The Ordnance Survey has launched a new app called “OS Locate“. This is available for Android and iOS devices, so your Cub or Scout may like to use it to practice their map reading skills.

One idea is to download the app then work out the position of a few local landmarks and write down the grid references. After you’ve done that you can go to those locations and check the grid reference from the app and see if it matches your estimation of the correct grid reference.

It’s worth noting that this only works to 6 figures and some Scouts in particular may prefer to use 8 figure grid references. If this is the case, alternative apps with better resolutions are available from the Android and Apple stores online.

I’m an Android phone user and I can recommend “UK Grid Reference Widget” if you want more precision.