Data Caching

[Alexrey]

My internet connection is extremely slow, so I was wondering if there is a way to cache more data in order to not have to wait for the images to load each time I open Plan-G, since I usually fly in roughly the same area.

[tim arnot]

No it's not permitted within Google's terms of service.

V3 will be a different matter though, since it does not use google.

[Simon Marshall]

I'd welcome some form of local cache as well.

[Alexrey]

Wow, version 3 sounds like it's going to be amazing! What will it use instead of Google Maps/Earth?

[tim arnot]

V3 uses OpenStreetmaps. The main driving force behind the change is the fact that Google will start charging for maps access in January, which is something that (a) I can't afford and (b) couldn't charge enough even to cover the licence if I made Plan-G payware.

OSM is the obvious replacement. Not such a nice map in some ways, and there's no terrain shading. But it's free, and standards compliant so it'll never go away. Plus they positively encourage local caching (since it reduces the load on their servers). V3 will also support WMS (Web Map Service), so you can also use any public tile server, or your own private server if you have one.

[Alexrey]

I'll definitely be downloading V3 when it comes out after hearing this news. Thank you so much for your continued effort to bring us such an amazing flight planner!

[Simon Marshall]

It'll work with X-Plane 10 as well.