PSA - OS location app. Last chance saloon

I use it lots just for screen shots of some of minor achievements and also to check my map reading. It’s really good, are they replacing it with something else? It works when the map app doesn’t.

will it still be available for Apple?

Being discontinued by the OS and removed from the App Store for Android as of tomorrow.

Will it actually work after that though? It's the best and simplest for what it does but I'd be very wary about relying on it in anyway after it's discontinued, especially if you've a recent (and up to date) handset as you may discover it doesn't work following an update.

I got the notification via the Mountain/Cave rescue network. Here is the message

"

Hi

We have recently been informed that the OS Locate app will be removed from the app store at the end of October 2023, tomorrow.

Due to the age of OS Locate, the app will be removed from the Google Play store for anyone looking to install it on an android device.

This does not affect IOS devices (Apple) and Android devices which already have the app installed.

OS know that OS Locate is a beloved app, and they are currently working on a series of updates to the popular OS Maps app, which will incorporate the functions of OS Locate. OS expects this to be available in early 2024.

If you use an androide device and wish to use OS Locate, you need to download the app today."

Thank you for that, it is indeed “beloved”!

I use Grid Reference - seems to work OK. 

I find the compass very useful - used it Saturday.

We use it when we forget the gps. It's a shame it's not still there.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=net.blerg

they are currently working on a series of updates to the popular OS Maps app, which will incorporate the functions of OS Locate

I never trusted and never will trust an app as sole means of maps and navigation, and this app reminded me of why. I'd been using it for hours in the mountains, next time I opened it just a white screen, nothing would get it to work.

There's much to be said for a simple grid ref app with little to go wrong.

It’s a bit poor they’re taking it down before the replacement is ready.

Is there anything third party that’s similar?

if Google earth is working just drop a pin and it shows the coordinates.

Thanks for the PSA.

I could have done with the app recently.
Was on a local dog walk and an upturned canoe floats down the River Forth.
Called 999- Coastguard and immediately got asked my location. Me: "Err, Um".
At that point the app would have been very useful.
We eventually agreed that "Above Stirling Auld Bridge" was a sufficient description, but the point is that stuff happens when you least expect it.

I never trusted and never will trust an app as sole means of maps and navigation, and this app reminded me of why. I’d been using it for hours in the mountains, next time I opened it just a white screen, nothing would get it to work.

I would agree the OS app is less than perfect - it works better than it did last year, but can still throw a wobbly when not connected to the intermanerd.
The WalkHighlands app however, with full OS mapping, has 'converted' me to using an app for most of my navigation.
That said, I do have a compass and a printed map in poly pocket still with me. Old habits and a fallback are a must for me.

I use a map a compass every now and again because I enjoy doing so. The challenge however is that the (correct) message should be to carry a map and compass and have the skill to use them.  That skill is increasingly hard for people to access, no-one even uses a road atlas any more. Without basic skills, a map and compass is as useless as any tech.

The most critical thing is to have a back up. So if relying on GPS in remote places, back-up could be a combinations of downloaded maps, a fully charged battery pack, a spare phone or another person in the group also having GPS. If you have the skills, map and compass is decent back-up

On an iPhone the Apple compass map does the same job, albeit doesn’t give the option of a grid reference, just longitude and latitude.

Does android have a similar native app?

Called 999- Coastguard and immediately got asked my location. Me: “Err, Um”.<br />At that point the app would have been very useful.

long term, you’re on a hiding to nothing using unsupported software, it will stop working eventually so you’ll have to find a replacement at some point! However it sounds like they’re working on incorporating the features into their main app - I’ve never rated that though, better alternatives available.

I didn't know this existed!

I use GPS status which gives the same information but not in such a clean and straight forward way.

It's a shame they are ditching it.

Way better than what 3 words.

If you have a Garmin watch you can set up a hotkey so pressing a single button displays your OS grid ref. Not much use if you don't of course but it seems to be a feature that a lot of people don't know about, so I thought I'd pass it on

Thanks for that reminder @roverpig...I'd forgotten about that feature, now sorted on my watch!

If you have a Garmin watch you can set up a hotkey so pressing a single button displays your OS grid ref.

@roverpig Do you happen to know if there’s a way of doing that with an Edge?

You can just say where am I to Siri and it gives you coordinates. W3w more useful though because it’s ubiquitous now

However Siri needs to be online. But if you’re making a call, surely you have signal? Idk! Talking out loud.

As above I use the Grid Reference App. It's simple, fast, no adverts, does what it says.
Yes relying on the phone is not ideal but as a convenient backup it's goo https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=net.blerg

Is there anything third party that’s similar?

I have a combination of w3w, OS Locate, UK Map, and Theodolite, which gives a whole range of location options. Plus I’ve got a version of ViewRanger, ViewRanger 2018, with the whole of the UK in 1:50k and a lot of 1:25k that I bought and downloaded.

I think I’m reasonably well covered…

Here’s info about Theodolite…

https://theodolite.app

If you have a Garmin watch you can set up a hotkey so pressing a single button displays your OS grid ref.

I did not know that. Now set up, thanks 👍