GPS app and best maps

[slackman99]

Evening all, looking to use an old phone as a GPS for some exploring.

So far I've tried a few different apps and they all seem to have something going for them.

Backcountry Navigator has OS maps (still not sure if they are 1:50k or 1:25k)
Locus Maps seems to have lots of features including dashboards that you can customise so they show speed, distance etc over the map.
Gaia seems pretty basic (maybe more suited to the US).

I've spent the money on the Locus app for the dashboards and app for my pebble but can't find any really good maps (for free or low cost).

I like OS maps as I like maps that show the footpaths etc so I can explore around my way. None of the maps for Locus seem to show footpaths.

Do the Talkytoaster 1:50k paid maps show footpaths?

Should I invest in an iOffer SD card with OS maps, and are the maps from that site actual OS maps or just something similar?

Does anyone have the backcountry Navigator paid app? If so, what is the difference over the free app? Can I have a dashboard overlaid on the map?

Sorry for all the questions? Interested to hear what apps and maps people use and if there's a particular reason why they've chosen that one?

[Bearbonesnorm]

Should I invest in an iOffer SD card with OS maps, and are the maps from that site actual OS maps or just something similar?

They appear to be exactly the same as OS.

[slackman99]

Well that's a positive. Not sure I want to stump up for them when I'm trying to do this on the 'cheap' but at least it's a backup if I cants find anything else.

Out of interest have you seen/got the 1:50k or 1:25k ?

[johnnystorm]

Backcountry Navigator is both OS scales. Aren't the free and paid for versions the same, but the free ones lock after 30 days? Worth downloading and trying it out, no risk.

OSMAND+ is also worth a look. It's OSM mapping but also works as a car style sat nav. Handy if you want then by turn instructions.

[Bearbonesnorm]

Out of interest have you seen/got the 1:50k or 1:25k ?

1:50, I don't think I'd want all the detail of 1:25 on a gps screen.

[Wilkyboy]

Out of interest have you seen/got the 1:50k or 1:25k ?

1:50, I don't think I'd want all the detail of 1:25 on a gps screen.

I use the 1:50k OS maps on my Garmin 1000 and there's plenty enough detail to navigate by off-road, even too much at that scale at times.

I'll be bringing 1:50k both digital and paper and that should be enough detail.

[Charliecres]

I use Viewranger because I bought lots of 1:50 OS maps via their shop on the cheap years ago. It’s pretty good. Only ever use it for planning/plotting routes, though. It’s there as a back-up for my Etrex if needed but it never has been.

[Moder-dye]

Maverick by code sector on android. Free. Caches off line and a range of maps available free including OS at 1:50k and 1:25k free.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/deta ... erick.lite

Been using it for years for work and leisure and its ace

[quimarche]

The Talkytoaster 1:50k paid maps do show footpaths. And bridleways.

[slackman99]

Ok, definitely some food for thought. Off to check out Maverick. Just assumed I'd want the 1:25k. The footpaths are overgrown here so more detail (or at least a better zoom level) often helps.

If the Talkytoaster maps have all the footpaths then that might also be an option.