Introduction to Map Layers

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What Is a Map Layer?

A Map Layer is simply an overlay on the map that shows land ownership boundaries, game management units, or hundreds of other options. Layers can be toggled on or off, and they can be used in tandem to view multiple layers of interest at the same time.

Map Layers

The Map Layers button contains all available layers in one one convenient place. Click or tap on the Map Layers button, then select a Layer Collection (an individual state or Current Conditions, for example) to find your layer of interest. Turn that layer on, and you’ll see it added to your map.

Layers vs. Basemaps

While Layers function as overlays on the map, onX Hunt offers three Basemap options (Satellite, Topographic, and Hybrid) that determine what the actual map looks like. These Basemap options are detailed below.

Satellite

The Satellite Basemap shows detailed satellite imagery and is useful for viewing major natural features as well as extensive road and trail networks.

Topographic

The Topo Basemap shows a two-dimensional representation of the earth’s three-dimensional surface and allows hunters to understand things that satellite imagery cannot address, such as how steep a terrain feature is or the elevation change between two points.

Hybrid

The Hybrid Basemap blends the Satellite and Topographic Basemaps by adding contour lines to satellite imagery. This reveals the true nature of a landscape and provides a hunter with the most comprehensive view of the land.

Layer Types

State-Specific

This is where you’ll find property boundaries, landowner names, and state-specific hunting information. When planning a hunt or using your Offline Maps in the field, the layers in this category will make your hunt more productive, more efficient, and more likely to end in success.

Current Conditions

Here, you’ll find a number of layers that provide up-to-date information about conditions on the ground. View current wildfires and smoke forecasts, check air quality or a precipitation radar, and even see if CWD is spreading through an area. 

Land & Access

The collection of layers provides a few unique looks at the landscape. To better understand the lay of the land, check out the Slope Angle Layer. Additionally, view Fish and Wildlife Service lands or RMEF conservation projects.

Roads, Trails, & Rec

The Trails & Rec Layer Category is where you’ll find things like recreation sites and other points of interest as well as trails, trail mileages, and trail slopes. For that Georgia whitetail hunter on public land, this allows you to identify everything from good places to camp to fishing access sites to keep you busy during that midday lull.

Trees, Crops & Cover

Don’t miss this extremely powerful layer collection. For some historical perspective, check out past timber cuts and burn areas. View the Crop Distribution Layer to see what’s been planted on agricultural land. Finally, use the Tree Species Layers to pinpoint acorn-producing oaks or young aspen forests.

Wildlife Layers

This is the spot to zero in on your species of interest. From the Southern Rut Heat Map Layer to several layers including data from Boone and Crockett, you’re sure to learn something new about your target animal.

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How To Turn On a Layer

1
Tap or click your “Map Layers” button.
2
Select your state or one of the Layer Collections to view available Map Layers.
3
Toggle on your layer of interest.
4
Note: To learn more about a particular Map Layer or explore any additional options for that layer, tap or click “Details” for a further explanation.

Learn about the app’s basemaps feature or see all of our map tutorials.

onX Hunt Layer FAQ

My onX Hunt Layers are not working. What should I do?

Double check that your layers of interest are, in fact, turned on. You’ll know that they’re turned on when the toggle next to the layer name is green.

How do I see hunting zones or change the species on display?

Please update the “Layer Settings” button to “Details” instead

How do I change states or add another state’s Layers?

An onX Hunt Premium Membership provides access to all the Layers you need to hunt within a single state. To access state-specific Layers for another state, upgrade your Membership to the Elite Category. Elite Memberships are available for an annual fee or a monthly subscription.If you have an Elite Membership and are unable to view Map Layers in a particular state, ensure that your state and layers of interest are turned on. You’ll know they’re on when the toggle next to the state name or layer is green.

Which Layers are free? Which Layers do I need to pay for?

Many Layers are available without an onX Hunt Membership. These include hunting units for all 50 states, partner layers from RMEF and NWTF, USFWS hunt areas, and the Motor Vehicle Roads & Trails (MVUM) Layer. Additionally, all map Markups (Waypoints, Lines, Shapes, and Tracks), the Tracker, all three Basemaps, and Wind & Weather can be accessed without a Membership. All other Layers, Offline Maps, Photo Waypoints, and other features require a Membership.

How accurate is onX Hunt?

onX Hunt is the most accurate GPS hunting app on the market. We source our data from county offices, federal agencies, and a number of private organizations. The Hunt App is trusted by game wardens and outfitters around the country, so you can trust that the information you see is correct.

How do I update my Hunt App?

To update your Hunt App, head to the App Store on Apple devices or the Google Play Store for Android phones. Find the App in the store and click the update button. You can also set your phone to automatically update when new product versions become available. Learn more here.

How do I see property lines within onX Hunt?

To view property lines, ensure that the Private Land Layer within your State Layer Category is turned on. If you are still unable to view property lines, ensure that you have an active Hunt App Membership.