WIREDGOV

Ordnance Survey has unveiled the first big update of its popular OS MapFinder app, adding several new features and enhancements.

The latest version of OS MapFinder includes new advanced sharing options, greater social media integration and the ability to sync routes between iOS devices. Other usability enhancements include map grid optimisation and improved direction pointer features.

OS MapFinder was launched on 10 January 2013 and has already become a popular mapping app amongst both outdoor enthusiasts and people looking to explore more of Great Britain. Over the last two and a half months Ordnance Survey has been listening to customer feedback and the App team have developed several new enhancements, which have been included in the latest version.

One of the main areas of feedback focussed on route sharing and the integration between OS MapFinder and Ordnance Survey’s established online leisure portal – OS getamap. The new version has been developed to allow users to both export and import routes via email and URL. The upgrade now opens the door for users, of both OS MapFinder and OS getamap, to share GPX route files between platforms. The flexible sharing option also allows OS MapFinder users to easily import GPX files, which have been created on other third party apps and websites.

The new version of OS MapFinder also includes an easy to use feature enabling users to share their favourite routes with friends and family, via a range of social media channels, including Facebook and Twitter.

In addition to the sharing enhancements, customers will be pleased that the latest version now includes improved integration with iCloud, allowing users to sync, and share, routes between their different iOS devices. Previously routes were stored on individual devices; however, through the new version of OS MapFinder users can now quickly share routes between their personal iPhone, iPad and iPod touch devices.

Nick Giles, General Manager of Leisure at Ordnance Survey, said: “We have been delighted by the popularity of OS MapFinder since its launch in January. The latest version incorporates a number of features which customers have been asking for, including the option to both import and export routes.

“It is especially pleasing that users can now easily share between OS MapFinder and OS getamap, with over 140,000 routes uploaded in OS getamap, there is already a lot to explore. The feature allows the sharing of routes across both of Ordnance Survey leisure platforms, enabling users to see, and explore, routes on the most trusted and highest quality digital mapping of Great Britain.”

OS MapFinder is free to download from the Navigation category of the App Store and includes free overview mapping for the whole of Great Britain. Once downloaded OS MapFinder allows users to purchase and download more detailed map data for outdoor use.

A unique feature of the fast and easy to use app is the tile download facility, which provides users with the ultimate freedom to choose the maps they want. All maps are stored on the device, meaning they can be used even without a WiFi or mobile signal, improving reliability and the experience of using the maps outdoors. OS MapFinder allows users to record or draw their walking, cycling or running routes, adding photos and commentary along the way.

Nick added: “OS MapFinder is a must have mapping app for anyone who enjoys the outdoors. If you are planning a holiday or day trip over spring then why not explore the area in added detail with OS MapFinder. In addition you could also share your favourite routes via a range of social media channels - we would be delighted to see these on the Ordnance Survey Facebook page.

“Although we have made a number of enhancements to OS MapFinder, we are still looking to improve the app wherever we can. We will continue to listen to customer feedback and intend to release further OS MapFinder enhancements later in the year.”

To support the launch of the new version of OS MapFinder, the price of the in-app map tiles has been reduced for the spring period. For a limited time prices for 1:25 000 scale (100 km²) map tiles have up to 40% off.

The OS MapFinder app is free to download from the Navigation category of the App Store:

http://bit.ly/mapfinder

For more information from Ordnance Survey, please contact:

Rob Andrews – Head of Corporate Communications on: 023 8005 5563 or
robert.andrews@ordnancesurvey.co.uk