onX Offroad vs. TrailsOffroad vs. GAIA

[FrankInNordale]

Hey All, just wanted to get your thoughts on these three. Do you feel like one is better than the other? Right now, I lean onX Offroad because I use onX for hunting. I do see that TrailsOffroad has an association with Jeep.

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[Jobofly]

I have been using OnX off-road for trails and it does pretty good. I just bought Gaia and trailoffroad and am learning to use them now. So far they both have their strengths and weaknesses.

 

[chorky]

I like and use OnX for hunting, driving, and the little bit of hiking I still do. I have used all of these and other options. Here's a highlight just based on my experience and that of friends/family

Gaia
Good platform. Lots of different mapping options. Also a con is almost too many options. Not all data is accurate in base maps. Good community layers you can add, again not always accurate or vetted. App can be clunky, is a little difficult to download all layers you want/need. Prices are increasing. If you want info about roads, and hiking trails, and biking trails, this is probably best as it has 'everything'. But relies heavily on community input and does not seem to be very stable IMO.

TrailsOffRoad
Good organization. I tried writing trails for them but just didn't have the time with work. Their trail data collection method is very detailed, and accurate, and every trail is vetted. So it can be counted on to be consistent nation wide and doesn't vary like other platforms. They stick purely to off road routes, or popular dirt roads (like Engineer pass). They target what many would consider a true 'trail'. Sanctioned by Jeep which is cool. Consistency, their trail recording/data requires good consistency. They have nailed down well how to accurately rate trails, provide good videos, pictures, points of obstacles, etc... A little pricy but most detailed information of all the options. Also limited data available. If you primarily are after 4x4 trails, and want step-by-step guides with photos and descriptions of routes, this is an excellent source and probably the best option specific to 4x4.

OnX
Overall best option IMO. Just released several map updates. I also help with their feedback as a trail guide. Some issues are they have too many trail guides that are in it just to be the 'ranked' member off road version of games. Several new 'trails' are not consistent with what they try to advertise as a trail and there are a lot of 'guides' that don't really adhere to things well and have created 'routes' and used local names that are not consistent with actual road names/numbers. By suggestion they recently added a super cool feature that highlights roads based on the corresponding forest MVUM so when seasonal roads are closed they show up as not 'green' which is super awesome. They are working on other features that will be super cool for overlanding and camping. They have some issues for sure and need to reel in their 'trail guides' IMO, but overall I think they have the best product. It has everything you need without the fluff, is easy to understand and basic without all the frills. Sometimes having the ability to see super detailed information like CalTopo and Gaia offers is too much, and can be confusing if you don't know the area and what you are looking at/for. This is where OnX really shines I think.

CalTopo
Another option to consider if you want a poor man's version of doing some true GIS analysis is CalTopo. It is 'basic' in terms of GAIA and OnX but that's because it's not meant to be a 'pretty' map. It is data based and you can run analysis such as sun/shade exposure, temperature, simulated view shed, estimated heat throughout the day, etc... it's pretty powerful for what it is. Also the most expensive at $100'ish a year. It is a stable platform and not likely to go anywhere. Some of their MVUM data is incorrect and I dont know where they pull their data from if it is FS servers or other sources. I haven't been able to get ahold of anyone there to dig into the details. It seems to be a relatively 'closed' platform. That is also a good thing too in some ways. They do offer MVUM and forest visitor base maps.

 

[Volt0]

Check out ozark overand adventures and trailrecon ( both u tube ), they go into some depth and examples, mainly for the sake of overlanding, and they might include Avenza.

As for me, I use a combo between an iPhone, iPad, and Jeep console. OnX integrates with CarPlay and shows most trails in southern MO fairly well. With OnX you can also download/save areas for offline mode. We then also have a mounted iPad ( cell capable, no cell service, strictly for gps location ) that runs Avenza maps with predownloaded mvums, which serve as legal representations of the national forestry trails in our area. The iPhone can then have Waze or Spotify.

 

[FrankInNordale]

I like and use OnX for hunting, driving, and the little bit of hiking I still do. I have used all of these and other options. Here's a highlight just based on my experience and that of friends/family

Gaia
Good platform. Lots of different mapping options. Also a con is almost too many options. Not all data is accurate in base maps. Good community layers you can add, again not always accurate or vetted. App can be clunky, is a little difficult to download all layers you want/need. Prices are increasing. If you want info about roads, and hiking trails, and biking trails, this is probably best as it has 'everything'. But relies heavily on community input and does not seem to be very stable IMO.

TrailsOffRoad
Good organization. I tried writing trails for them but just didn't have the time with work. Their trail data collection method is very detailed, and accurate, and every trail is vetted. So it can be counted on to be consistent nation wide and doesn't vary like other platforms. They stick purely to off road routes, or popular dirt roads (like Engineer pass). They target what many would consider a true 'trail'. Sanctioned by Jeep which is cool. Consistency, their trail recording/data requires good consistency. They have nailed down well how to accurately rate trails, provide good videos, pictures, points of obstacles, etc... A little pricy but most detailed information of all the options. Also limited data available. If you primarily are after 4x4 trails, and want step-by-step guides with photos and descriptions of routes, this is an excellent source and probably the best option specific to 4x4.

OnX
Overall best option IMO. Just released several map updates. I also help with their feedback as a trail guide. Some issues are they have too many trail guides that are in it just to be the 'ranked' member off road version of games. Several new 'trails' are not consistent with what they try to advertise as a trail and there are a lot of 'guides' that don't really adhere to things well and have created 'routes' and used local names that are not consistent with actual road names/numbers. By suggestion they recently added a super cool feature that highlights roads based on the corresponding forest MVUM so when seasonal roads are closed they show up as not 'green' which is super awesome. They are working on other features that will be super cool for overlanding and camping. They have some issues for sure and need to reel in their 'trail guides' IMO, but overall I think they have the best product. It has everything you need without the fluff, is easy to understand and basic without all the frills. Sometimes having the ability to see super detailed information like CalTopo and Gaia offers is too much, and can be confusing if you don't know the area and what you are looking at/for. This is where OnX really shines I think.

CalTopo
Another option to consider if you want a poor man's version of doing some true GIS analysis is CalTopo. It is 'basic' in terms of GAIA and OnX but that's because it's not meant to be a 'pretty' map. It is data based and you can run analysis such as sun/shade exposure, temperature, simulated view shed, estimated heat throughout the day, etc... it's pretty powerful for what it is. Also the most expensive at $100'ish a year. It is a stable platform and not likely to go anywhere. Some of their MVUM data is incorrect and I dont know where they pull their data from if it is FS servers or other sources. I haven't been able to get ahold of anyone there to dig into the details. It seems to be a relatively 'closed' platform. That is also a good thing too in some ways. They do offer MVUM and forest visitor base maps.

Thanks for spending the time on this!

 

[FrankInNordale]

Check out ozark overand adventures and trailrecon ( both u tube ), they go into some depth and examples, mainly for the sake of overlanding, and they might include Avenza.

As for me, I use a combo between an iPhone, iPad, and Jeep console. OnX integrates with CarPlay and shows most trails in southern MO fairly well. With OnX you can also download/save areas for offline mode. We then also have a mounted iPad ( cell capable, no cell service, strictly for gps location ) that runs Avenza maps with predownloaded mvums, which serve as legal representations of the national forestry trails in our area. The iPhone can then have Waze or Spotify.

Thanks for the input!

 

[DanW]

Does OnX work with Android Auto? That's one thing I love about Gaia, is that I can put it up on my Uconnect screen.

 

[chorky]

Check out ozark overand adventures and trailrecon ( both u tube ), they go into some depth and examples, mainly for the sake of overlanding, and they might include Avenza.

As for me, I use a combo between an iPhone, iPad, and Jeep console. OnX integrates with CarPlay and shows most trails in southern MO fairly well. With OnX you can also download/save areas for offline mode. We then also have a mounted iPad ( cell capable, no cell service, strictly for gps location ) that runs Avenza maps with predownloaded mvums, which serve as legal representations of the national forestry trails in our area. The iPhone can then have Waze or Spotify.

National forest. Not forestry. Lol sorry. Idk why forestry always gets in there. Its just forest. Avenza is a great option if you want just standard maps. It is a little expensive though but like you said you can get the official MVUM. You can download and use up to 3 maps for free assuming the map itself is free. And you can log waypoints and tracks but without elevation info and exporting those files into another program is not as easy. But it is a cool option and every forst has a downloadable avenza map. It is the authoritative document but its not always accurate. For example here our MVUM i think is from 2018 but we have had some land exchanges since and several road changes. So its still goood to just call or do research and see what others have found. there are always changes happening with roads.

Thanks for spending the time on this!

sure thing. I make maps for a living and its pretty fun.
Another great pre-planning resource is
https://www.fs.usda.gov/ivm/
This pulls directly from our national GIS database so as long as forests are keeping their data updated this will be accurate. Lots of updates simply dont happen though so always call for local knowledge. I use this map personally a ton because it is quick reference and shows basic information on roads as well as campsite specs like vault toilets or trash or rv dump etc…. It also shows the travel management for roads in terms of passenger car or high clearance access.

Does OnX work with Android Auto? That's one thing I love about Gaia, is that I can put it up on my Uconnect screen.

i believe so. It works with apple so I would assume it works with android. I will admit that onx on car play kinda sucks. you can only view the map and not record points or lines which is kinda lame. But they might be working on that for the future.

 

[Free2roam]

I use Gaia and ioverlander I can choose a spot or campsite on a map in Ioverlander copy coordinates into Gaia. Ready set go.

 

[D57]

Have Gaia and Trails off-road. I won’t pretend to know all the features, but they both are useful. I like the layering of MUVM on Gaia for more routes than you get with Trails. Trails is more user friendly I feel and super detailed on established routes. Maybe I should spend time digging into what I’ve paid for on these

 

[GI Grandpa]

Hey All, just wanted to get your thoughts on these three. Do you feel like one is better than the other? Right now, I lean onX Offroad because I use onX for hunting. I do see that TrailsOffroad has an association with Jeep.

My '21 Mojave came with OnX and I gave it a try, but I had already been using Trails Offroad so I didn't see an advantage to paying for a second app. Now Trails Offroad is compatible with Jeeps UConnect/Navy system which is cool. Here in Colorado I also use COTrex which is a free app from staythetrail.org

 

[DanW]

National forest. Not forestry. Lol sorry. Idk why forestry always gets in there. Its just forest. Avenza is a great option if you want just standard maps. It is a little expensive though but like you said you can get the official MVUM. You can download and use up to 3 maps for free assuming the map itself is free. And you can log waypoints and tracks but without elevation info and exporting those files into another program is not as easy. But it is a cool option and every forst has a downloadable avenza map. It is the authoritative document but its not always accurate. For example here our MVUM i think is from 2018 but we have had some land exchanges since and several road changes. So its still goood to just call or do research and see what others have found. there are always changes happening with roads.




sure thing. I make maps for a living and its pretty fun.
Another great pre-planning resource is
https://www.fs.usda.gov/ivm/
This pulls directly from our national GIS database so as long as forests are keeping their data updated this will be accurate. Lots of updates simply dont happen though so always call for local knowledge. I use this map personally a ton because it is quick reference and shows basic information on roads as well as campsite specs like vault toilets or trash or rv dump etc…. It also shows the travel management for roads in terms of passenger car or high clearance access.



i believe so. It works with apple so I would assume it works with android. I will admit that onx on car play kinda sucks. you can only view the map and not record points or lines which is kinda lame. But they might be working on that for the future.

Yep, just checked. It is!

I may be switching from Gaia for my next excursion.

 

[Volt0]

Avenza is a great option if you want just standard maps. It is a little expensive though but like you said you can get the official MVUM. You can download and use up to 3 maps for free assuming the map itself is free.

I don’t think that I ever paid anything for it, and I’ve downloaded way more than 3 MVUMs. I think some of the maps cost $$$.

it’s pretty basic, easy to use, and won’t move/relocate as you drive around, so we’re constantly needing to manually recenter the map.

the OnX experience was way better, with special color coding for seasonal trails ( or fan favorites ).

 

[willys 41]

I like and use OnX for hunting, driving, and the little bit of hiking I still do. I have used all of these and other options. Here's a highlight just based on my experience and that of friends/family

Gaia
Good platform. Lots of different mapping options. Also a con is almost too many options. Not all data is accurate in base maps. Good community layers you can add, again not always accurate or vetted. App can be clunky, is a little difficult to download all layers you want/need. Prices are increasing. If you want info about roads, and hiking trails, and biking trails, this is probably best as it has 'everything'. But relies heavily on community input and does not seem to be very stable IMO.

TrailsOffRoad
Good organization. I tried writing trails for them but just didn't have the time with work. Their trail data collection method is very detailed, and accurate, and every trail is vetted. So it can be counted on to be consistent nation wide and doesn't vary like other platforms. They stick purely to off road routes, or popular dirt roads (like Engineer pass). They target what many would consider a true 'trail'. Sanctioned by Jeep which is cool. Consistency, their trail recording/data requires good consistency. They have nailed down well how to accurately rate trails, provide good videos, pictures, points of obstacles, etc... A little pricy but most detailed information of all the options. Also limited data available. If you primarily are after 4x4 trails, and want step-by-step guides with photos and descriptions of routes, this is an excellent source and probably the best option specific to 4x4.

OnX
Overall best option IMO. Just released several map updates. I also help with their feedback as a trail guide. Some issues are they have too many trail guides that are in it just to be the 'ranked' member off road version of games. Several new 'trails' are not consistent with what they try to advertise as a trail and there are a lot of 'guides' that don't really adhere to things well and have created 'routes' and used local names that are not consistent with actual road names/numbers. By suggestion they recently added a super cool feature that highlights roads based on the corresponding forest MVUM so when seasonal roads are closed they show up as not 'green' which is super awesome. They are working on other features that will be super cool for overlanding and camping. They have some issues for sure and need to reel in their 'trail guides' IMO, but overall I think they have the best product. It has everything you need without the fluff, is easy to understand and basic without all the frills. Sometimes having the ability to see super detailed information like CalTopo and Gaia offers is too much, and can be confusing if you don't know the area and what you are looking at/for. This is where OnX really shines I think.

CalTopo
Another option to consider if you want a poor man's version of doing some true GIS analysis is CalTopo. It is 'basic' in terms of GAIA and OnX but that's because it's not meant to be a 'pretty' map. It is data based and you can run analysis such as sun/shade exposure, temperature, simulated view shed, estimated heat throughout the day, etc... it's pretty powerful for what it is. Also the most expensive at $100'ish a year. It is a stable platform and not likely to go anywhere. Some of their MVUM data is incorrect and I dont know where they pull their data from if it is FS servers or other sources. I haven't been able to get ahold of anyone there to dig into the details. It seems to be a relatively 'closed' platform. That is also a good thing too in some ways. They do offer MVUM and forest visitor base maps.

I see you know these mapping programs very well.
I have been tying without success to ether increase the size of the small blue dot location / my location on Onx maps.
I have seen on some YouTube videos for example Trail recon using Onx maps and his location is a large red dot with an arrow in it.
Do you know how my location can be changed to a larger or different icon.
Thanks

 

[chorky]

I see you know these mapping programs very well.
I have been tying without success to ether increase the size of the small blue dot location / my location on Onx maps.
I have seen on some YouTube videos for example Trail recon using Onx maps and his location is a large red dot with an arrow in it.
Do you know how my location can be changed to a larger or different icon.
Thanks

That might be an android thing he did. I dont think he uses an iPhone. But he might have had OnX hook him up as well seeing as how all those YouTubers get sponsorships and special deals. I don't think generally it is something we can change.

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