OS Locate

OS Locate

by Ordnance Survey

160 ratings
75 reviews

Archived App (Last seen on 30 May 2025)

This is an archived listing of the app previously available on the App Store.

Although the app is no longer distributed by Apple, you can still view its description, screenshots, version history, ratings, and metadata for reference.

Details

  • Released
  • Updated
OS Locate screenshot #1 for iPhone
OS Locate screenshot #2 for iPhone
OS Locate screenshot #3 for iPhone
iphone
watch
🖼️Get Icon
Icons↘︎

About

Pinpoint your exact location on an Ordnance Survey map anywhere in Great Britain. This app converts GPS data to National Grid references, even without a mobile signal. It also features a digital compass, altitude information, and the ability to convert to international coordinates.

National Grid reference conversion
Offline GPS functionality
Digital compass
Altitude information
International coordinate conversion
Location sharing
Show original description

What users say

See all reviews

What's New in OS Locate

1.6.2

November 2, 2022

Analytics improvements

User reviews

Great app🩷🩷🩷🩷

it’s so fun to use and can’t wait for dofe so nice job OS Locate!

Very good on DofE

Very good on my DofE and helped me and my group way find 😁

👍

I think it’s pretty sigma and it’s a rizz full compass.🧀

Simple

Nice design easy on eye. Would be nice if mils would be an option

Great App

Great App - very accurate

Developer apps

User experience

🐞

Reported Bugs

13 issues

Compass points 90 degrees out in landscape mode

Bug

Compass out of calibration (approx. 90 degrees off)

Bug

Compass showing North and South incorrectly

Bug

Screen frozen, no way to locate

Bug

Readings for Easting and Northings are useless and too short

Bug

Compass does not point North consistently

Bug

iPad compatibility issues

Bug

Sharing location gives a broken link (fixed)

Bug

App crashes when accessing info > settings

Bug

Watch app has been out of action for 10 months and not fixed

Bug

Compass points 180 degrees out at sea

Bug

Compass points 90 degrees out in landscape mode on iPad

Bug

Apple Watch app only displays 6-figure grid reference

Bug

Requested Features

10 requests

Option to display mils

Feature

Display W3W words alongside NGR

Feature

Ability to calibrate compass

Feature

Option to set magnetic declination

Feature

Latitude longitude readout in degrees minutes seconds

Feature

Apple Watch app with 10-figure grid reference

Feature

Download larger map areas offline

Feature

Support for Northern Ireland grid

Feature

10-figure grid reference option

Feature

Bearing from OS Maps app integration

Feature

FAQ

What does OS Locate do?

OS Locate is a navigation tool that helps you find your exact position on an Ordnance Survey map. It converts your mobile device's GPS location readings into Ordnance Survey National Grid references, allowing for precise pinpointing of your location on paper maps.

Does OS Locate require a mobile signal?

No, OS Locate does not require a mobile signal to function. It relies on your device's inbuilt GPS system, which works even in remote areas where mobile reception is unavailable.

What are the key features of OS Locate?

Key features include converting GPS to Ordnance Survey National Grid references, offline functionality, a digital compass, accurate altitude information, and the ability to convert locations to international Latitude and Longitude readings for use anywhere in the world. It also offers a 'Share' button to let others know your location.

Is OS Locate free to use?

Yes, OS Locate is a free application. It is designed to be a complementary tool for Ordnance Survey paper maps and does not have any associated costs for download or use.

Who is OS Locate intended for?

OS Locate is ideal for anyone who enjoys outdoor adventures in Great Britain, such as hikers, walkers, and enthusiasts of the great outdoors. It is particularly useful for those who use Ordnance Survey paper maps and want a reliable way to confirm their position.