TRBE: Change map styles and map markers

Change map styles and markers to improve visibility, or control the amount of information shown on the map.

Map styles

Map styles determine how the app renders the map. The following map styles are available:

Default map

App uses the default map provided by Google. If you use Google Maps frequently, this map style offers the most familiarity and may be the best choice for ease of navigation. Map comes with plenty of details that you can use to estimate your exact location.

Basic grey

Custom map that uses a bluish-grey color theme. This map style provides the best visibility as it increases the contrast between the map and the markers. However, it provides less details than the default map style. Use this if you find that the info density of the default map is too distracting, or if you just want to see the markers more easily.

Satellite view only

Loads the Google Maps satellite imagery as a map layer, without labels. This style gives a real-world top-down view of the map. Note that this style consumes more data and eats up more storage space than the previous two. Also note that map imagery may not be up-to-date. 

Satellite + labels

Similar to Satellite view, but loads the map with additional info. Also consumes more data and eats up more storage space. Some markers may be harder to find in this view, but makes it easier to scout for street names, buildings and landmarks closest to the nearest exit during planning. 

Map markers

Map markers indicate the reported location of the bike exits. The following map markers are available:

Default markers

Uses the standard 'pin icon' markers used by Google Maps. This type provides the best visibility. This is also the marker that is selected by default.

Circles

Exits are marked by black circles drawn on the map. A bit harder to see, but select this type for better accuracy.

Numbered popups

Shows popups with numbers. These numbers are not based on any official designation, but are determined by how the app sorts the exits (currently sorted by latitude). They are very likely to change in future updates, as exits are added/removed.  

They are useful in conveying exit information to another person who also has the app installed. Possible scenarios:

• Let's meet at exit # [x]
• I'm near exit # [x]
• Start point at exit # [x]

Note that the app recalculates the numbering every time the map is loaded. On low-powered devices, this may cause a delay in loading the map, especially when returning from the Settings or More information pages.