Map layers not loading on 2021 iMac Sequoia

Question

Level 1

4 points

Map layers not loading on 2021 iMac Sequoia

Recently I noticed that Apple Maps stopped loading some of the layers at various zoom levels. Some still work, especially when zoomed in close, others do not - mainly the road and name layers.

Switching to say satellite or moving to new area and I see maps loading the base layers, or it may only load the 3d buildings.

I think the problem is either lack of memory (although I've freed up space to no avail), or the cached mapping data is somehow corrupt so it can't display.

I've tried to find a method of removing the cache, but there is nothing on the internet, nor can I find anything obvious on the HD (there are some webkit cache files but without a clear reference to what they contain...).

Does anyone know how to fix this issue? Since I can't reinstall maps without doing a full MacOS install, I'd rather avoid that option. I also would rather avoid using google maps, but might not have much option.

iMac 24″, macOS 15.3

Posted on Feb 26, 2025 7:06 PM

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Answer 1

Feb 26, 2025 10:58 PM in response to Orb_fan

Orb_fan wrote:

Recently I noticed that Apple Maps stopped loading some of the layers at various zoom levels. Some still work, especially when zoomed in close, others do not - mainly the road and name layers.

Switching to say satellite or moving to new area and I see maps loading the base layers, or it may only load the 3d buildings.

I think the problem is either lack of memory (although I've freed up space to no avail), or the cached mapping data is somehow corrupt so it can't display.

I've tried to find a method of removing the cache, but there is nothing on the internet, nor can I find anything obvious on the HD (there are some webkit cache files but without a clear reference to what they contain...).

Does anyone know how to fix this issue? Since I can't reinstall maps without doing a full MacOS install, I'd rather avoid that option. I also would rather avoid using google maps, but might not have much option.

I would suspect it is more of a server/data base issue out of your control. Try a different time/day and compare your results.

To be proactive you can file a bug report / submit your Apple Feedback here: Product Feedback - Apple

and/or Report an issue with Maps on Mac - Apple Support

you can try Google maps— in general I find it more complete. https://www.google.com/maps

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Answer 2

Orb_fan Author

Level 1

4 points

Feb 27, 2025 5:06 AM in response to leroydouglas

leroydouglas - i agree it's a database issue, but I think it's the one on the mac, not on the apple side - opening maps on my phone or iPad and it works fine. My assumption is that the app uses a database to cache the various map layers, and that has got corrupted or has reached some file size limit.

The report issue in Maps to to report missing buildings, etc - i.e. an error in the mapping data, rather than a bug in the app, but I'll try anything to get some response to get this fixed.

I may have no option other than switching to google maps - but would rather not do that.

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Answer 3

etresoft

Level 9

53,012 points

Feb 27, 2025 8:53 AM in response to Orb_fan

Orb_fan wrote:

Does anyone know how to fix this issue?

The most likely cause is any one, or combination, of dozens of various "security", "privacy", "speed up", "boost up", "network filter", and/or "VPN" apps. Such apps are extremely popular and extremely problematic. This website would be a fraction of the size without these apps. The chances that you don't have any installed would be virtually zero.

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Answer 4

Orb_fan Author

Level 1

4 points

Feb 27, 2025 6:17 PM in response to etresoft

I think this is missing the point - some data seems to be loaded and/or properly cached, other is not.

I have not deliberately installed such apps, and I only use the app store, so while it's possible something has installed additional things from there, I think it's a lot less likely.

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Answer 5

Orb_fan Author

Level 1

4 points

Feb 27, 2025 6:24 PM in response to dialabrain

Just tried this - no effect. layers missing even in safe mode, so it's more fundamental. My guess is it's a missing/corrupt sqlite database, which I have found Maps uses several, although I've been unable to find anything with map tiles.

Playing around it's even impacting routes - it generates routes and the step-by-step directions are good, but nothing is showing in maps.