Need a new app for navigation since viewranger decided to shoot itself in the face. Sounds like backcountry navigator is the best choice if you want both OSM mapping and OS mapping (this is what I used to have on view ranger and flip between the two - but then they cancelled my OS subscription...).
However there seem to be multiple versions:
Backcountry navigator TOPO GPS (£12.99)
Backcountry navigator XE (free)
Backcountry navigator TOPO GPS (free)
Any idea which I want? I want to be able to pay for years worth of OS maps (i assume I can!).
The free version of topo gps works with OS, no subscription required.
The idea of subscription for the maps is a hangover from an inferior app. The free access is through Bing maps. The function on BC will only work as long as Bing subscribe and continue to provide that data.
The Pro version allows you to download areas of selectable size and detail to your phone, which will be worthwhile if you do not have data connection.
So is the pro version the 'Backcountry navigator TOPO GPS 12.99' version? Or the XE version?
Def want to be able to download maps... does the bing thing effectively mean they're ripping them off / priating off the bing website? If so access may not last forever!
Bing pay for a licence to use them like that. As do backcountry navigator. The reason I mentioned it was so that you know buying the app won't necessarily guarantee access forever but I think it's a good deal. I don't know what the Xe version is. You can try the free version to make sure you like the interface and the layout
XE is a relatively new version of BCN which can run in a web browser and run on iOS.
But it is still (effectively) in beta mode with only a small amount of the functionality of the earlier (Android only) version.
XE, IIRC, is built around a subscription model.
If you've got an Android phone, just install the free non-XE version and play around with it. You can always got the Pro version later
(I've been using the Pro version for several years now so I can't remember what the limitations are for the free version)
The free one is something like a 30day free trial, but I think it has all the key function. Then you have to buy the pro version (TOPO GPS), but at a one off £12.99 it's worth it (I've been using it for around 10 years). If you have any worries about losing Bing OS mapping then just permanently download all the key areas (assuming you have the phone memory for it). As above Pro version is Android only if that's an issue. as above The XE one is a subscription version and is android and ios I think, I've never bothered looking into it. Any questions just ask.
Reading a few reviews, the free version no longer gives access to OS maps.
I have the paid for version and it is indeed great
Moved to BCN after Viewranger did the unthinkable.
BCN has been great so far, I've got the paid version. There's a limit to the size of map you can have stored in one directory of 4 Gig. Nothing to prevent you having maps stored in more than 1 directory tho. I reached the 4 Gig limit as I've got the whole of Scotland offline on my phone. The only thing I'm really missing is when you drag the crosshairs to another location on the map Viewranger gave a range and elevation to the new target. On BCN you can set up range rings round your present location.
I'd go back to Viewranger if I could but BCN's a great alternative.