Ordnance Survey have today announced that starting next month, all their paper maps will come with an option to download a digital version onto a mobile device. Stored on the device, so no mobile signal needed to view the map when out and about.



To access the mobile version of the map, there is a scratch-code on the map to be entered into the OS mobile app, which can be downloaded from the 10th June 2015.

See: http://www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/about/news/2015/os-maps-undergo-greatest-innovation-in-200-years.html

More info: https://uk.groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/ordnancemaps/conversations/messages/5312

Despite predictions of paper maps dying out, it seems sales have actually increased recently.

regards,

Martin.

__________
message ref: 18675

Well you won't find me in the mountains without a paper map. I've yet to have the batteries run out on one!

regards

Alan
__________
message ref: 18683

Alan wrote:-Well you won't find me in the mountains without a paper map. I've yet to have the batteries run out on one!Too right - I've had to direct someone in Snowdonia who was in exactly that situation - flat battery! Mind you, I've also had to redirect someone coming down the wrong path who did have a paper map but couldn't read it!
I do like the idea of the app though, but a pound to a pinch of salt that they won't do a Windows Phone version. 
__________
message ref: 18684

Paul - elsewhere but ditto. At least they had one. Compass too much to expect, and don't get me started on inappropriate clothing.
__________
message ref: 18689

This news from OS has come a few weeks too late for me -- I recently obtained a pocket GPS unit, with OS map cards:

 https://satmap.com


I'm quite pleased with it, in fact I have been out on the Clee Hills with it today. Unlike a smartphone it is ruggedised and weatherproof for outdoor use, and has buttons rather than a touch-screen for use wearing gloves. The buttons are stiffer than I'd like, but that is no doubt the price of having them weatherproof. The neckstrap is utterly useless, but I prefer to keep it in my pocket anyway.

The GPS is impressively accurate, down to 3 metres after a few minutes when it can see a full set of 12 satellites. It can see me moving from room to room at home, zoomed in on the OS 10K map. I don't know how that compares with other GPS units, but it certainly impresses me.

Has a battery of course, but there's an option to swap the rechargeable for a spare set of AAs in an emergency. There's a replaceable clip-on screen cover for when it gets scratched or muddy.

The great advantage of OS mobile mapping over the usual Bing/Google maps is that they are far more detailed, including rights of way and contours -- essential for walking. I went for the map cards which can toggle through 50K Landranger, 25K Explorer, 10K Streetmap at the same zoom setting, which is handy.

Martin.

__________
message ref: 18691

Hi MartinI'm quite pleased with it, in fact I have been out on the Clee Hills with it today.For that price you should be pleased!  I think I'll stick to paper maps (and a compass!) 

Cheers
__________
message ref: 18694

Paul Boyd wrote:For that price you should be pleased!Indeed.

I don't often splash out on tech -- I don't have a smartphone, or a satnav in the car. My digital camera is 14 years old. But having got lost recently, even with a paper map (not on some wild mountain top, but in the middle of a ploughed field  ), and struggling with a paper map in a howling gale, I thought I'd drag myself a bit more up to date. None of the GPS units are cheap, I went for the Satmap because I wanted the familiar OS maps, and I don't get on with touch screens.

Martin.

__________
message ref: 18695