The MapFinder app for iPhone and iPad

4.8 ( 9968 ratings )

Navigation Lifestyle
Developer: Ordnance Survey Limited

Free

Current version: 3.1.6, last update: 3 years ago
First release : 10 Jan 2013
App size: 332.97 Mb

The MapFinder app will remain for customers to use and access their purchased map tiles but unfortunately will no longer be updated with new features and content. For the latest and most up to date app from Ordnance survey search for ‘OS Maps’. This app also allows customers to download a digital version of their paper map, and view and subscribe to see all of the GB Ordnance Survey maps. OS Maps won the Digital Product of the year 2017 by the Outdoor Industry Association.

Please note: OS Maps and The MapFinder are not compatible and therefore purchases cannot be transferred between the apps.

The MapFinder is a large download. With it, you can search our 1:250 000 scale road map by place name, postcode or address. You won’t even need an internet connection to search as it also works offline. Then, via the in-app options, you can buy the OS Landranger (1:50 000) and OS Explorer (1:25 000) close-up maps of the areas you’d like to focus on.

Despite our original commitment to maintain this application until April 2016, we have continued maintenance into 2017. Whilst we will no longer develop content and features going forward, the application will still be available for existing customers to continue to use their purchased content. As operating systems are updated the application may become less stable. For the most stable and up to date application from Ordnance Survey we would recommend the OS Maps app.

The MapFinder includes:

• A free overview of Great Britain at 1:250 000 scale
• Free road maps down to street level
• Options to buy high-resolution OS Explorer and OS Landranger maps
• Route recording and planning tools – record your routes in real time
• Route import and export functions
• Time, distance, OS grid references, latitude and longitude
• Select a route, see how long it will take on average to walk
• Place name look-up – postcodes and places in Great Britain
• Ordnance Survey grid reference look-up
• And useful tips on how to read and navigate maps

Customer Support
Our team is here to help if you get any problems with The MapFinder. If you can, check the FAQs first at https://www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/shop/mapfinder.html, or contact us via our online customer service portal at https://www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/contact/

App and Map sizes
The app is a large download. It has to save the maps and search database to your device. Please make sure your device has enough free space and you’re connected to a stable WiFi point before starting the download. The purchasable map sections are around 60MB each. If you want to save space, you can remove a purchased map section from your device, and then download it again (free of charge) when you next need it.

Continued use of GPS running in the background can dramatically decrease battery life..

Ordnance Survey is committed to creating the best mobile mapping experiences. We welcome your feedback and comments, and strive to act promptly on any complaints. Please get in contact with us via Twitter @OSLeisure, by phone on 03454 56 04 20
or via email at [email protected].

Pros and cons of The MapFinder app for iPhone and iPad

The MapFinder app good for

Although i have bought nearly all OS maps with other vendors OS is not capable or willing to make those maps useable in this app. I wont buy these maps twice. So i will stick with my old trusty navigation app.

All I need to have: the well known quality of the Ordnance Survey maps up to the detailed 1:25000 scale and an easy and fast way to plan routes. Now lets walk the planned routes!

Some bad moments

Im sure its an ok app but no mention of the fact you have to pay a subscription until you register and take my details. Good job I used a fake email address. Deleted!

By far biggest issue is cost: as an example, my bother lives near the intersection of 4 tiles, so walks we take mean buying all 4 tiles. I can access Google maps for free. Obviously, I would prefer OS maps, but for a single walk with my brother I think Ill stick with Google. Id need to be doing regular walks in an unknown area to justify buying maps. The other deficiency is that GPS real time data does not tell me my altitude/elevation as I walk up a hill. I want this also recorded to show a chart/graph of my walks cross-sectional height.

Im really happy OS have made this app. Ill be visiting my home town of Bath next week and being able to get offline OS maps on my iPhone and iPad for hiking around the outskirts of the city is really great. Also having OS maps to plan with in advance is fantastic. Id love to see the overall app navigation simplified as it can be a little confusing in places. I think the use cases may need to be rethought a bit. Also adding pins to the map would be great, in addition to only routes (connected by lines). Also Id make this 5 stars if you implemented iCloud sync of planned and recorded routes. I would like to plan routes on my iPads big screen but take my phone with me on hikes. Also Im not sure why the app is 350+ megabytes. Surprisingly large?

I used this app on a recent trip to England and when I didnt have cell coverage this app at least let me see where I was driving or walking. I could not figure out how to use it for all functions but for free it was a good gps finder. Too bad doesnt work in U.S.

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