What does the change in map representation when zoomed out mean/indicate?

Today I’ve been noticing that the map display is a bit different. When zoomed out far enough observations have a rectangular or square block around them rather than just the point.

Is this a new grid system or something to reduce load on the server or observer’s computer?

Is this perhaps the map tiles view?
https://forum.inaturalist.org/t/open-test-of-map-tile-improvements/7833
Perhaps this has gone live for everyone? Or are you seeing something else?

2 Likes

just went live:

https://forum.inaturalist.org/t/is-the-red-squares-on-the-observation-map-an-intentional-change/9244

3 Likes

Closing to re-direct discussion to the above linked topics.