Can I use a more detailed map for navigation?

When navigating, I often detour onto tracks that are visible on more detailed OSM maps, such as the one used for planning, but not on the navigation map. Is it possible to use a more detailed map for navigation, such as the map used whilst planning a route? I cannot find an option to use alternative maps for navigation. I am navigating with an iPhone. Many thanks.

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Currently, it’s not possible to use another map while navigating.

Many thanks for your reply. That is a great shame as the lack of detail lets down an otherwise magnificent app. Is the option for a more detailed navigation map something we can expect in the near future? Thank you for your help.

Apart from smaller tracks/roads, which other details are you missing?

On my way to work there is a huge park that I ride by and I slways wonder if we really need to see each trash can and road barrier while navigating… On the other hand - it may be useful sometimes.

Regarding roads - during navigation, there are limited number of details that an average human can distinguish. I personally am happy that the “normal roads” and those you can legally ride are clearly distinguishable from narrow dirt roads and especially those where motorcycle traffic is not allowed. However I would sppreciate it, if the legal dirt roads would be better visible (maybe also as an option in settings, as not everyone would need this).

Yes, I agree that for road riding, the Kurviger navigation map is great, one might say ideal. However, for those heading beyond the regular byways, the option to use a map showing smaller tracks, a map such as the OSM Cycling map, would be perfect; just the choice between a Regular Tour Map and an Adventure Map.

With regard to legality, I imagine this varies from country to country. I live and ride in a country where it is assumed that if a person is here and wants to get to there, and there is a path, track, trail, or road between those two places, people will travel along that route.

Currently, I switch between Kurviger and Ride With GPS; it would be nice to have it all in one product.

I do not think you actually need a different map (in terms of available information) for smaller roads and tracks. I think most of them are there, just not well visible and that has a good reason for on-road use.

If you compare screenshots below, you will notice that the narrow track/path leading to the destination is visible but not routable in planning mode. On standard navigation zoom level, they are not visible, but if you zoom in - you can see them, just not so good.
What is not logical to me - the one track that in planning mode looks wider and is better visible, - in navigation mode is grey on green, which I can barely distinguish, even in ideal light conditions (with sun glare - forget it). The one that is in planning very thin with red-brownish dots (where I would likely not ride a motorbike) is much better visible in navigation as white dotted line.

Question for @boldtrn and @Kira - is it possible to make a different choice if colors for narrow roads and legally navigable off-road tracks (e. g., brown or dotted white might be better than grey). I just realized that I may have a better example with a navigable piece of track then those in the screenshots. I may post it later if you need another example.

I think the idea would be to make a clear and visible distinction on the map between roads where you could legally go with a GS and those you would want to stay on with a S1000RR. I think all the information is already there, just the visibility needs to be optimized..

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Thank you for this info; it looks as though you may well be correct. I am currently on a road-focused journey and cannot check this on smaller trails, but sitting here with a coffee it does look as though all the trails appear on the navigation map when zoomed in enough. In this case, it would be nice to have either the option to adjust when the smaller tracks become visible when zooming in and out (Scenic has this option) or a navigation map option where the tracks remain visible for longer by default when zooming out.
As for the contrast, I have always been puzzled by the notion that a lack of contrast between roads and the background is a good idea.
I agree that two maps with clear distinctions for their intended use would be a good option.
Thank you for your input and information.

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Colors are a tricky topic.

First of all I do not know which degrees of freedom Kurviger has - things that appear technically trivial to me (like changing colors) are sometimes substantially limited by the used 3rd party components and libraries.

Secondly, it is not easy to find a color selection that fits all, for example:

  • there are users that complain that blue line used to represent the route is barely visible (some even go to the extent to call it “dangerous”), whereas for me for my eyes it is perfectly well visible…
  • also in hindsight - I proposed above to have red-brownish roads which might be perfectly well for my eyes, but not for people with diffeculties distinguishing red and green
  • if you make everything with lots of contrast then there will be people complaining thar their “eyes hurt” when they look at it. I admit the crime - for me the black information fields on Android Auto look quite disturbing - but I still hope to get used to it.

So, it is a very complex topic and I hope the team takes some time to study the individual needs and possibilities and come up with an improvement.

For that, it is important that the users to give their input about what is needed - thank you for contributing.

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