentrated mainly in the community on the Locus forum. Admittedly, it’s not very intuitive or ergonomic, features and buttons were added gradually, and with the growing amount of what Locus can do, the UI ​​became increasingly confusing. Unfortunately, this discouraged new users in particular. Nevertheless, this version of the interface has its rock fans, which is why we keep it in Locus Map Classic.

Locus Map 4

We’ve been looking at its UI ​​more in terms of clarity and ergonomics:

• all important controls are at the bottom of the screen for easy thumb control. Only the information bar remains at the top (hidden by default)
• all buttons and panels can be hidden individually

• there’s an option to flip everything sideways for left-handers
• and also the dark mode saves the battery
• the 8 core features are in the first level of the main menu, and the number of buttons can be expanded almost twice. All buttons are customizable.
• all functions of the application are then clearly sorted by categories and can be searched for in full text
• we’ve retained the popular fully configurable sidebars
• we have added a special floating menu for external Bluetooth controllers

Panel with the route or point details

Locus Map 3 Classic

In the original version, you can access the details of the route/point via an intermediate step – a popup box on the map. This popup contains basic information and has its own action menu, configurable in the application settings. The details then expand to a full screen with several tabs. For many, the solution is complicated, but “hardcore” users praise it.

Locus Map 4

The new solution is much more compact. In the case of a route, a panel with basic information, an elevation profile with a trackpoint position, and a toolbar open on the first click.

Each category of information has its own maximize button, which expands it to full screen:

Further sliding the panel up shows more information – types of paths and surfaces, waypoints, classification into folders…

The button at the bottom left opens a separate panel with information about the selected trackpoint:

Similarly, for the point details, we chose a compact solution with a sliding panel. In the case of geocaches, on the first click, in addition to basic information, the number of trackables and waypoints also appears, which you can maximize into further detail. And also a toolbar with buttons, three of which you can reset to suit your needs – put a login button, hint, etc.:

By further extending the panel, the app displays the attributes of the cache, the beginning of the listing, and other parameters. A menu with specific geocaching tools is also at hand.

Online maps, points of interest, and router

Locus Map 3 Classic

The application relies solely on third-party resources for online maps, points of interest, and routers.

• one of the publicly available OSM resources is displayed as the default map when the application is started for the first time
• dynamic online points of interest are not on the maps
• only GraphHopper is used as an online routing service

Locus Map 4

We have equipped the new generation of the application with a complete package of our own free online content, which is also available in the basic non-prepaid version of Locus Map 4:

• LoMap Online – a tuned optimized map of the world in a hike/bike theme with marked hiking and biking trails. A winter version with ski pistes and trails is available too. Maps are updated every 24 hours. Of course, other online maps remain available.
• LoPoints online – places, areas and objects on the map with Wikipedia descriptions and photos, added user photos and much other information like opening hours of restaurants and shops, links or contact info. LoPoints are fully searchable.

• LoRouter online – a powerful router for fast route generation when planning or navigating to a destination. It contains the same routing profiles as our web-based route planner, from where you can export routes for use in Locus. However, you can also use the aforementioned third-party routers if you like them.
• Global satellite map – available in Premium Gold tier, rendered from Maxar and HereMaps aerial and satellite photo data

The integration of our online content services has been quite a challenge for us, but in addition to the benefits they already bring, they give us a wide range of opportunities to further supplement and improve the content in the future. And be sure – we have big plans. We believe you have something to look forward to!

Other differences in details

• directly in the route planner in Locus Map 4, you can open the content panel and easily change the background map, display or hide points of interest, active items, etc.
• Locus Map 4 supports also OneDrive for backup or direct import/export of routes and points
• support for WMTS resources – the long-awaited modification allows you to use a lot of other high-quality map data
• new sensor manager – we have merged Bluetooth and ANT managers into one center, which manages connected accessories – sensors, external GPS antennas, etc. Support for power meters and Specialized e-bikes is included.
• plus hundreds of other minor changes, such as search in settings

What else do we plan to do?

Although we continue to maintain and update Locus Map 3 Classic to make it fully usable on new Androids, Locus Map 4 is the foundation of our future plans. With this in mind, all its parts have been developed – whether we mean UI, content services integration, or a more sustainable financing model. If you decide to activate one of our Premium tiers in Locus Map 4 instead of purchasing the Classic version, not only will you receive more new features in the future, but you will also allow us to implement new features and integrations into other services faster.

We leave it up to you to decide whether to install Locus Map 4 Premium Silver or stay with the good old Locus Map 3 Classic. We provide the care that belongs to both products. And if you’ve already purchased the Classic or former Pro version and want to switch to Locus Map 4 sometime, you’ll get a discount that offsets the original purchase. So you don’t have to worry more about the first choice.