Monday, April 12, 2010

iPhone OS Maps

We have just created A4 size pages showing OS 1:25,000 maps of the entire route (all using the OS OpenSpace API : http://openspace.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/openspace). One thing which we have been lacking as a backup during our walks is a GPS device which would allow us to 'confirm' where we are in the highly unlikely event that we get lost. As such, being lucky enough to possess an iPhone, we decided to peruse the App Store to see if there were any applications which could be used as a GPS device for the entire C2C.

There are quite a lot of GPS apps for the iPhone which provide varying degrees of functionality and services. However, most do not currently provide maps in enough detail for the entire C2C route unless you are prepared to spend a significant amount of money. After looking at a number of different apps we stumbled upon "Outdoors GB - National Parks" (see here: http://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/outdoors-gb-national-parks/id336150457?mt=8)which provides 1:50K of all national parks in Great Britain e.g. it shows most/all footpaths of all national parks in the Great Britain, in addition to 1:250K of the whole of Great Britain. Luckily almost all of the C2C is in one of three national parks: Lake District,Yorkshire Moors or the Yorkshire Dales, which means this app is ideal for us. The app downloads all map data to the iPhone so that we do not have to worry about loosing phone reception when walking in remote areas and it can be used in conjunction with the iPhone GPS showing us where on the map we are located. On top of this the app currently only costs £14.99 which is an absolutely bargain considering buying the equivalent paper based maps would cost much more. Needless to say we are very happy with the new purchase.

Only 5 weeks to go now...both of us are getting excited!!!