We believe that historical markers are just the beginning – our goal is to help you connect with the places you explore in a deeper and more meaningful way. With this release, we are excited to announce the integration of ExploreHere | Audio Guide into the ExploreHere | Markers app, taking your adventures to the next level.
ExploreHere Stories is currently in beta and will remain a free feature as we gather your feedback and make further improvements. We hope you enjoy this new way of exploring the world around you!
Continued speed and performance improvements from 3.1.0 - We did a lot of refactoring to make the app feel snappier, more responsive and efficient.
The app checks your location a LOT less often than it previously was - this improves the speed and battery life a lot.
Your location has always been saved locally to the app, your lat/long position is not sent to the server; you can see the points saved locally to the app by going to Settings > Location Points > View points. Each point used to check for nearby markers is represented on the map by a center arrow, and a blue 1 mile ring. The red ring represents the accuracy of the location point.
Fixed a crash with a race condition between the local database and the pressable component.
Thanks to some awesome launch feedback by Julie - I was able to find and improve the apps performance across the board!
Split the data providers out on the map page, so updating the selected marker doesn't cause a re-render of all map markers.
Added tab freezing for pages not in the foreground.
Clicking on the Explore tab resets the bottom sheets back to the initial configuration.
Improved app open performance
Reduced the chance of crashing due to realm race conditions.
We're excited to finally share a big update for ExploreHere Markers—Version 3.0. It’s been a while since our last major revamp a few years back and with a complete app rewrite, there’s a lot of new stuff to show!
This is a full app rewrite - we simplified the codebase, made it easier to work on, and enhanced several features; offline mode, adventure maps, driving mode, notifications and a simplified login. Jase and I are dedicated to enhancing your adventure experiences through ExploreHere. This revamped app serves as a foundation for future expansions.
You can read our full announcement post, here
Map Filters - Added filters to the map page, so you can find just the kind of marker you are looking for on the map.
To open the filter sheet, click on the bar, or the result count at the top of the map page. This works in both Online & Offline modes.
Opening Marker Speed - Whenever you open a marker page, any data we had on the marker from where you selected it now gets passed into the new page, making it faster to load and read the full marker details.
Maintenance on map page, prevented unnecessary re-rendering on child components.
Thanks for all who messaged in letting me know about the crashing and bugs in this latest version.
Fixed a bug which caused the app to crash, in an infinite loop, upon opening. 🙃
Fixed a bug where the app failed to open if you were offline / didn’t have signal.
Small style adjustments in the submission page.
App handles switching between online & offline better.
Online Reset Password - You can now reset your password via the website. This simplifies the password reset flow and gives Android users a way to reset their password.
Automated Android Updates - Android users will now receive updates faster, and be on the same features as their iOS counterparts.
Webchat - You can now chat in via the website if there is ever an issue with the mobile apps.
Analytics - I anonymous analytics to help me see when users' are on the application, and how the marketing efforts are going.
Update reset password emails to redirect to website
Added CI/CD to build process for faster deployment of features into production.
When I first set out to build ExploreHere, almost two years ago, I built it to learn more about the places I was traveling to with little expectation that anyone else would care the same way I did. Since then, ExploreHere has been downloaded, on the App Store, thousands of times and hundreds of people have left me comments, suggestions and ways to improve the app. Up till now, ExploreHere was built for a single simple use, it wasn't built to grow, scale, and rapidly improve. But, over the past year, I've completely re-written ExploreHere from the ground up to provide a completely new and enhanced experience.
Android Version, Online Mode, Login & Online Backup, Change Read Aloud Voices, Submit Markers, Native Lands, HMdb Refresh, Speed & Reliability Improvements
We've spent the past month reorganizing code and making the app feel snappier, especially when traveling.
New Data Feeds - 137k Markers - Hot Springs, Lighthouses, Volcano Categories, Improved War Memorials.
Feed Page & Global Category Filtering - You can now filter out marker categories from your search results, don't want to get notified or see 'Animal' Historical Markers? No problem! Just go into the Historical Marker feed and disable that category!
Speed Improvements - Pages, queries, searches, everything should feel a little snappier - we still have some improvements to make here, but let us know if something feels particularly slow.
Refreshed database with newest markers
Receive Notifications when in app - If you had the app open and passed a marker, you wouldn't receive a push notification - now you will!
Added 'Report a Problem' and in-app feedback - Now it's easier to get in touch and let us know what we can do to improve the app!
This is the biggest release since we launched ExploreHere and includes a lot of new features, improvements and bug fixes! We've got more in the works, but let us know what you'd like to see!
Daily Featured Marker Board
Marker Boundaries - If a marker refers to a region, rather than a point, you'll see the marker boundary whenever you select that marker.
Auto Refresh Data - The app now automatically pulls in updates from the cloud so you no long have to wait for an app update to get the latest markers! Since this puts extra work on the server, this is limited to Pro users only.
New Data Feeds - 130.5k Markers - We've expanded behind just Historical Markers and are adding new data types like; historical bridges, mills, National Park sites, and many more to come! In this version theres; Historical Markers, Ware Memorials, NPS Sites, and Volcanos. If you think of a new source you'd love to see in the app - send us an email and we'll see if we can get it in ExploreHere!
Tab Based Navigation
Cluster Markers - Up to 1k markers on the map now
Performance improvements when; on map when selected a markers and browsing the catalog
Map Marker Redesign
Live code pushes (no update required for minor changes)
Map List View - You can now see a list of all the markers currently being displayed on the map
In App Browser - External links now open in an in-app browser
Refreshed Database - 128.8k Markers
Improved performance of Marker Lists
Added logo to Main Drawer
Tweaked onboarding colors, from dark grey to white
We now ask for a review if you've viewed more than 5 markers or saved more than 3
Copy & Image Tweaks
Say hello to ExploreHere! After 4 months of work, we've officially launched version 1.0 to the app to the iOS App Store - thank you to everyone who helped us, validate the idea, test the app, we couldn't have done it without you!
ExploreHere - Historical Guide
Rebranding - Renamed app from Markers to ExploreHere and updated icon, splash screen and branding.
Improved Search 🔎 - Will return more results for your search phrase!
Refreshed Database - 128.6k Markers - We'll refresh this with each app update & are working to bring new markers to you between updates.
Added Privacy & Tutorial Info
This is the last update before our 1.0.0 LAUNCH 🚀
If you've been testing the app, this will hide most of the features you've been using behind a paywall.
Upgrade to Pro - We've limited down all the features into a free & premium offering. You can now upgrade to the pro version and unlock all the features in the app.
Copy Updates
Catalog View of Markers - You can now go though a full catalog of all the markers, select a country, state and city to get all the markers in that city in a list!
Speed ⚡️ - We've reworked the apps backend one last time... the app is once again, lightning fast! This will reset your saved, visited and viewed markers. (We shouldn't need to do this again)
Filter by 'Passed Markers' - You can now filter the main map page by marker you've passed - these pins will show up as a dark grey color on the map.
Improved Speed - Turned out, having enhanced rows really slowed the app down - we've started to improve this by simplifying the row, adding a paginated list, and improving queries. This will be an ongoing process.
Fixed grammar in push notifications
Groups notifications - If you're passing by more than one marker, we'll only send you one notification.
Added confirmation before deleting any user data
Restructured user database
Enhanced Marker Row - You can now swipe left on a marker row to reveal a ❤️to save, they also show if you've driven passed, viewed or saved them via their icon and side color
View & Manage Data - We've added a data section, under settings, so you can see & delete the data being stored on your device.
Improved Background Coverage - We've improved the accuracy and coverage of background tracking. We're still tweaking & improving the accuracy so we ensure you never miss a marker.
Fixed an issue of infinite loading nearby markers, if no nearby markers are available.
We now prevent the device from sleeping when a marker is being read out loud.
Map now show markers you've driven past in dark gray
Background Tracking - Never miss a marker - The app can now keep track of markers you pass, even when the app is in the background! We use the devices motion to conserve battery and only use your GPS when needed. 'Always Available' location services must be enabled to use background tracking and we suggest enabling 'Motion' services to ensure all day battery life. Since the app is offline first, your GPS and motion data never leave your device 🔒All configurable in the settings page.
Alerts & Push Notifications 🔔 - Added ability to receive push notifications whenever you pass a marker that hasn't previously been viewed, or been notified about. These can be toggled on/off in the settings page. These require push notification permissions to be enabled on your device. Similar to background tracking - these notifications come from the app, so your location data never leaves your device.
Simplified Main Menu - Changed saved to history and moved settings down to the lower left corner.
Toggle between Saved, Viewed and Passed markers
This is by far the largest update to the app yet! We've been hard at work fixing bugs, laying foundational groundwork for future features, and improving the speed and reliability of the application. This is a major step towards our official v1.0 release!
View & Save Markers - Whenever you click on 'Read More' the marker is automatically marked as 'viewed'. These show up as green pins on the map and allow you to keep track of markers you've already read. You can also save markers by clicking on the ❤️in the full marker page. These will show up as red pins on the map. NOTE: While in beta, the data might be lost between app updates. Once we finish profiles, we plan on syncing your saved data on a server, so it can be restored - but till then, all data is saved on your device and might be lost between updates.
Expanded Filters - We've included a full-filter row, so you can easily filter by any category while filtering by viewed or saved markers.
View Missing, Removed, Damaged and Unreadable markers - The physical marker might not be there, but its history lives on 🖖 These will appear as yellow pins on the map - they are hidden by default, so be sure to turn them via the settings page!
Database Refresh ♻️ - We've refreshed the database to sync up with the Historical Marker Database. Big shout out to their editors for making some huge changes in the past month
Improved speed and smoothness 🔥
Fixed Accented Characters - Accented characters were naively being replaced with a single quote ' character. This has been resolved
Improved Copy & Formatting
Ability to Filter Markers by Category - Click on a category icon, and see only markers with that category!
Search Update 🔎 - Search is more 'fuzzy' and forgiving and is now case insensitive.
Proper Onboarding & Permissions ✨ - Added a full onboarding flow and hold off permission requests until onboarding for improved UX
Fixed marker preview copy - no more wordsblendedtogether or random spa c i ng
Fixed missing 'Man Made' icon
App no longer freezes if location permissions are denied
Added infrastructure for future permissions and log in (Next version!)
Full Markers List 📍 - 100% of the markers in HMDB (Historical Marker Database) are now in the app! In the future, we will be continuing to improve the updating experience and reducing the overall app download size.
Settings ⚙ - Added an initial settings page with options to change the default map between standard and hybrid views.
Title & Subtitle - Added the title and subtitle to the full marker view
Improved Search 🔎 - Search now works a lot smoother, and with improved accuracy - we will be continuing to improve search with addresses, categories, etc.
Meta Info - Added a version marker in the app to show what version of the app is installed - in the lower left corner of the new navigation menu
Loading Improvements - The app now shows when the app is loading new markers in and when its complete.
Misc - Fixed close 'x' button when viewing full image
