Question 1

What are Recommended Routes?

Accepted Answer

Recommended Routes are authoritative routes on OS Maps curated by our trusted partners. They are served first in any search results to users and include the route provider name and logo on the route card.

Question 2

Why provide Recommended Routes to OS Maps?

Accepted Answer

Here are some reasons why:We give you access to a ready-made, market-leading, navigation and mapping app for your official routesIt's free to upload and manage your contentYour routes are marked with Recommended Route Provider verification markExpand your reach to over 4 million active users of OS MapsPromote official routes via OS Maps to manage visitor flows Measure impact and evaluate route performance through analyticsEnable engagement through route design activities with networks and volunteers Enhance your brand through a visible partnership with Ordnance Survey.

Question 3

Apply to become an OS Maps Recommended Route Provider

Accepted Answer

To ensure we maintain the standard of the routes we are recommending to our users, we ask all potential route providers to first consider the following guidance:

Recommended Routes:

Are plotted accurately to a high waypoint density; use snap-to-path where appropriate
Keep to public rights of way or access land
Do not cross impassable terrain.

Recommended Route descriptions should be:

Informatively named, e.g. Loch Gynack moorland route, Cairngorms
Appropriately tagged with technical difficulty rating, e.g. easy/moderate/difficult/severe
Providing additional helpful information, e.g. access to amenities, car parks, toilets, refreshments
Inclusive, e.g. pushchair/wheelchair or stile free access indicated where present, bi-lingual where appropriate.

Links to the relevant physical OS Maps should also be provided where possible.

Recommended routes:

Have been followed and checked by a direct or third-party representative of the partner organisation.
We advise that these routes are periodically checked.

If you think your route collection meets these requirements, please complete our application form.

Become a Recommended Route Provider for OS Maps