We've partnered with Outdooractive
Whilst the ability to use a map and a compass will always be foundational to both the training and qualification – not to mention the reality of being a walk leader – tools and skills evolve – very very few leaders don’t have some sort of mapping software on their phone nowadays.
But – there a huge range of mapping and ‘hiking-guide’ software out there – some of it very good – some of it worryingly bad….
Here at Wellness Walks we want our team to have the best tools to help make them the best leaders possible – so we thought we’d explain why we’ve partnered with Outdooractive.
Outdooractive have been super helpful – and wonderfully they’ve offered all the Wellness Walks Team a free Pro+ (the very top tier) license – initially its for three months – but if we prove we’re using it they’re very keen to extend.
They’re also offering all of our participants a 10euro discount – which equates to about 25%.
The best tool for the job...
Many outdoor instructors will often lament the disappearance of Viewranger – but actually it was bought and integrated into Oudooractive – that’s how we first came to know them.
For a long time in the UK Ordnance Survey (OS) has been the gold standard for mapping – its what most courses are based on, its the best mapping in the world. And we’re a big fan – but the app is sadly quite hard work, and of course it’s designed to (mainly) use OS maps. But nowadays a lot of other maps are available, are often easier (or at least more appropriate) to use.
Outdooractive are a huge organisation with a global reach – and it shows in the quality of the software and the range of options they have available.
Why different Maps are a benefit...
There are lots of reasons you might want to look at, or use, a different map.
OS have mapping for every single part of the UK – its reliable, a gold-standard product and it’s been around so long that we’re all familiar with it (to some level) – so any app or software we use has to have it. It’s included in Outdooractive.
But for some people – myself included, OS maps can seem a little ‘busy’; in mountain areas the contours can overwhelm – so for a long time my map of choice has been a Harveys map – ground is colour coded and easy to ‘immediately’ see, contours are 15m so features are more striking etc. Harveys Maps are included in Outdooractive Pro+.
But – once I started to use the app I realised there are lots of maps (& if I go overseas it also works there…) and actually that can be a huge real-world benefit.
Many of our Wellness Walks volunteers are Lowland Leaders – and a key factor is being on a ‘path’ that’s both visible on the ground AND the map. On a recent course in the Scottish Highlands the following three pictures told a very interesting story. On our journey we came to a large track – quite close to our target – but not quite right….
OS 1:25,000 map shows a T junction and boundary….
But we were definitely at a crossroads on a national trail, hmmmm.
Harveys 1:40,000 map showed a path or bridleway crossing us…
but this was a big, vehicle sized track….
This ‘open’ map level showed a named road…
Now we’re not always a fan of open access mapping as we’re never 100% sure how its validated – but it does often have much better localised knowledge. We confirmed where we were by pacing to the stream – and suddenly it all made sense again.
How easy is it to use...
Very – over the quieter winter months we’ll be uploading some ‘how to’ videos – but so far its the best interface we’ve come across.
Recording a track is super simple – and seems to use very little battery life compared to other apps I’ve used – I was able to record a six hour route in and out of trees in the Lake District and it used less than 15% of my Samsung S24 battery (only glanced at occasionally).
I quite often like to record tracks for notes later or participant feedback – it’s something that’s proven surprisingly difficult on other apps – on Outdooractive its literally two clicks, and I particularly like that I can hide the track to see the map better.
What else has impressed us?...
If you press the little compass icon on the top right of the screen then a fantastic screen comes up with co-ordinates, (the dreaded, but useful in towns) What 3 Words and a UK Grid Reference.
Super useful.
Conclusion
Map and compass will always be our basics – but as skills evolve – if we want an exceptional experience for our beneficiaries and course candidates – then understanding and using the best tools is obvious.
We’ll be adding more top tips and videos as we learn more about Outdooractive and as they continue to add features.
