Geomap Changes 2026

Table of Contents

Tell me if YOU want GeoMap Training

What does GDA2020 mean To GPS Locations on Devices in the Bush

GoldtrackerApp removed from Google What is the Future for the App?

Metal Detecting Talk Warnbro January 14 2026 - Report

Gidday Everyone from Bill

This is a long newsletter, sorry but there is a lot happening.

At the end of March 2026 the Department of Mines GeoMap Program is changing.

All the datum for the maps will be changing from GDA1994 to GDA 2020.

That means all the maps and the current Geomap — if you're using version 1.9.10 of GeoMap - may not recognize those maps.

I will be rebuilding the training, BUT only if there is any interest in GeoMap training.

I have removed access to all the Geomap Training on our website geomap-training-wa.com. The only training there now is for Tengraph Web.

You will NOT be able to use GeoMap version 1.9.10 with GDA 1994 maps from the 1st of April as I understand.

Whats Happening to the Old Training on Geomap Site?

You will still be able to access the old training to view it and use it if you're a member of the website for Geomap training. Just log in as usual.

This training has been on the site for many years now and only a few people have bought it in the past year.

I'll be rebuilding the whole GeoMap training related to GDA2020, which will include the new software, the new maps, how to use them, and an automatic download tenements APP to go with it.

MAYBE and that is big MAYBE because I am not sure whether there is enough interest now in using GEOMAP with other apps available in the marketplace now

Tell Me If YOU Want Geomap Training

If people are interested I will rebuild it otherwise I will not spend the time to rebuild the training.

If you are interested fill the form in below - that is a link to the form because it cannot be displayed in a newsletter.

Click on the link or the graphic which will take you to the pave with the form.

If there is enough interest I will create the new training for GeoMap and GDA2020 - Otherwise I wont.

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Yes, I Want Geomap Training FORM Link

What Does Geomap Going to GDA2020 Mean for GPS Locations in the Bush?

Question ; Geomap is going to GDA2020, I assume Tengraph will also be changed. From what I understand this will put our phone locations out by about 3m and if you do not have the ability on your GPS to change the datum to GDA2020 and leave it on WGS84 your GPS will also be out by 3m.

Response FROM AI - NOTE contact the Department of Mines if you want Further Clarification!!

"Based on recent updates from the Western Australian Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DMIRS), your understanding is largely correct, although the shift is officially closer to 1.8 meters to the north-east.

Here is a breakdown of the changes:

Tengraph and DMIRS Systems:

As of October 3, 2025, DMIRS adopted GDA2020 for all mining tenement applications and spatial systems, with a transition period continuing until mid-October 2025.

All data in Tengraph will be updated to reflect GDA2020, replacing the older GDA94 datum.

Phone and GPS Accuracy:

Because GDA2020 brings Australian maps into closer alignment with global satellite systems (WGS84), the "pre-shifted" WGS84 coordinates from your phone will now align better with the new GDA2020 data, not worse.

The 3m Issue:

The 3-meter (or 1.8m) discrepancy mentioned occurs if you try to use old GDA94 data on a new GDA2020 map, or if you fail to update your GIS/GPS software to handle the new coordinate system.

Note; from Bill - this will be an issue with Geomap if you are using version 1.9.10, Projected Coordinate Systems and GDA2020 maps which will not load - But this I have not tested.

GPS Setup on GeoMap

If your GPS is set to WGS84, it will likely be more accurate on the new GDA2020 maps, as GDA2020 is designed to align with modern WGS84.

Key Advice: If you are working with mining tenement boundaries in WA, ensure your mapping software (e.g., QGIS) or GIS services are configured to use GDA2020 to avoid a roughly 2-meter, north-east error compared to the new Tengraph data.

Using Your Android Phone

Default System:

Android Location APIs, which feed location data to Google Maps and other apps, are based on WGS84.

Accuracy: While WGS84 is the standard, actual accuracy depends on the GPS receiver chip in your phone, which may also utilize GLONASS or Galileo for better precision.

Forcing High Accuracy: To ensure your phone is providing the best possible location data, you should enable "High accuracy" mode. Go to Settings > Location > Location Services.

Enable Google Location Accuracy.

Coordinate Format: If you need to enter specific WGS84 coordinates into a mapping app (like for geocaching), you can do so in Latitude/Longitude format within apps like Google Maps.

How to Use WGS84 on iPhone:

Apple Compass App: The built-in Compass app provides coordinates (latitude/longitude) based on the WGS84 datum.

Third-Party Apps: Many GPS-specific apps (e.g., Gaia GPS, Handy GPS, My GPS Coordinates) allow you to explicitly select WGS84 as the datum, along with formats like UTM or Degrees/Minutes/Seconds.

Apple Maps: The coordinates used in Apple Maps are based on the WGS84 system. "

Note from Bill - GeoMap is not used on Phones in the field anyway but on your PC so you would set the GPS to its default in GeoMap which is WGS84 if it doesn't have GDA2020.

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Datum Setting Geomap vs 1.10.1.0

GoldTrackerApp - The Future

As I mentioned in a few newsletters last year for Gold Tracker P/L, we lost our programmer last year.

Unfortunately, he had all of the software, the data, the program on his computer, and all of that disappeared we have been unable to recover it or use it to upgrade the App.

We've been patching it together over the last 12 months to keep it going for the people that have purchased the app.

But it's reached a stage now where we just can't update the maps anymore or put any updates into the app itself on Google.

So, we have decided to remove it from sale and we are currently rebuilding the app completely.

What Does this Mean for You?

• We're going to simplify it so its easier to use.
• Add new functionality, like saving points and tracks.
• It will be cheaper to buy.
• You'll be able to use it for Android and Apple.
• You will be able to see the immediate area around you in the field for gold potential scores and of course the key information like geology, goldmines, tenements.
• Our estimated time of completion for that is around March or April this year, 2026.

People who currently have the app, you can contact us and of course we'll give you the new app free.

It will be a lot less expensive than the current app when we reissue it and have a lot more functionality that will help you find gold out there.

Unfortunately, there's not much else we can do at this stage.

We had to remove it because we just couldn't update it.

And at the end, Google would have removed it anyway because we couldn't do the updates.

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Prospecting/Metal Detecting Talk Warnbro

The Gold Prospecting talk at Warnbro Library on 14 January was filled to capacity - only 40 people could fit in the library display space, But they really enjoyed the talk and most were NEW prospectors.

What shocked me was that only two had heard of the Amalgamated Prospector's and Leaseholders Association of WA (APLA) the people that fight for your rights as a prospector.

Don't be one of them make sure you join APLA prior to this years prospecting season!

Regards

Bill,

ps Nobody gets ALL the gold. There's still plenty left for you.