Map Options for Your Outdoor GPS Unit: Ordnance Survey vs TopoActive Explained
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When choosing an outdoor GPS unit, one of the most important decisions is the type of map you use. Not all digital maps are created equal — and understanding the differences between Ordnance Survey 1:25k, 1:50k, and Garmin's TopoActive maps can make a big difference to your outdoor experience.
Let’s break it down clearly, so you can pick the best mapping for your next adventure.
🔍 Ordnance Survey 1:25,000 Maps (Explorer Series)
Best for: Walkers, hikers, runners, and anyone navigating footpaths and rights of way.
- Detail level: ★★★★★
This is the gold standard for detailed outdoor mapping in the UK. It shows footpaths, bridleways, byways, permissive paths, open access land, and even field boundaries — crucial for accurate navigation.
- Features only seen at this scale:
- Orange-dotted permissive paths
- Yellow shaded open access areas
- Black field boundaries
- Scale: 1mm = 25m on the ground (4cm = 1km)
- Coverage area: Smaller area per map tile – ideal for precision, not for cross-country coverage.
💡 If you’re heading into the hills, navigating farmland, or doing any kind of micro-navigation, this is the map for you.
🗺️ Ordnance Survey 1:50,000 Maps (Landranger Series)
Best for: General walkers, cyclists, and overview planning.
- Detail level: ★★★☆☆
Still shows footpaths, bridleways, and byways, but omits permissive paths, open access areas, and field boundaries. That means you could miss out on knowing where you have the legal right to roam.
- Scale: 1mm = 50m on the ground (2cm = 1km)
- Coverage area: Much larger area per map tile – good for planning long-distance or multi-day routes.
💡 Great for overview, but less ideal if you’re relying on detail for route-finding in complex terrain.
🌍 Garmin TopoActive Europe Maps (Preloaded)
Best for: Casual users, road navigation, and international travel.
- Detail level: ★★☆☆☆
TopoActive maps show roads, contour lines, trails, and terrain — but not rights of way. This means paths are visible, but you won’t know if they’re public or private, which can lead to unintentional trespassing.
- Extras: Routable for cycling and driving, includes POIs, and ideal for use outside the UK.
- Coverage area: Full European coverage included on many Garmin units at no extra cost.
💡 TopoActive maps are great if you’re navigating in Europe or sticking to established roads and major tracks. But for UK walking, they’re not a substitute for Ordnance Survey.
🧭 So, Which Mapping Should You Choose?
| Map Type | Best For | Shows Rights of Way? | Scale | Key Limitation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OS 1:25k | Serious walkers, trail users | ✅ Full detail | 1:25,000 | No real limitations, it is the best |
| OS 1:50k | Road cycling, overviews | ✅ Basic paths only | 1:50,000 | No open access land or permissive paths |
| TopoActive | Casual or European use | ❌ No legal path info | Variable | Can't identify public vs private routes |
💬 Our Verdict
- For UK walking and hiking, OS 1:25k maps are unbeatable.
- OS 1:50k maps give you a good compromise if you're on a budget or want wider coverage.
- TopoActive maps are fine for European travel or general navigation, but don't rely on them for UK rights of way.
At Outdoor GPS Shop, we stock GPS units with Ordnance Survey bundles, so you can get exactly the mapping you need from the start — whether it's 1:25k, 1:50k, or both.
🛒 Ready to Choose a GPS with the Right Mapping?
👉 Browse GPS Units with OS Maps »
When you have chosen your GPS unit, please just select which mapping you are wanting with it, you will see the price changes as you select each of the map options
