Author Topic: OS Online Mapping  (Read 3715 times)

Warbler

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OS Online Mapping
« on: 14:36:49, 07/11/19 »
Is anyone else who subscribes to OS online mapping having problems?

When I select "OS Leisure Maps" from the drop down menu, I'm prompted to either sign-in (I'm already signed in), or purchase a subscription (I already subscribe).

Or is it just me?

GnP

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Re: OS Online Mapping
« Reply #1 on: 14:53:26, 07/11/19 »
Is anyone else who subscribes to OS online mapping having problems?

When I select "OS Leisure Maps" from the drop down menu, I'm prompted to either sign-in (I'm already signed in), or purchase a subscription (I already subscribe).

Or is it just me?
I am going off it because of problems since they did a lot of work on their site....When selecting a route, I can no longer re-centre my cursor, so if I move the map too fast I can end up at John O Groats and have to find my way back to where I should be  (mentally speaking I mean)...I no longer use it when out and about now...I sort a route out and move it to my etrex. I also print the route off...but to use the OS mapping app on a walk now is becoming a chore for me.
A night under silnylon. Doesn't have the same ring to it.

Apache

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Re: OS Online Mapping
« Reply #2 on: 19:37:13, 07/11/19 »
Is anyone else who subscribes to OS online mapping having problems?

When I select "OS Leisure Maps" from the drop down menu, I'm prompted to either sign-in (I'm already signed in), or purchase a subscription (I already subscribe).

Or is it just me?


Haven't had that problem. They lost my activities and when phoned about it no apology. When the app updated it took forever to download routes and despite being downloaded if I have no signal there is no map.


I am looking for an alternative for OS - the upside is price and coverage but the downside is reliability. I want to plan routes at home on a PC and print off maps for use on the hills. I have been using the OS app on a water resistant phone but am now thinking about a Garmin 20 with the maps installed. I have taken a look at Route Buddy for planning but it is so expensive and will not update unless new maps are bought.


Is there a realistic alternative to OS maps?

pdstsp

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Re: OS Online Mapping
« Reply #3 on: 19:45:15, 07/11/19 »
I've had same issue as Apache. Pain in the [censored].  And they call it an improvement!

BuzyG

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Re: OS Online Mapping
« Reply #4 on: 19:56:07, 07/11/19 »
They do seem to have spoiled what was a really good App with the latest update.  It appears, in a daft attempt to keep up with the jones's, they have tried to add too many bells and whistles at once and spoilt the overall feel of the app.  I now find it a real pain when off grid, as the 25k maps I have loaded on my phone try to switch to a 50k map that is not there and instead just give me a blank screen unless I am zoomed right in.  I have told them  about this, but received no feedback.

Back to your problem.  It appears you can only use your downloaded maps on a device that has a sim in these days.  I can no longer view them on my home tablet, only on my phone.  Another backwards step.
« Last Edit: 20:04:04, 07/11/19 by BuzyG »

Mel

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Re: OS Online Mapping
« Reply #5 on: 19:59:49, 07/11/19 »

...I want to plan routes at home on a PC and print off maps for use on the hills. I have been using the OS app on a water resistant phone but am now thinking about a Garmin 20 with the maps installed. I have taken a look at Route Buddy for planning but it is so expensive and will not update unless new maps are bought.


Is there a realistic alternative to OS maps?


Yes.  ViewRanger - either the subscription service which gives you the same access to UK OS mapping as the OS online service but is better for planning/following routes or the non-subscription which gives you Open Street Mapping for free and you can buy map tile packages where you can download the areas you want when you need them (and you own them offline on your phone too) and still plan/follow routes as normal.

A bit faffy on the initial setup (unless that's been simplifed since I started using it) but a doddle once you've registered/synced your phone to your laptop to your VR account.



GnP

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Re: OS Online Mapping
« Reply #6 on: 20:05:17, 07/11/19 »

Haven't had that problem. They lost my activities and when phoned about it no apology. When the app updated it took forever to download routes and despite being downloaded if I have no signal there is no map.


I am looking for an alternative for OS - the upside is price and coverage but the downside is reliability.


Is there a realistic alternative to OS maps?
Viewranger use OS mapping and many love it...I never got into it as I was used to the OS mapping from the start without, what seemed to me, the commercialisation in viewranger. I would recommend at least giving it a look though, as so many are happy with it. I am tempted to have a years subscription  with it, when my OS subscription runs out...
A night under silnylon. Doesn't have the same ring to it.

BuzyG

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Re: OS Online Mapping
« Reply #7 on: 20:30:43, 07/11/19 »
Reading this thread prompted me to send OS apps customer service another email expressing my issues with the App since the update.  Let's see if I get a reply this time.


I would encourage others to write them an email too.  O0

jimbob

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Re: OS Online Mapping
« Reply #8 on: 21:05:34, 07/11/19 »
+1 for Viewranger.

Free App. Free maps. You can purchase OS if you want either by annual subscription for the whole lot or just the areas (tiles) that cover a specific area.

I csn synch to my PC, phone and my dedicated simless phone. No extra cost.

As an aside I don't understand GnP commercisation comment. No more commercial than OS itself in my experience.

I find it useful for Europe a hikes as I can choose to buy and download tiles for areas that I feel the need for.

Downloading maps is a doddle, and picking up routes that others have walked is useful, some can cost but so what. The authors of said routes also benefit not just VR.
« Last Edit: 22:20:07, 07/11/19 by jimbob »
Too little, too late, too bad......

JerryW

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Re: OS Online Mapping
« Reply #9 on: 21:47:59, 07/11/19 »
I use Anquet maps. I can't say it is best because I haven't tried all the others but it is the best so far :-)
Happy with it .. uses OS maps, amongst others
I love the outdoors, and will be out there, while I can :-)

Apache

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Re: OS Online Mapping
« Reply #10 on: 22:12:33, 07/11/19 »

Yes.  ViewRanger - either the subscription service which gives you the same access to UK OS mapping as the OS online service but is better for planning/following routes or the non-subscription which gives you Open Street Mapping for free and you can buy map tile packages where you can download the areas you want when you need them (and you own them offline on your phone too) and still plan/follow routes as normal.

A bit faffy on the initial setup (unless that's been simplifed since I started using it) but a doddle once you've registered/synced your phone to your laptop to your VR account.


Thanks Mel.


I am trying the 7 day free trial. How do I print maps? I have been unable to find the instruction.

Mel

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Re: OS Online Mapping
« Reply #11 on: 22:25:41, 07/11/19 »
Once you’ve plotted your route and saved it, re-load it then click on the “menu” button.  Print as PDF then Export.
I don't think you can just print a "blank" map (I use a screen grab / snipping tool for that).

Apache

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Re: OS Online Mapping
« Reply #12 on: 22:49:12, 07/11/19 »
Once you’ve plotted your route and saved it, re-load it then click on the “menu” button.  Print as PDF then Export.
I don't think you can just print a "blank" map (I use a screen grab / snipping tool for that).


Thanks. Works a treat.

GnP

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Re: OS Online Mapping
« Reply #13 on: 08:07:23, 08/11/19 »
Some interesting facts about Viewranger...

https://www.viewranger.com/en-GB/about-us/company-history
A night under silnylon. Doesn't have the same ring to it.

photonut

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Re: OS Online Mapping
« Reply #14 on: 09:16:57, 08/11/19 »
I'm glad this thread has appeared as I've been getting a bit fed up with OS myself. Following Mel's post I have just had a quick look at the ViewRanger software.

Instantly I noticed so many more tracks on the 'free' maps than exist on OS.  Admittedly there are a lot of ground features missing with the ViewRanger but so far... I'm sold on it.

Think I may be moving to the Premium ViewRanger and ditch the OS mapping as I'm getting fed up with only having a tiny amount of screen map visible (mainly obscured by route rubbish I do no need to know, or my alternative is to get rid of said rubbish and useo 'Follow' route.... then phone battery dies within 8Hrs)

Thanks Mel

 

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