Memory maps - OS maps working in IPad- Finally

[vaclove]

Greetings to everyone,
Those of you who like OS maps might have used a software called Memory Maps. This allows viewing and manipulation with OS maps of various scales on computer.
The maps contain amazing number of information and many people were hoping on using these on IPad as it is portable and has nice and big screen compared to most of the GPS devices.

Memory maps have released a free app some time ago, but it could not open the map files people had and it was requesting purchase of additional license or something like that. Lot of people complained that as they have license for the maps already, why do they need to purchase it again.

Recently, I got an iPad and looked bit into it and it turns out that the new Memoy Maps app for £0.69 can open the files from PC.

There is however still bit of controversy - some people say they were able to open their files, some people say they weren't. As for myself, I just uploaded a file and simply opened the map on the iPad. GPS gives the location as I move - everything I ever wanted out of that.

 

[AberdeenAngus]

Interesting. Which file did you upload ?

 

[vaclove]

The 3 files which come with the map. I think is .qct or something like that (there is index files, elevation file and map file). The trick was that the Memory Maps application was initally not picking the uploaded files, but displaying files that needed to be purchased. This was because, the maps uploaded were of type which was disabled in the default settings of the application (they have Basemap, Land, Mobile topo, Road and Topo).
Also, I had one map, which could not be viewed for some reason.

I can provide some more details, if there is an interest.

 

[AberdeenAngus]

I would appreciate that.

 

[Andy B]

So would this app mean I could open Garmin gpx and gpb files that have either been sent as email attachments or that can be downloaded from websites?

 

[vaclove]

Apologies for such a later reply. It took me time to put the info together.
So, here is what I know:

If you an owner of OS maps from Memory maps, you have 5 licenses to use the maps on various devices such as iPad or iPhone. It should be pointed out, that only the celular version of iPad has build in GPS.
To get the map into your device, you copy .qct .mmi and .qed files to the Memory Maps application using iTunes. Then, depending on your location and maps you have, you will be able to view the relevant maps. (1:600 000, 1:250 000, 1:50 000, 1:25 000 etc.)
The 1:250 000 maps is available from MM for free. There are some mobile maps, that you can subscribe to (1:50 000 is ca £40 and 1:25000 for £199). In my understanding, this means, that what is downloaded to the device stays in the device.

Anyway, back to the maps. When the app is running, it shows you exactly where on the OS map you currently are and how fast you are moving. It also logs the track. I have noticed, when the app is running in the background, it does not log or do anything.

Regarding the .gpx files. I found, that the .gpx is the only format that the app can open. You just send yourself an email with the .gpx file and open it with the app. All the tracks, routes and waypoint will be accessible.

It is important to note, that the maps are not routable. Any route created in Basecamp or such will only consist from points connected by line. You can switch from a map display to a window pointing you to the nearest route point, but it is not as you are used from Garmin devices. Best way might be to convert the route to track and navigate using the track.

In my opinion, this is a great application as it serves as an instant high resolution map showing you where you are and what is around rather than telling you where to go. So far, I have created a route on Memory Maps for windows and exported it to the app. Then, I have just followed the road, being reassured by the red line, which was the route, I have created.

 

[Wreford Miles]

Have you tried the ViewRanger app

 

[Dansin]

Mini thread hijack. Not for ios but MM Tracker works flawlessly on android with whatever memory maps you already have. You can find it free too.