Ref-To-Range (Fast Route Card). Ideal for Outdoorists who Ramble, Walk, Run, or Cycle the Countryside
by Paul Wilks
Nov 22, 2011 8:32 AM –
Install
Ref-To-Range (Fast Route Card) is a simple tool for calculating the distance between two points on an Ordnance Survey map. It additionally includes the degree bearing between those two positions. Perhaps ideal for people who engage in outdoor pursuits where something like Google Maps is rendered unhelpful; such as ramblers, hikers or mountain bikers.
Price: $0.99
Tested on: HTC Desire HD
Content Rating: Everyone
Pros & Cons:
Pros
- Fast and accurate.
- Easy to use.
- Simple UI.
Cons
- Works from Ordnance Survey maps so UK-only.
Features:
Ref-To-Range (Fast Route Card) is a nifty little tool which is ideal for people who utilise Route Cards. For the uninitiated, Route Cards help ramblers/hikers/hill walkers to plan their route. Obviously if the terrain is challenging or perhaps dangerous, the route needs to be accurate to avoid getting lost. In order to do this the ramblers will often use a route card and a compass to ensure they are on the right track. Where Ref-To-Range (Fast Route Card) comes in is that it not only calculates distance between 2 positions on a Ordnance Survey map, but also gives you the compass bearing, saving time and putting the technology within your Android phone to good use!
With the navigation tools contained in Google Maps you only really get accurate guidance if there are roadways or paths, so Ref-To-Range (Fast Route Card) obviously helps far more if you are off-road and in the wild. The app is very simple but works well, quickly generating a distance and bearing. The UI is very basic but serves its function.
For most people, I might imagine, the abilities of apps like Google Maps will be enough. With that in mind consider carefully whether you need this, it is a paid app after all. However, if you enjoy long-distance walking, running, or even orienteering- this might just be a handy tool in your route-making arsenal.
One thing however is that it only works with coordinates given from an Ordnance Survey map, which confines use to Great Britain. On that basis however the app should work well with a OS app such as OS Atlas.
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Ref-To-Range – Main Screen
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Ref-To-Range – Full calculation
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Ref-To-Range – Info
Usefulness:
The app would be very useful for people who create such routes, or even professional people who might need to know such distances; perhaps surveyors or those who work with radio waves and frequencies (although I’m guessing here as I have practically no expertise in this kind of science!)
Ease of Use:
There is essentially a basic form to complete; point A and point B, followed by calculate. It’s probably easier than sending a text.
Frequently Used:
You would use this whenever you needed to get a correct bearing and distance. Depending on your lifestyle and engagement with these kind of outdoor pursuits, this could be very regularly- even every day.
Interface:
The interface is incredibly basic, certainly nothing here to wow you, but in the middle of Lake District, with nightfall on its way, low on water and morale and have aching feet- do you really want jaw-dropping graphics?