Maps are back!

After many nights of working hard, I was able to get the maps free again. Huge thanks to recommendations from a couple users as we'll be moving to OpenStreetMaps and I hope to get OpenRailwayMap's layer integrated in the future. Note that some functionality is missing. I need time to recode a lot of this but I wanted to get the maps free for everyone again.

As I am sure, many of you know that HeritageUnits.com got slapped with a $1,100 bill for a month’s usage of Google maps. This was the result of Google Maps changing how they charge for usage. This was huge for us as we went from paying $0 for usage, to $1,100 per month for our site. Thus, why we had to lock down the maps immediately as everyday was $36-40 increase in expenses.

Running the site does cost thousands a year to run in pure cost (Cloud hosting, Geocoding API fees, developer fees (iOS/Android), etc…). Based on some of the emails I received over the last couple of days; some folks did not understand the cost of running a site like Heritage Units.

We are not in this for profit, we are in this for the hobby and thus why I try to keep the premium amount to an absolute minimum to keep the lights on.

As a thank you to the users who upgraded their accounts when we had to lock down maps (September 2nd to September 6th 10AM EST).

I am going to add 50% more to your subscription length as a thank you for supporting the site.

• 6 month subscription will be increased to 9 months
• 12 month subscription will be increased to 18 months

For any of the users that upgraded within that window and you wish to remove the subscription and get a refund that will not be a problem. Just contact me via the contact us page.

Again, many thanks to the railfan community for all the help during this event. Not something I expected to wake up to on Sunday morning.

Thanks for supporting Heritage Units!

Brian =)
HeritageUnits.com – Founder / Developer