Alternative Maps

[ericszimmermann]

I looked to implement Issue #437.

To provide other map styles, especially a dark map.
For that I implemented a Stadiamap Endpoint.
With the free account you can download 200'000 tiles per month of various styles.
You will have to create an API-Key and insert it into the app.

I did not find a fully free provider without registration.
The Standard OpenStreetMap tile server is still supported for direct view.

Best Regards Eric

[shortwavesurfer2009]

Wouldn't this cause the label depends on non-free network services to be added if it was added to F-droid?

[ericszimmermann]

If it were on f-droid probably yes.
But it does not depend on it, the alternative maps are just an option.
Unfortunately bulk downloads are not allowed for free OSM tileserver.
Do you know of a fully free tile server?

[shortwavesurfer2009]

I am not aware of any. OSM doesnt provide dark tiles?

Edit: I wonder how the meshtastic map gets its dark tiles. It says they are provided by OSM.

https://meshmap.net/

[ericszimmermann]

No I have not found any mention of dark tiles in the official openstreetmap tile server and in terms of service prohibits bulk downloads.

[ericszimmermann]

meshmap.net just inverts the color with

  body.dark {
    filter: invert(1) hue-rotate(180deg) brightness(1.33);
  }

Implemented similar function here: Invert tile png.

[shortwavesurfer2009]

I wanted to test this so i built an apk from source for the very first time using your branch.

[shortwavesurfer2009]

Would it be possible to make the map switch between OSM and OSM dark depending on your system theme by default?

Edit: i know the OSM ones are foss, what about those others?

[ericszimmermann]

I would have to have a look at the theme switching code: then I could maybe do the switches if you are at the OSM maps.

The others are Stadiamaps. I looked at some map tiles provider and liked them best.
You can get a free subscription there, which allows you to download up to 200'000 tiles.
Of corse its a dependancy, but everyone is free to decide to use it or not.
For a lot of provider you would have to register as the app provider and pay for all the users, whereas here the user has to register themselves and get the API to enter into the app. So no these others are not FOSS.

But I also wanted to keep the offline cache mode. Which is a function I really like.
Just upon my research for the dark map style I found that bulk downloads are prohibited in the service agreements of OSM. So I deaktivated this function for the OSM maps. Not that they deactivate the whole access for our app.

Best regards Eric

[shortwavesurfer2009]

Just built this to test it out, and it works great. The map was automatically in dark mode, because the app was automatically in dark mode, because the system is in dark mode, and I was never blinded by a white map. Beautiful.