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Main Boards => Gear => Topic started by: Literary Gal on 09:04:11, 04/08/19

Title: Which Smart phone mapping is best?
Post by: Literary Gal on 09:04:11, 04/08/19
I like to read paper maps when out walking, occasionally there is a time while on a walk when I've misplaced where I am on a map or I've gone wrong. I would like to be able to look on my smartphone to see where I actually am and then get back on track with my paper map. Which app do you recommend please?
Title: Re: Which Smart phone mapping is best?
Post by: sussamb on 09:14:10, 04/08/19
ViewRanger. You can buy maps for it but it also comes with free mapping and will do what you want.
Title: Re: Which Smart phone mapping is best?
Post by: fernman on 11:00:02, 04/08/19
ViewRanger is always voted the tops in similar threads on here, but it is not available on my prehistoric Windows Phone.

Reading your post carefully, perhaps all you want is an app that will show your current grid reference?

Virtually the only app with OS mapping I can get on my phone is one called GeoGPS, this displays your grid ref and additionally your position on a map, but, and it's a big but, it needs wifi to work!

This leaves me with a far better app for giving my position, which is GPS to Grid Ref. I have no idea if it is available for Android and iPhone. It works from the phone's built-in gps and it will work anywhere, even when there is no signal. When you do have a signal it will additionally show your position on an OS map, but I have found that's not a lot of use because when you pinch out the map to see it better, it moves off centre.
Title: Re: Which Smart phone mapping is best?
Post by: ninthace on 11:06:42, 04/08/19
Alternatively OS have their own mapping app which requires an annual subscription but its default display is the same as the paper map you are using
Title: Re: Which Smart phone mapping is best?
Post by: Literary Gal on 11:47:44, 04/08/19
I'm looking for a mapping app which pinpoints my location on an oline OS map on my phone so I can then refer back to a paper OS map. I like paper maps, I'm not technical at all so prefer to have the phone app as a backup.

Title: Re: Which Smart phone mapping is best?
Post by: Rob Goes Walking on 12:03:05, 04/08/19
Both ViewRanger and the OS app recommended will do this, as fernman's suggestion will give you a grid reference just without the map on the phone screen it's also probably good enough for your needs?
Title: Re: Which Smart phone mapping is best?
Post by: Literary Gal on 12:43:48, 04/08/19
As I now have View Ranger without any subscriptions to maps on my phone. Are you saying that subscriping the £25 a year would work as my backup? Is there any disadvantages to View Ranger over OS?
Title: Re: Which Smart phone mapping is best?
Post by: Rob Goes Walking on 12:46:31, 04/08/19
Yes it would if you want all the maps or you can purchase the maps for the areas you walk in not sure of the price difference.

Most people prefer ViewRanger to the OS app. The only disadvantage I can think of is when I've bought maps they have a scratch off code so you can use them with the OS app for free.
Title: Re: Which Smart phone mapping is best?
Post by: Literary Gal on 12:50:17, 04/08/19
Thanks Rob, I will look into buying an area for starters, didn't realise that was possible. I really do need to get more technical too.
Title: Re: Which Smart phone mapping is best?
Post by: Literary Gal on 13:06:15, 04/08/19
I don't see where I can get OS maps for free on View Ranger? With the free app, it states I need to upgrade to Premium..... Then there is Premium + Maps..... Which will work. Premium is £4.99 a year. Premium + is £4.99 a month?
Title: Re: Which Smart phone mapping is best?
Post by: Rob Goes Walking on 13:10:38, 04/08/19
It's the OS app that allows you to use the scratch codes to get the maps for free. I don't know how much ViewRanger is monthly I've got a yearly subscription to both ViewRanger and OS mapping and if I recall they're both £25 a year. In the future I will only keep the ViewRanger subscription, I got the OS one for their 3D view but ViewRanger does something similar now too.
Title: Re: Which Smart phone mapping is best?
Post by: archaeoroutes on 13:13:07, 04/08/19
I actually use both, but for different purposes
Viewranger for my phone and publishing routes. I download a tile at a time mostly, so I just get what I need. I used a free trial of the premium subscription to get VGN maps in France a few week ago and that was great.
OS for printing maps. Viewranger scales them, which I don't want.
Title: Re: Which Smart phone mapping is best?
Post by: Rob Goes Walking on 13:14:26, 04/08/19
Oh yes I've printed with OS maps too now. Maybe I will keep it after all!
Title: Re: Which Smart phone mapping is best?
Post by: motorlaunch on 14:01:23, 04/08/19
If you have an android phone I would go for Back Country Navigator. The app costs £8 and any map sections you download are free. It provides os maps for the uk down to 1:25000 scale. There is  free version which you can use for 2 weeks to see if you like it before having to payout any money. Worth a try if you have an android phone.
Title: Re: Which Smart phone mapping is best?
Post by: gunwharfman on 15:52:35, 04/08/19
I too use Backcountry on my Android phone, never let me down yet, OS maps as well.
Title: Re: Which Smart phone mapping is best?
Post by: gunwharfman on 16:02:54, 04/08/19
When hiking in France I've used SityTrail for a number of years but no longer, they have changed their app and at the moment I can't make head nor tail of it. I can't seem to find an alternative either.

To follow pre-hike trails I use Wikiloc, very useful where ever I am at the time.
Title: Re: Which Smart phone mapping is best?
Post by: tom83 on 16:21:55, 04/08/19
I use the Ordinance Survey app. Its £25 for the year, but its absolutely bang on. Great value for money. It also doesn't hammer your phone battery.
Title: Re: Which Smart phone mapping is best?
Post by: sussamb on 17:33:30, 04/08/19
I'm looking for a mapping app which pinpoints my location on an oline OS map on my phone so I can then refer back to a paper OS map. I like paper maps, I'm not technical at all so prefer to have the phone app as a backup.

If you want an OS map you'll need to pay, the great advantage of VR is that even their free app allows you to use free OSM mapping.  So it will pinpoint your location, give you a ten figure grid and show your location on a map.  That should be enough to re-orientate you on to your paper map  ;)
Title: Re: Which Smart phone mapping is best?
Post by: Mel on 18:29:31, 04/08/19
Literary Gal - do you have a paper Ordnance Survey map with the scratch off code for access to the same map digitally?


If you do, your best bet will be to use the Ordnance Survey Mobile Download (https://www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/shop/mobile-download-faq.html#claim) service which will allow you to view the digital version of your paper map on your phone.  I believe the cost of the Ordnance Survey app is free and, seeing as you've already paid for your paper map (with scratch n sniff code), you do not need to pay again for the digital version. (The digital map isn't viewable via any other app than the OS mapping app so won't work via ViewRanger.)


If you don't have the paper map scratch off code then your best option will probably be to sign up for either Ordnance Survey's or ViewRanger's digital / online mapping service - both of which will allow you to view 1:25k Ordnance Survey maps on your mobile device.


Like sussamb says, you have to pay for Ordnance Survey mapping (either by subscription or individual map/tile purchase) but OSM (Open Street Maps) are free to view on both of these (and other) apps.  The thing is, they don't look like a "normal" Ordnance Survey map and might be a bit confusing if you just want a visual like-for-like spot-check confirmation of your location.


Hope this helps.







Title: Re: Which Smart phone mapping is best?
Post by: fernman on 19:29:09, 04/08/19
OSM (Open Street Maps) are free to view on both of these (and other) apps.  The thing is, they don't look like a "normal" Ordnance Survey map and might be a bit confusing if you just want a visual like-for-like spot-check confirmation of your location.

I couldn't agree more.
Having been used to OS maps all of my life (my dad's 1" ones with houses as black blocks when I was a nipper, then cubs, then scouts, then my own ones and library ones from 20ish onwards) I just don't know how people get on with OSM. I have them on apps on my phone and I've looked at them online, and I simply don't like them. They're a poor substitute for a OS map.
Title: Re: Which Smart phone mapping is best?
Post by: Slowcoach on 19:54:28, 04/08/19
I use both OS and OSM. I have both on my gps. OSM is superb in built up areas where it can show details of road names, shop names etc etc. On cross country routes it can show gates and stiles.
It does take some getting used to but it is very usable. Obviously it does not show all of the paths that OS shows but thet are generally more accurate.
Title: Re: Which Smart phone mapping is best?
Post by: sussamb on 23:16:16, 04/08/19
OSM ... does take some getting used to but it is very usable. Obviously it does not show all of the paths that OS shows but thet are generally more accurate.

OSM mapping is often more up to date that OS maps, as the data is added to by folks like us, and that then appears in the next release a month or so later for some mapping providers, unlike OS mapping that often can be years out of date.  I rarely use OS maps these days, my GPS is loaded with a number of OSM maps although I generally stick with one as the style/colours etc work best for me.
Title: Re: Which Smart phone mapping is best?
Post by: BuzyG on 23:39:55, 04/08/19
OS maps user on Android here.  I can't fault it.  If you like to buy paper maps, then you can download them, making it completely free use. 
Title: Re: Which Smart phone mapping is best?
Post by: archaeoroutes on 08:57:35, 05/08/19
OSM is superb for what it is for - as the name open street maps suggests. It is ok for footpaths etc as long as not going off the beaten track. In some areas it has amazing detail and information. However, I find that contours are often at odds with OS and the ground - nothing big but enough to throw you off if you are using them for fine navigation.
I am one of the people who keeps it up to date. When planning an urban orienteering event, it is a good resource to base the maps on. So, I spend weeks of visits updating the OSM map before starting the conversion process.
Title: Re: Which Smart phone mapping is best?
Post by: fernman on 09:10:35, 05/08/19
OSM mapping is often more up to date that OS maps, as the data is added to by folks like us, and that then appears in the next release a month or so later for some mapping providers, unlike OS mapping that often can be years out of date.

In 2008 I was on a long walk in N. Wales using an OS map dated 2002 whose legend stated that it had been “converted from the previous Outdoor Leisure map and revised for selected change 2001”.
On two consecutive misty days I was very unsure of my navigation because of blocks of mature conifer forest on the hills that were not shown on the map. I know they are fast-growing but they had plainly been there for more that seven years.
Title: Re: Which Smart phone mapping is best?
Post by: sussamb on 09:33:31, 05/08/19
However, I find that contours are often at odds with OS and the ground - nothing big but enough to throw you off if you are using them for fine navigation.


Really?  Never noticed a contour issue on OSM maps I use.  Maybe I'm simply not paying enough attention  :-\
Title: Re: Which Smart phone mapping is best?
Post by: ninthace on 09:53:38, 05/08/19

Really?  Never noticed a contour issue on OSM maps I use.  Maybe I'm simply not paying enough attention  :-\
  You haven't tried hard enough.  In my early days with my garmin I had both OS and OSM mapping loaded but failed to layer them correctly so both were showing at the same time.  I ended up walking downslope looking for an OS field boundary only to realise, when it failed to appear, that I was looking at an OSM contour line on the screen.
Title: Re: Which Smart phone mapping is best?
Post by: Literary Gal on 10:37:19, 05/08/19
Literary Gal - do you have a paper Ordnance Survey map with the scratch off code for access to the same map digitally?


If you do, your best bet will be to use the Ordnance Survey Mobile Download (https://www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/shop/mobile-download-faq.html#claim) service which will allow you to view the digital version of your paper map on your phone.  I believe the cost of the Ordnance Survey app is free and, seeing as you've already paid for your paper map (with scratch n sniff code), you do not need to pay again for the digital version. (The digital map isn't viewable via any other app than the OS mapping app so won't work via ViewRanger.)


If you don't have the paper map scratch off code then your best option will probably be to sign up for either Ordnance Survey's or ViewRanger's digital / online mapping service - both of which will allow you to view 1:25k Ordnance Survey maps on your mobile device.


Like sussamb says, you have to pay for Ordnance Survey mapping (either by subscription or individual map/tile purchase) but OSM (Open Street Maps) are free to view on both of these (and other) apps.  The thing is, they don't look like a "normal" Ordnance Survey map and might be a bit confusing if you just want a visual like-for-like spot-check confirmation of your location.


Hope this helps.



Thanks Mel, I have a OS map with the scratch off on. Therefore if I load that map to my phone, will I be able to locate where I am on that map on the phone ie will it actually pin point my location even if I have no idea where I am? If it does, I've solved my issue - which would be wonderful.
Title: Re: Which Smart phone mapping is best?
Post by: ninthace on 10:44:41, 05/08/19
In short - yes.  It can also show you how you ended up wherever you are.
Title: Re: Which Smart phone mapping is best?
Post by: Literary Gal on 10:46:44, 05/08/19
In short - yes.  It can also show you how you ended up wherever you are.



That's the answer then. Off to download a map and try it.... :) will report back....

Title: Re: Which Smart phone mapping is best?
Post by: Stube on 11:29:45, 05/08/19
OSM maps are vector based - but not all apps use vector mapping and convert them to raster tiles which require much more memory space.
For example OSM vector maps for England south of Yorkshire occupy 1.1 GB, OSM raster map for Hampshire alone is 0.52 GB.
OS & Viewranger use raster maps, OsmAnd, for example, uses vector maps, as do Garmin GPS.
Vector maps, apart from useing less memory, zoom smoothly with no jaggies.


Title: Re: Which Smart phone mapping is best?
Post by: Literary Gal on 20:10:50, 05/08/19
Perfect! OS map download does what I need and I can record tracks too so thank you everyone for helping. Now I need to work out how not to fill my phone with OS maps..... :)
Title: Re: Which Smart phone mapping is best?
Post by: ninthace on 20:39:16, 05/08/19
You can plot or download routes that you want to walk and save the corresponding maps onto your phone for use when you have no data signal.  You can then delete the map from your phone when you do not need it anymore.  If you have a subscription you in effect have access to up to date 25k and 50k maps for the whole of the UK.
Title: Re: Which Smart phone mapping is best?
Post by: Literary Gal on 20:46:01, 05/08/19
You can plot or download routes that you want to walk and save the corresponding maps onto your phone for use when you have no data signal.  You can then delete the map from your phone when you do not need it anymore.  If you have a subscription you in effect have access to up to date 25k and 50k maps for the whole of the UK.



Looks like I have a lot to learn. At least I now have a backup when out walking with my paper maps which I prefer.
Title: Re: Which Smart phone mapping is best?
Post by: ninthace on 20:54:54, 05/08/19

Looks like I have a lot to learn. At least I now have a backup when out walking with my paper maps which I prefer.
   When you get to terms with it you will be putting the paper map away and using that as the reserve!  I use OS maps on my Garmin as my first line and OS maps on my phone as my reserve.  The OS map for my walk is also printed off on to A4 sheet(s) that I carry in a plastic pocket folded up in my pocket.
Title: Re: Which Smart phone mapping is best?
Post by: Literary Gal on 20:57:29, 05/08/19
   When you get to terms with it you will be putting the paper map away and using that as the reserve!  I use OS maps on my Garmin as my first line and OS maps on my phone as my reserve.  The OS map for my walk is also printed off on to A4 sheet(s) that I carry in a plastic pocket folded up in my pocket.



I must admit that I do LOVE paper so I'm not sure I would use the phone for directions. Can I print from the OS app?
Title: Re: Which Smart phone mapping is best?
Post by: archaeoroutes on 21:13:45, 05/08/19
Really?  Never noticed a contour issue on OSM maps I use.  Maybe I'm simply not paying enough attention  :-\
Quick comparison: OS, VR Free, OSM.
Actually I think I was comparing VR Free with OS, as there don't seem to be any contours on OSM now I look again (I tried via VR and direct on their website).
There is a lot of fine detail present on the OS map that is lost on the open ones here. Those little wiggles (spurs and reentrants) can be a significant part of navigation.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48466363052_a11b8e5071_h.jpg)
Title: Re: Which Smart phone mapping is best?
Post by: ninthace on 21:57:29, 05/08/19

I must admit that I do LOVE paper so I'm not sure I would use the phone for directions. Can I print from the OS app?
. Yes you can print which means you can carry just the amount of map you need and your big map does not get moth eaten.  With an app you can see where you are all the time so the decision is just where to go next rather than working out where you are.
Title: Re: Which Smart phone mapping is best?
Post by: Mel on 22:13:43, 05/08/19
Perfect! OS map download does what I need and I can record tracks too so thank you everyone for helping. Now I need to work out how not to fill my phone with OS maps..... :)


Get an SD memory card for your phone (I have my maps saved to one rather than the phone's internal memory).  A bonus to doing this is if the phone conks out you can just pop the SD card into your new phone.


I also prefer paper maps and use digital as backup in a similar way to you (for a like-for-like spot check).  I like to have a digital trace of where I actually walked too - sometimes its fun to compare that to where I assumed / thought I walked  :D    ;D


Edit:  Glad you've got sorted by the way.  Happy wanderings  O0
Title: Re: Which Smart phone mapping is best?
Post by: sussamb on 22:43:34, 05/08/19
Quick comparison: OS, VR Free, OSM.
Actually I think I was comparing VR Free with OS, as there don't seem to be any contours on OSM now I look again (I tried via VR and direct on their website).
There is a lot of fine detail present on the OS map that is lost on the open ones here. Those little wiggles (spurs and reentrants) can be a significant part of navigation.


The problem is that particular OSM map. The ones I use have much better contours, I've posted screenshots before and will try to find it tomorrow.
Title: Re: Which Smart phone mapping is best?
Post by: maxmarengo on 13:01:49, 11/08/19

The problem is that particular OSM map. The ones I use have much better contours, I've posted screenshots before and will try to find it tomorrow.
I would be interested in seeing this. Can you share how to get this rendering of OSM on ViewRanger?
Title: Re: Which Smart phone mapping is best?
Post by: archaeoroutes on 18:28:11, 11/08/19
The problem is that particular OSM map. The ones I use have much better contours, I've posted screenshots before and will try to find it tomorrow.
Very keen to know where yours is from. I get the same lack of contours on OSM through VR and on the OSM website. Perhaps I've missed a setting?
Title: Re: Which Smart phone mapping is best?
Post by: ninthace on 18:45:19, 11/08/19
CachemapUK and Freizeitkarte have contours as well as showing both official and unofficial paths.  See post #34 on  http://www.walkingforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=33861.30 (http://www.walkingforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=33861.30) for CacheMap.  Freizeitkarte and download files can be found on https://www.freizeitkarte-osm.de/garmin/en/more-countries.html (https://www.freizeitkarte-osm.de/garmin/en/more-countries.html)
Title: Re: Which Smart phone mapping is best?
Post by: archaeoroutes on 19:04:04, 11/08/19
Cheers. Both look like great maps. However, neither get their contour data from OSM, so I think that perhaps OSM doesn't have any.

CacheMap credits both OSM and OS, so I suspect the contours come from OS.
Freizeitkarte credits OSM for 'mapping' but credits USGS and J de Feranti for 'contours'.
Title: Re: Which Smart phone mapping is best?
Post by: sussamb on 06:07:36, 12/08/19
Very keen to know where yours is from. I get the same lack of contours on OSM through VR and on the OSM website. Perhaps I've missed a setting?


Sorry away on my hols so missed this post but answers now given by others  O0
Title: Re: Which Smart phone mapping is best?
Post by: ninthace on 09:39:27, 12/08/19
A little “war story”.  I always use the “standard “ maps on my Garmin for navigation - OS in UK, Kompass in Austria etc. but I also have Freizeitkarte and CacheMap UK on my SD card as back up in case I walk off the map tiles I have downloaded.
Four years ago in Austria we were walking a ridge with the intention of descending from the end via a cable car.  When we got there, the cable car had stopped running owing to high winds so we were faced with a hike off the mountain. It was at this point I realised it meant we would walk off the map I was carrying and the corresponding map tile on my gps - bad planning I know.  As we fell off the map, I switched to the Freizeitkarte which not only got us down safely but also took us through the streets of the town at the bottom to the bus station.
The free maps may lack the detail of the better maps but they will “get you home”.
Title: Re: Which Smart phone mapping is best?
Post by: BuzyG on 22:59:40, 12/08/19
Perfect! OS map download does what I need and I can record tracks too so thank you everyone for helping. Now I need to work out how not to fill my phone with OS maps..... :)
Not sure what the limit is but I currently have 22 OSmaps loaded and active, on my second hand S5 from flea bay.  Handles them smoothly without any issues.  O0
Title: Re: Which Smart phone mapping is best?
Post by: BuzyG on 23:02:12, 12/08/19
A little “war story”.  I always use the “standard “ maps on my Garmin for navigation - OS in UK, Kompass in Austria etc. but I also have Freizeitkarte and CacheMap UK on my SD card as back up in case I walk off the map tiles I have downloaded.
Four years ago in Austria we were walking a ridge with the intention of descending from the end via a cable car.  When we got there, the cable car had stopped running owing to high winds so we were faced with a hike off the mountain. It was at this point I realised it meant we would walk off the map I was carrying and the corresponding map tile on my gps - bad planning I know.  As we fell off the map, I switched to the Freizeitkarte which not only got us down safely but also took us through the streets of the town at the bottom to the bus station.
The free maps may lack the detail of the better maps but they will “get you home”.


Ninthace, which maps did you use for NewZealand?
Title: Re: Which Smart phone mapping is best?
Post by: ninthace on 00:59:09, 13/08/19

Ninthace, which maps did you use for NewZealand?
Mapping in NZ is not great compared with ours - sorry to any Kiwis reading.  The NZ equivalent of our OS is LINZ.  There is no Garmin equivalent to the Birdseye OS mapping imagery based on LINZ.  I managed, with advice from sussamb to download Open Source maps of NZ with a Topo overlay onto my Garmin.  It was not hugely successful as a map but it was usable.
If you have ViewRanger you can subscribe to LINZ mapping in a similar way to the VR subscription to OS in this country.  You can subscribe monthly, it wasn’t a lot of credits.  I plotted my routes in advance of my trip and saved the gpx files to OneDrive so I could pull down the traces to my phone when I wanted and when I had Wi-fi.  I duplicated the library of traces onto my Garmin SD card as I did not have access to Basecamp during the trip.  On the trip I used VR with LINZ as my main aid with the trace on Garmin as a backup.  I recorded the.walk on both VR and Garmin.
You can buy paper LINZ maps but I did not bother as I had A4 printouts of possible walks anyway. Walking in NZ tends to be on trails which are usually well marked.  You should be aware there is no equivalent system of public footpaths as such.  Private land is just that.
Our best walk was the Tongariro Alpine Crossing.  You will need to book it as it is a point to point walk and you cannot leave cars at either end for more than 4 hours.  The route is well marked and there is a stream of people on it.  Most people stay in the National Park and get bussed to the start.  The buses have a system of accounting for you so you will not get left behind.
We are off to NZ again in Oct/Nov as Ninthace Minor as just produced a little Ninthace of his own.  This time we will be based in Rotorua.  Do you have a planned area to visit?
Title: Re: Which Smart phone mapping is best?
Post by: ninthace on 21:17:12, 13/08/19
Further to my last.  Just found there is an app called NZ Topo for the iPhone and iPad.  There may be an equivalent for Android.
Title: Re: Which Smart phone mapping is best?
Post by: BuzyG on 21:43:21, 13/08/19
Our rough plan is. Fly into Auckland. Jump a plane to Christchurch.  Pick up a hire car or may be a camper.  Down to Akaroa then back up and across to mount Cook. Then make our way up to Blenheim.  Over to Wellington to see number one and only son. Then up to New Plymouth, with son and his girlfriend, to hopefully climb, Mount Taranaki.  Finally over to Rotorua and back to Auckland for the plane homeward.  Only thing booked so far is the flights to Auckland.  Much detail to fill in. Fortunately we both enjoyed driving and walking.  :)  Any other recommends Welcome.  I should probably kick off a separate thread.
Title: Re: Which Smart phone mapping is best?
Post by: BuzyG on 21:47:55, 13/08/19
Further to my last.  Just found there is an app called NZ Topo for the iPhone and iPad.  There may be an equivalent for Android.
I will take a look. I have found several online live maps using the openmapping data from LINZ.  But as yet have no off line tool up and running.

Title: Re: Which Smart phone mapping is best?
Post by: ninthace on 22:17:55, 13/08/19
  I should probably kick off a separate thread.
  Good idea.  My DiL's family farms near New Plymouth.  Ninthace minor climbed Taranaki for his stag party.
Title: Re: Which Smart phone mapping is best?
Post by: Literary Gal on 15:59:52, 29/08/19
Literary Gal - do you have a paper Ordnance Survey map with the scratch off code for access to the same map digitally?


If you do, your best bet will be to use the Ordnance Survey Mobile Download (https://www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/shop/mobile-download-faq.html#claim) service which will allow you to view the digital version of your paper map on your phone.  I believe the cost of the Ordnance Survey app is free and, seeing as you've already paid for your paper map (with scratch n sniff code), you do not need to pay again for the digital version. (The digital map isn't viewable via any other app than the OS mapping app so won't work via ViewRanger.)


If you don't have the paper map scratch off code then your best option will probably be to sign up for either Ordnance Survey's or ViewRanger's digital / online mapping service - both of which will allow you to view 1:25k Ordnance Survey maps on your mobile device.


Like sussamb says, you have to pay for Ordnance Survey mapping (either by subscription or individual map/tile purchase) but OSM (Open Street Maps) are free to view on both of these (and other) apps.  The thing is, they don't look like a "normal" Ordnance Survey map and might be a bit confusing if you just want a visual like-for-like spot-check confirmation of your location.


Hope this helps.


You've been really helpful - thank you! I now have a card for my phone. Its installed but how do I send the OS maps which I have downloaded to the phone - pre card - to the card? I thought the card might help but it hasn't. Many thanks in anticipation....

Title: Re: Which Smart phone mapping is best?
Post by: JerryW on 16:22:43, 29/08/19
If you have an android phone I would go for Back Country Navigator. The app costs £8 and any map sections you download are free. It provides os maps for the uk down to 1:25000 scale. There is  free version which you can use for 2 weeks to see if you like it before having to payout any money. Worth a try if you have an android phone.
Just to be clear: you are saying this app, if you pay £8, gives you free 1:25,000 OS explorer maps? for offline use?
I'm not saying I don't believe you but I haven't found any app that does that. i currently use Anquet, that will sell you 1:25000 maps for offline use
Jerry
Title: Re: Which Smart phone mapping is best?
Post by: Patrick1 on 20:44:51, 29/08/19
Just to be clear: you are saying this app, if you pay £8, gives you free 1:25,000 OS explorer maps? for offline use?
I'm not saying I don't believe you but I haven't found any app that does that. i currently use Anquet, that will sell you 1:25000 maps for offline use
Jerry


Maverick is entirely free for Android and gives you unlimited OS 1:50000 and 1:25000 maps, viewable offline. Just choose "OS Explorer"  from the list of map sources in the left hand menu. There are only two provisos.
1) You need to view the area you're interested in at the appropriate zoom level online, before it is cached and  hence viewable offline. However, once you have then its available indefinitely.
2) Downloads are limited until you create a token following instructions available here (http://yorkramblers.org.uk/York/Maverick.pdf). Once you've done this you can download as much of the UK as you want - or have memory for!
Title: Re: Which Smart phone mapping is best?
Post by: ninthace on 21:17:15, 29/08/19
In ViewRanger or the OS mapping app there is the option of downloading a map for off line use as well.  The maps are zoomable.
Title: Re: Which Smart phone mapping is best?
Post by: scottk on 07:59:15, 30/08/19
I have switched to memory maps after OS mobile failed miserable. I have the annual sub for OS and had downloaded my track for offline use but it wouldn’t work and the app would shutdown. Of course it was in an area with no service! Didn’t cause an issue as I had a map but when I got home I reported the issue. Their solution was to reinstall the app- not much use if you don’t have service.
The memory maps was £50 for the UK 50000:1 OS mapping which is available offline forever.
If I had an android phone I would use Locus Pro
Title: Re: Which Smart phone mapping is best?
Post by: Doddy on 14:20:38, 18/09/19
MemoryMap for me. I have 1:50K on two devices and PC and 1:25K -a phone only deal, all work well.
Title: Re: Which Smart phone mapping is best?
Post by: ninthace on 15:57:57, 18/09/19
Unless MM has changed since I abandoned it, it falls down against ViewRanger and the OS app at the planning stage.  Both VR and OS allow users to share routes and traces which I find useful when planning walks in new areas.  VR actually rewards users who share routes by allowing them to earn credits for each route downloaded by other users.
The reason I abandoned MM was I kept getting  the grey screen of death when I opened it up on my PC.  MM's solution was also to reinstall.  I did that and it wiped out all the traces of routes I had already done, about 3 years worth.  Fortunately I had backed them up because I did not believe MM when they said I wouldn't lose them.  It did not cure the grey screen problem either.  I hope MM's user support has improved - it used to be very slow and not that helpful.  VR and OS have very prompt user support in my experience.
One major failing of the OS app as far as I can tell, you cannot record a trace as you follow a route, unless I have missed something.  VR and dedicated gps devices allow you to do both so you can see where you went as opposed to where you thought you would go.


Heads up to OS app users, they are doing a major upgrade this Thursday, any maps you have downloaded to your phone for off line use will have to be downloaded again.
Title: Re: Which Smart phone mapping is best?
Post by: GnP on 17:43:29, 18/09/19



Heads up to OS app users, they are doing a major upgrade this Thursday, any maps you have downloaded to your phone for off line use will have to be downloaded again.
Thanks for that...
I love OS mapping. I think their app is a bit quirky compared to VR but I have a feeling of loyalty to OS having used their paper maps for donky`s years and it feels like they are less commercial than VR...not knocking VR here as I think they have really got their act together..and their app works really well.
Title: Re: Which Smart phone mapping is best?
Post by: pauldawes on 18:23:59, 18/09/19
Thanks for that...
I love OS mapping. I think their app is a bit quirky compared to VR but I have a feeling of loyalty to OS having used their paper maps for donky`s years and it feels like they are less commercial than VR...not knocking VR here as I think they have really got their act together..and their app works really well.


See OS app is getting a major upgrade tomorrow, which will require re-downloading any off line maps.


Just hope I remember how to do it...ages since I downloaded one of their maps.
Title: Re: Which Smart phone mapping is best?
Post by: GnP on 17:12:27, 19/09/19

See OS app is getting a major upgrade tomorrow, which will require re-downloading any off line maps.


Just hope I remember how to do it...ages since I downloaded one of their maps.
I tried to open the app just now on my phone...there is a message saying the the rollout of the updated app has been stopped as it was causing the app to crash on certain devices....they say they have found the reason and hope to roll it out tomorrow... ???
Title: Re: Which Smart phone mapping is best?
Post by: ninthace on 17:54:55, 19/09/19
I was out using it today. I selected the route to follow but it refused to set off so it never left the car park. I forgot to press record on VR too. Thank god for Garmin!
Title: Re: Which Smart phone mapping is best?
Post by: gunwharfman on 17:57:10, 19/09/19
I've downloaded all of the suggested maps that Forum members have recommended and I have just downloaded the OS app as well.

I use Backcountry OS maps, I paid a one-off payment for it a few years ago. Its always been very good and has never let me down, plus it allows me to download other maps for free like Spain, Italy, USA and so on. If I understand it all correctly if you want to use OS maps on your phone the choice is between a one-off payment like Backcountry vs. a yearly subscription for other OS map apps?

I'm personally sticking with Backcountry because I have already purchased it. I'm also one of those people who has learned not to like subscriptions or three-month trials. I tried a three-month trial before and was annoyed to find that in order to cancel I had to leave the app and cancel it on Google Play. That app is now canceled and I won't fall for that trick again. I have tried out one other app and purchased it for one year because I noticed that this app allowed me to cancel as soon as my payment went through. In 8 months time, I personally will decide if I want to continue with it, it will not be decided by the app or by Google!

When I compare and contrast I have downloaded 4 different apps of France, all use IGN maps and they show all of the walking routes across the country for FREE. My problem now is to decide which one to stick with?
Title: Re: Which Smart phone mapping is best?
Post by: pauldawes on 17:59:20, 19/09/19
I was out using it today. I selected the route to follow but it refused to set off so it never left the car park. I forgot to press record on VR too. Thank god for Garmin!


I must be dog tired after usual Thursday walk...


For a second I interpreted your post as meaning you didn’t set off from car park!


I thought that was so unlike you that I re-read...and had a laugh at how much I’d got “wrong of stick” on first read.
Title: Re: Which Smart phone mapping is best?
Post by: Patrick1 on 12:37:37, 20/09/19
If I understand it all correctly if you want to use OS maps on your phone the choice is between a one-off payment like Backcountry vs. a yearly subscription for other OS map apps?


I keep mentioning Maverick - eg earlier on this thread (http://www.walkingforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=38843.msg554597#msg554597), but I get the feeling no-one else is as keen on it as I am. Fair enough - each to their own - but there's no doubt its a perfectly valid option for free offline OS maps.
Title: Re: Which Smart phone mapping is best?
Post by: GnP on 12:53:27, 20/09/19
OS are saying the fix will be on Monday now
Title: Re: Which Smart phone mapping is best?
Post by: ninthace on 14:54:26, 20/09/19
OS are saying the fix will be on Monday now
  Set off through the Blackdown Hills this morning: Garmin - check; ViewRanger - check; OS blank screen followed by "OS maps keep stopping" then nothing.
Found a new snag today while trying to navigate the site of Castle Neroche today.  The site is a Norman motte and bailey  on top of an Iron Age fort.  It is a maze of ramparts covered in trees and scrub with the odd path through and round it.  Both the ViewRanger Map and the OS map were almost complete works of fiction.  Some of the paths it showed existed, some didn't.  The OS map was just as bad in terms of accuracy but made worse by the overprinted symbols rendering it almost illegible.  Turned out the path I was relying on to get away from the site in my intended direction of travel through the forest did not exist but there was a path that started right then lead off in the wrong direction.  I did a quick back track and replan to try a different route.  That didn't exist either.  Ended using the road!
Title: Re: Which Smart phone mapping is best?
Post by: GnP on 16:42:12, 20/09/19
  Set off through the Blackdown Hills this morning: Garmin - check; ViewRanger - check; OS blank screen followed by "OS maps keep stopping" then nothing.
Found a new snag today while trying to navigate the site of Castle Neroche today.  The site is a Norman motte and bailey  on top of an Iron Age fort.  It is a maze of ramparts covered in trees and scrub with the odd path through and round it.  Both the ViewRanger Map and the OS map were almost complete works of fiction.  Some of the paths it showed existed, some didn't.  The OS map was just as bad in terms of accuracy but made worse by the overprinted symbols rendering it almost illegible.  Turned out the path I was relying on to get away from the site in my intended direction of travel through the forest did not exist but there was a path that started right then lead off in the wrong direction.  I did a quick back track and replan to try a different route.  That didn't exist either.  Ended using the road!
Do you have open source mapping on any of your gadgets. It isnt the most comprehensive, I know, but you saying about OS mapping being out of date is so true in places & it turns out open source can be more up to date, because people are actually using paths that exist on the ground..
Title: Re: Which Smart phone mapping is best?
Post by: gunwharfman on 17:34:08, 20/09/19
I've just downloaded and have had a look at Maverick, seems to be very comprehensive, it will take a while for me to understand properly. The OS maps work though, very good for free, from my point of view much better than pay £23 a year to OS. Seems to be so much choice available, maybe there are apps which are better than others, but it also looks as though many of them are the same.
Title: Re: Which Smart phone mapping is best?
Post by: GnP on 18:21:45, 20/09/19
I've just downloaded and have had a look at Maverick, seems to be very comprehensive, it will take a while for me to understand properly. The OS maps work though, very good for free, from my point of view much better than pay £23 a year to OS. Seems to be so much choice available, maybe there are apps which are better than others, but it also looks as though many of them are the same.
I dislike change once I get used to something..I love OS mapping on their own site..I know its a bit quirky and maybe not the cheapest but  I have tried other apps and always come back to good ol` OS..I think on other apps, even though OS is used there always seems something to be mssing, one way or another. Maybe its scaling when printing or down loading GPX files, or limits to how much can be downloaded to a phone etc..
Title: Re: Which Smart phone mapping is best?
Post by: ninthace on 18:53:49, 20/09/19
Do you have open source mapping on any of your gadgets. It isnt the most comprehensive, I know, but you saying about OS mapping being out of date is so true in places & it turns out open source can be more up to date, because people are actually using paths that exist on the ground..
  I do have access to Freizetkarte and CacheMapsUK as well as the various ViewRanger maps and the OS maps (both the 25k and the Standard Map).  I also use GoogleEarth too so I am usually well prepared.  In this case it was no help.  I knew I had an issue at three points on the route before I set off because the maps disagreed not only on the existence of paths but also on the line that those paths took.  GoogleEarth was no good in this case as most of the route was under trees!  I had plans for the first two problems and we sailed through those.  I knew the Castle was my last problem but took succour in the thought it was an ancient monument and the area was named after it so I was expecting some tourist trails that I could use when I got there.  Wrong!
Title: Re: Which Smart phone mapping is best?
Post by: GnP on 19:05:04, 20/09/19
  I do have access to Freizetkarte and CacheMapsUK as well as the various ViewRanger maps and the OS maps (both the 25k and the Standard Map).  I also use GoogleEarth too so I am usually well prepared.  In this case it was no help.  I knew I had an issue at three points on the route before I set off because the maps disagreed not only on the existence of paths but also on the line that those paths took.  GoogleEarth was no good in this case as most of the route was under trees!  I had plans for the first two problems and we sailed through those.  I knew the Castle was my last problem but took succour in the thought it was an ancient monument and the area was named after it so I was expecting some tourist trails that I could use when I got there.  Wrong!
At times I get frustrated with lack of signs or paths that just do not exist, when according to a map they should. or a stile that is virtually invisible because of brambles...Then when I arrive home I like the idea that it was a challenge and that cup of tea or a beer, tastes even sweeter...
Title: Re: Which Smart phone mapping is best?
Post by: archaeoroutes on 22:18:24, 20/09/19
  Set off through the Blackdown Hills this morning: Garmin - check; ViewRanger - check; OS blank screen followed by "OS maps keep stopping" then nothing.
Found a new snag today while trying to navigate the site of Castle Neroche today.  The site is a Norman motte and bailey  on top of an Iron Age fort.  It is a maze of ramparts covered in trees and scrub with the odd path through and round it.  Both the ViewRanger Map and the OS map were almost complete works of fiction.  Some of the paths it showed existed, some didn't.  The OS map was just as bad in terms of accuracy but made worse by the overprinted symbols rendering it almost illegible.  Turned out the path I was relying on to get away from the site in my intended direction of travel through the forest did not exist but there was a path that started right then lead off in the wrong direction.  I did a quick back track and replan to try a different route.  That didn't exist either.  Ended using the road!
Castle Neroche is a lovely place, but much has happened due to forestry. I tend to just wander around or use an orienteering map.
Title: Re: Which Smart phone mapping is best?
Post by: ninthace on 17:34:03, 23/09/19
OS App upgrade now scheduled for Wednesday.  Still got platform issues apparently.  Smacks of inadequate testing before roll-out.
Title: Re: Which Smart phone mapping is best?
Post by: pauldawes on 17:40:34, 23/09/19
OS App upgrade now scheduled for Wednesday.  Still got platform issues apparently.  Smacks of inadequate testing before roll-out.


I downloaded an upgrade (on iPhone) yesterday, then re-downloaded maps.


I tried it today..just walking to local shops and back...and found it almost un-usable..the map display is very unstable.


I agree with you..it looks near certain that it has not been properly tested. Disappointing but not that surprising..it happens so often in all sorts of software developments.
Title: Re: Which Smart phone mapping is best?
Post by: GnP on 19:20:45, 23/09/19
OS App upgrade now scheduled for Wednesday.  Still got platform issues apparently.  Smacks of inadequate testing before roll-out.
Its always embarrassing for a business when this happens...doesn`t give you much confidence in the app does it......especially if it was a bank.
I keep wondering if all my routes will still be there when it finally rolls out.