The type of adventure we embark on often dictates the kind of map we need. If you’re navigating towns and cities then OpenStreetMap or similar will show the features you need. But if you’re out and about in the countryside then topographic maps featuring elevation contours, trails and natural features will work best.
The most familiar topographical map for the UK is Ordnance Survey and many people instantly opt for OS without giving the matter a second thought.
However, maps such as our exclusive Adventure map have been created for the specific use of walkers and road/MTB cyclists. Adventure Map contains all the features you need and we’ve stripped back the details you don’t. That means it’s much clearer and easier to read, making navigation far easier and enjoyable.
What is Adventure map?
Adventure map is an exclusive custom design that blends the comprehensive global coverage of OpenStreetMap/OpenCycleMap with the high contrast, outdoor adventure focus of the best national mapping cartography.
For example, the clarity and contrast for the Ordnance Survey 1:25k Explorer series is blended with global “routable” (and constantly updated) OpenCycleMap, to bring extra focus on topographic features especially relevant to outdoor adventures – tracks, trails, byways, bridleways, rivers, bridges, cols and contours and the such like.
Users find the Adventure layer an ideal combination of detail and simplicity, perfect for outdoor exploring and adventures.
The image below helps you compare the view. On the right is an OS Map view and on the left is the Adventure map view. You’ll see Adventure map is much simpler, with lots of detail unnecessary to the walker/cyclist stripped back.
Benefits of Adventure map over OS Maps
- Easier to read
- Continually updated
- Globally uniform style for all countries
- Powerful base map for global off-road routing
- Optimised primarily for outdoor users (features such as motorways are minimised whilst features such as tracks and trails are enhanced).
This isn’t to say we’re not fans of OS Maps. On the contrary, the Xpedition2 Standard and Premium subscriptions give you access to both Adventure Maps and OS Maps on Xpedition2 and you can toggle between the two (and a range of other map layers) to plan your trip on your desktop/laptop.
Log into Xpedition2.com and choose Worldwide (SatMapAdventure) in the bottom left of the screen to try Adventure Map for yourself .
