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9 Aug 2023 08:45 AM

Following user feedback, OS Maps has been updated to expand the service of one of its most popular features – Snap-to-path

The popular route planning tool now works across the whole of Great Britain and supports global users to plot routes.

Snap-to-path feature has been improved on OS Maps App

In 2017, Ordnance Survey introduced the snap-to-path tool in OS Maps for Great Britain’s national parks to help walkers and cyclists quickly and easily plot routes. The tool soon became one of the most used features within OS Maps.

In July this year, the OS Maps development team announced the exciting launch of snap-to-paths for the whole of Great Britain in response to users request for the tool to be rolled out nationally.

What is snap-to-path?

Snap-to-path is a helpful tool which automatically ‘snaps’ a route you’re plotting to include suggested paths, tracks and roads. It means you don’t have to trace out every detail of your route by drawing hundreds of straight lines; instead, just click two points on the map, and a route between them will be calculated automatically.

The tool, which can easily be switched on and off within OS Maps, is already getting positive feedback, and in the first two weeks over 60,000 users have already enabled the feature.

 

The users of OS Maps asked, and we listened. That’s why we’ve made snap-to-path available across Great Britain as well as supporting users of the app internationally. At OS we put the customer first and on hearing the feedback and requirements of our half million users of OS Maps, we’ve delivered an enhanced offering which will encourage many more outdoor adventures.

Nicole Frith, OS Maps Product Manager 

Nicole Frith, OS Maps Product Manager, said: “The users of OS Maps asked, and we listened. That’s why we’ve made snap-to-path available across Great Britain as well as supporting users of the app internationally.

“At OS we put the customer first and on hearing the feedback and requirements of our half million users of OS Maps, we’ve delivered an enhanced offering which will encourage many more outdoor adventures.”

The improved route plotting experience will not only make it quicker and easier to plot routes but also provide users with more accurate information on distance and time, a key component and essential when planning any walk or ride that ensures the outdoors is enjoyed safely but also made more accessible to everyone.

Nicole added: “Alongside the snap-to-path tool we have also released additional educational in-app dialogues within OS Maps. This important information will help remind users of the Countryside Code and to respect and protect the British countryside, as well as safety tips and important things to look out for when walking or navigating the great outdoors.

“We want to make the outdoors enjoyable, accessible and safe and the new releases in OS Maps tick all the boxes in terms of functionality and ease of use.”

More information is available by visiting Snap to path (osmaps.com)