Arguably the best uk map app
The maps are clear right through all scales. The download system is incredibly sensibly by area. Works perfectly offline, something many don’t and when your out on the hills this is invaluable. You can upload gpx files and have the route overlay a map, bit convoluted system using the web site to do it but it works. Only thing it’s missing is snap/magnetic route planning, seems harsh to dock a star for that but it’s not perfect, close but not quite. I’ve tried others and always come back Outdoors GB. Best annual subscription I pay for
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Great for driving, cycling and walking.
You can either use this with live online maps or download numerous different 1:50K and 1:25K maps for offline use in different areas of the country: regions, counties, National Parks, areas of natural beauty etc. NB you are not prompted to update these so it’s worth deleting and reloading them occasionally.
The Great Britain 1:250K Road Atlas map provided is years out of date so not reliable for route planning. I don’t use the route mapping and feel that’s given too much prominence - it’s far too easy to press the large button to start recording a route by mistake.
The Great Britain 1:250K Road Atlas map provided is years out of date so not reliable for route planning. I don’t use the route mapping and feel that’s given too much prominence - it’s far too easy to press the large button to start recording a route by mistake.
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Response from developer
Since this review we've released a few updates which hopefully addresses some of your initial concerns with search so please download v5.0.3 or later from the App Store. If you need anything else you can reach us by going to Tools > Help > Email Us in the app. We would appreciate you updating your review once we're able to help you resolve your concerns. Thanks in advance.
Leaving after 10 years of using.
Like others I’ve been using this app for over 10 years, but no longer. Once again I’m infuriated by the constant problems of getting the app to sync with others devices, I downloaded the app on another phone, logged into my account and yet it’s still saying I have to upgrade to download maps - arrggghhh this happens every time. My subscription is due for renewal in a week, and I’m not prepared to go through the same frustration of previous years of it not carrying over and having to manually reload all my maps keeping my fingers crossed that it’ll work on all my devices. Shame it was once good but lack of support leads me to go over to OS maps app.
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Fixed wing aircraft with loose bolts
I’ve been using Outdoors GPS for ten years on and off, and watched it go from superb to reasonable to dreadful. I like the simple interface and the “view” icon which easily shows which way you’re looking. However, having paid £20 for OS Maps 6 months ago I feel cheated. It’s like buying an airplane for its sleek lines when the bolts on the wings are dangerously loose.
Looking at the high rating reviews there are obviously people for whom Outdoors GPS works admirably but lately, having plotted a GPS track on Outdoors GPS online, I feel it is reluctant to appear on my phone, and if it does may appear at some random spot down the list. Then, having eventually downloaded to my phone, there is always an element of HOPE that my paid-for OS maps will appear on my phone when at my destination. On the last three occasions, despite following instructions and having the downloaded map seemingly on my phone... nothing. This last time there was no OS map behind my route despite fiddling with it for ages, yet when I finished the walk and opened it again, it had magically appeared. I have other options, but for people who rely on downloaded maps for safety, this app gives absolutely no guarantees and it’s time to stop wasting my time. Hello Viewranger.
Looking at the high rating reviews there are obviously people for whom Outdoors GPS works admirably but lately, having plotted a GPS track on Outdoors GPS online, I feel it is reluctant to appear on my phone, and if it does may appear at some random spot down the list. Then, having eventually downloaded to my phone, there is always an element of HOPE that my paid-for OS maps will appear on my phone when at my destination. On the last three occasions, despite following instructions and having the downloaded map seemingly on my phone... nothing. This last time there was no OS map behind my route despite fiddling with it for ages, yet when I finished the walk and opened it again, it had magically appeared. I have other options, but for people who rely on downloaded maps for safety, this app gives absolutely no guarantees and it’s time to stop wasting my time. Hello Viewranger.
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Review
Loved the original format, so simple and straightforward. The new set up drives me nuts. I get stuff appearing on the screen, routes et cetera which I don’t want, and it seems impossible to get rid of them. I don’t understand the control symbols, and there seems to be no way of finding out how to shut the unwonted information off. Please would it be possible to do a two tier system. For those who prefer the simple set up as it originally was, and don’t want to plan routes or track routes, the set up as it was, and for the technically minded who want the planning facilities, an upgraded version. Or give us the facilities and an explanation of how to shut off the unwonted stuff please
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Differences between off line and live OS maps and poor customer support
This is generally a good app, with good OS coverage throughout Britain. It is very much let down by the poor customer support, if a question is easily answered they do so, however more complicated issues are simply ignored!
In addition there are differences between the offline OS maps and the live (OS unlimited) maps. At the same scale and supposed level of detail, the offline maps has less, missing and incorrect detail, for example it has paths missing or mislabelled (i.e. a bridleway marked as a footpath, or permissive paths not marked at all). This has been a major issue when walking out of phone signal range. I normally carry a paper map as backup, however why am I paying for a service which doesn’t provide the correct information?
I would recommend looking around for alternative OS apps before paying to use this one. At least till they resolve the discrepancy in their maps and improve their customer support.
In addition there are differences between the offline OS maps and the live (OS unlimited) maps. At the same scale and supposed level of detail, the offline maps has less, missing and incorrect detail, for example it has paths missing or mislabelled (i.e. a bridleway marked as a footpath, or permissive paths not marked at all). This has been a major issue when walking out of phone signal range. I normally carry a paper map as backup, however why am I paying for a service which doesn’t provide the correct information?
I would recommend looking around for alternative OS apps before paying to use this one. At least till they resolve the discrepancy in their maps and improve their customer support.
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Probably the Best Maps in the World
OK I’m biassed, as I have been using OS maps for 60 years and was taught how to read them at school (one of the few things I remember learning).
To have access to every map is a splendid use for the iPhone and to see your exact position on it without the need to locate the nearest church with a steeple or a triangulation pillar is a bonus.
There are a lot of mapping choices for the iPhone, many with street names and door numbers. The level of OS mapping in this app does not go down that far, but the information from the cartography is incredible once you get to grips with the various conventions. If the 1:1250 scale could be added as another layer the package would be complete.
To have access to every map is a splendid use for the iPhone and to see your exact position on it without the need to locate the nearest church with a steeple or a triangulation pillar is a bonus.
There are a lot of mapping choices for the iPhone, many with street names and door numbers. The level of OS mapping in this app does not go down that far, but the information from the cartography is incredible once you get to grips with the various conventions. If the 1:1250 scale could be added as another layer the package would be complete.
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Much improved
I have been using successfully for a few years now but the previous revision gave big problems when attempting to use “OS unlimited” online maps and recognising my subscription logon. This latest version seems to have overcomes these problems and it’s back to being a really good walking navigation tool. Great for planning walks and tracking progress. With the maps downloaded, battery life is also much better than using online maps on the old version.
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Chuffin’ Useless.
Why oh WHY ca you not fix the problem with me having two apple ID’s? Many years ago I bought the original GB and Parks app, along with a not insubstantial number of map purchases (running into hundreds of £). I’ve since changed Apple ID (to an Apple one!) and this app just can’t seem to cope. I either have to be logged in to iTunes as my old Apple ID (and so logged OUT of every other app that I have on my phone) or logged into everything else on my phone BUT be booted out of this app. It’s so bloody frustrating.
Bottom line: I pay for a pro subscription, but have to sacrifice the use of every other app in order to be able to use it. Chuffin’ useless. Plus the new app looks as though a two-year old has designed it.
Bottom line: I pay for a pro subscription, but have to sacrifice the use of every other app in order to be able to use it. Chuffin’ useless. Plus the new app looks as though a two-year old has designed it.
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Terrible update
I’ve been using this app for over six years and absolutely loved it. The most recent facelift update is a total disaster. It is now impossible to copy and duplicate routes so you can make small changes or a shorter route home if the weather turns bad. Worse than that there is now corruption on my existing routes so that many of them are showing multiple laps of the route. For example a 50 mile route is now showing as 100 miles and the route has been put in twice once on top of the other. Please can you fix the route problem or return me to the previous version.
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