Free mapping software

[Drago]

Just noticed this link today...

http://www.mapyx.com/quo/

Its the software that Mountain Rescue, Lowland Rescue and some police forces use, and its free, free, FREE! Ideal for planning mountain bike rides, touring, trig bagging etc. Its not a simple bit of kit, but its the real deal

Detailed mapping downloads start to cost (I have the whole British Isles in 1:25,000) but it gives you a chance to have a play, see if it suits your needs.

Enjoy!

 

[Deleted member 23692]

I used this for close on 9 years now and it's a very good GIS program, and certainly far better than Memory Map, Anquet most other available prosumer kit. ...

...but as it uses raster maps it's won't snap to roads like the plotting facility on Ride with GPS etc. as you need to multi click to get round every bend/kink Quo is far too slow for that usage, and especially so when it comes to editing a line.

Of late, certain features on Quo don't work - especially if it's hard linking to an external web resource . For instance the link to display the line Google Earth no longer work on Win10.

You used to be able to use OSM maps but they quickly plugged that lop hole as it made the whole system totally free

 

[Drago]

@Ffoeg do you have any experience of using Mapyx Quo through a laptop linked to a GPS antenna?

 

[Deleted member 23692]

No I don't as I've not got a suitable GPS. It certainly won't work with via any eTrex ranging from the old yellow jobbie up to the modern Touch 35 and all in between.

I know the live GPS is one of the features that MRT's and DofE groups like. They were promoting some wee GPS tags so you could track numerous targets at the same time while back but I can't find it on their site at the mo.

 

[Drago]

I've got the SARMAN training coming soon, so should be brought up to date on the tracking etc.

 

[mjr]

Only Windows and only zero price, not free as in freedom. Just saying to save others looking.

 

[amasidlover]

I've been really impressed with Ordnance Survey's new offering at £20 per year for all of their maps - I've been using it for a year now and, although the 'follow roads' equivalent only works in National Parks, it is as good, if not better, than most of the other sites.

I mainly use it for off-road running as its by far the best tool for checking rights of way but do occasionally use it for cycling.

EDIT: And it includes unlimited printing at A4/A3!