Since the start of August 2016, Niantic has actively been shutting down several third-party tracking sites for "Pokemon Go." Players have constantly been looking for good alternatives, claiming that the in-game tracker is not reliable enough. FastPokeMap is another alternative to the now-defunct PokeVision, which promises to provide a more efficient way of catching Pokemon.
FastPokeMap works similarly to PokeVision and showcases a map and scanner for users to locate Pokemon. However, FastPokeMap scans a small radius in "Pokemon Go" which some players may deem as almost having the same effect if they were casually walking in a given area. However, FastPokeMap can also indicate how long a spotted Pokemon will remain at a given spot.
The Bitbag reported that users can get more information about FastPokeMap, as well as check the latest update and progress on its official Twitter account. Some "Pokemon Go" players, however, shared that the platform is not very stable. FastPokeMap for "Pokemon Go" was launched on Aug. 7, 2016, having been built on OpenStreetMap and its reverse geocoding API. FastPokeMap is also founded on geocoding API from ArcGIS.
WhereAreThePokemon? Stated that it is still uncertain whether Niantic will also deem FastPokeMap as having violated its terms of service, thereby warranting a quick shutdown like previous third-party trackers that tap on its "Pokemon Go" servers. The FastPokeMap developer mentioned that he is currently working on a bypass that will keep the app available to "Pokemon Go" players.
In the meantime, Niantic is also busy providing updates for its "Pokemon Go" Android and iOS versions. The game creator hopes to improve the existing tracking tool in "Pokemon Go" and introduced a new feature, called Sightings, which will indicate creatures within a distance of 200 meters. Sightings will not show how long a Pokemon will be available in the area, but will automatically refresh the list to take out Pokemon that already disappeared.
A new version of the Nearby feature is also being tested by Niantic. If the game creator successfully improves the in-game trackers of "Pokemon Go," fewer players will need to rely on third-party tools like FastPokeMap and PokeVision. The new Nearby tracker is expected to launch before the end of August 2016. More updates and details on "Pokemon Go" are expected soon.