App Showcase: OS Maps
App info
- App name: OS Maps: Walk, Hike, Run, Bike
- Onboarding steps: 6
- Paywall type: Free Trial - Soft Paywall
- Monthly installs: 25,000
- Monthly revenue: $650,000
- App category: navigation
What it does
OS Maps is a comprehensive navigation app designed for outdoor activities. It allows users to plan routes, track their activities like hiking and running, and explore detailed maps. The app's key features include various map layers like topographic and satellite views, an AR compass for real-world orientation, and tools for creating, saving, and sharing routes.
Where it shines
OS Maps excels in providing tools for serious outdoor enthusiasts. The 'Locate me' function (01:41) is a standout, launching a powerful compass tool complete with precise coordinates, elevation data, and even an AR view (01:56). This transforms a simple utility into a mission-critical navigation aid. The route planning feature is also robust, offering snap-to-path drawing (07:07) that makes creating complex trails intuitive. Finally, the 3D Fly-through (07:43) provides a stunning and practical preview of a route's terrain, helping users understand the journey ahead.
UX highlights
- Layered Map Controls: The distinction between 'Basemaps', 'Map collections', and 'Overlays' (02:14) creates a clean system for managing complex visual information.
- Contextual Quick Actions: The main dashboard presents four clear actions: 'Locate me', 'Download map', 'Find route', and 'Record activity' (01:38), addressing the primary user needs upfront.
- Integrated Learning: The 'Learn' section (09:58) is segmented into 'Before', 'During', and 'After' an adventure, providing contextual tips and tutorials that are genuinely useful.
- Community Alerts: During activity recording, users can quickly add alerts for path obstructions like a 'Fallen tree' (05:45), contributing to a real-time community dataset.
- Detailed Route Information: Saved routes display rich data, including an elevation graph, waypoints with coordinates, and options to export or get directions (07:28).
- AR and 3D Visualizations: Features like the AR compass (01:56) and Tabletop 3D (07:55) offer innovative ways to visualize and understand terrain.
Monetization & growth
The app funnels users directly into a subscription during onboarding. After a multi-step sign-up, a paywall appears at 00:43. It presents two options, 'Annual' and 'Monthly', with the annual plan highlighted as the best value, offering a 14-day free trial and a 'save 65%' claim. The paywall effectively uses a feature carousel and a detailed Free vs. Premium comparison table (00:50) to justify the subscription cost. After subscribing, a 'Welcome to Premium!' modal (01:15) confirms the purchase and highlights key unlocked features.
Who it’s for
This app is clearly aimed at serious outdoor enthusiasts, including hikers, trail runners, and cyclists who venture into areas with unreliable cell service. The emphasis on detailed topographic maps, offline downloads, precise coordinate systems, and advanced tools like the AR compass caters to users who require more than standard turn-by-turn navigation. It's for the planner who wants to map out a route in detail and the adventurer who needs reliable orientation tools in the field.
Notes & opportunities
While powerful, the app has a few points of friction. The mandatory email verification during the initial sign-up (00:18) interrupts the flow and could cause user drop-off. Additionally, the app sometimes fails to download map areas or show topo data, presenting 'Area unavailable' messages (03:52, 04:17) without clear guidance on how to resolve the issue besides zooming or moving. A more intuitive way to select valid download regions could improve this experience. Finally, the sheer number of settings and map layers could be simplified or guided for novice users, who might feel overwhelmed by the professional-grade options.