Resolved: Google Maps Display Issue in MarinerStudio Android

We recently resolved a critical issue affecting map displays in the MarinerStudio Android app, and we wanted to share what happened and how we fixed it.

What Happened

About a month ago, several MarinerStudio users noticed that Google Maps weren’t displaying properly in the Android version of the app. Navigation charts, weather maps, and location features were showing blank screens instead of the expected map views.

A huge thank you to one of our users—a tugboat captain—who reached out through our in-app feedback system to report the issue. Their detailed feedback helped us quickly identify and resolve the problem.

The Root Cause

In late September 2025, Google updated their app signing policies for applications distributed through Google Play. When apps are signed by Google Play’s app signing service, a new SHA-1 certificate fingerprint is generated. This fingerprint must be registered with the Google Maps API to authorize map requests.

The mismatch between our original API key configuration and Google’s new signing certificate was preventing the Maps SDK from authenticating properly, resulting in blank map screens for users who downloaded the app from Google Play.

The Solution

We’ve updated our Google Maps API key configuration in the Google Cloud Console to include both certificate fingerprints:

• The original development signing certificate (for testing)
• The Google Play app signing certificate (for production users)

This ensures that map functionality works correctly regardless of how the app was signed or where it was downloaded from.

What This Means for You

If you experienced blank maps in MarinerStudio Android:

• The issue is now resolved — maps should display normally
• No action required — the fix is server-side and works immediately
• Update recommended — make sure you’re running the latest version from Google Play for the best experience

Active Development Continues

This issue highlights why we maintain an active feedback system within MarinerStudio. Real-world feedback from mariners actively using the app—whether you’re navigating a tugboat, sailing vessel, or recreational craft—helps us identify and fix issues quickly.

We’re committed to keeping MarinerStudio reliable and feature-rich for the maritime community. Whether you’re checking marine weather, planning routes, monitoring tidal currents, or browsing nautical charts, we want your experience to be seamless.

Have feedback or issues to report? Use the feedback button in the MarinerStudio app—we read every submission.

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Keywords: MarinerStudio, maritime navigation app, Android weather app, Google Maps API, marine charts, nautical navigation, sailing app, boating weather, tidal current predictions, NOAA charts

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This ensures that map functionality works correctly regardless of how the app was signed or where it was downloaded from.