The Ordnance Survey Os Maps App

Overview

Many map apps depend on the use of the internet for one to navigate through them. Without access to a working internet, one can become stranded in a strange place. An individual going hiking will need to have a compass and a map so as to ascertain where exactly they are because some areas do not have internet access. However, with the use of The Ordnance Survey OS Maps App one does not require to have the internet on their phones nor carry maps with them (McDonough 2019, p.12). The app gives convenience where one does not have enough money to purchase the internet on their phones or they are not near a wifi service or are without a password to the one available.

Most young people cannot afford to buy internet for themselves, thus they depend on the help of parents and they have to watch how they use it. On the other hand, at times when it gets depleted, one tends to have to survive without it. Such a scenario can become very dangerous when one has taken a nature trail or has gone hiking in the mountains because most map apps require the use of the internet for them to work. This article looks into a campaign strategy for, the Ordnance Survey OS Maps App in order to reach the younger Gen Z outdoor enthusiasts in 18 to 24 demographics during the winter season.

AccorThe group of individuals in question mostly seek adventure through outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, rock and mountain climbing, fishing, kayaking among others. In spite of the weather patterns at any moment, they will still seek the thrill of an adventure. These individuals find the activities intriguing and a way to relieve life pressure as well as make friends along the way. The activities thus get used to creating more balance in their involved lives. Consequently, in their escapades they need to have a clear understanding of the mapping along with the places they venture into. They need to have a reliable, fast and efficient device that will help them in accessing the area they are doing their activities. Thus, they do not need anything that will derail them or fail them during their trip.

These group of individuals would like to access a map application that does not necessarily require internet service because they enjoy going for hikes as well as camping in the mountains or biking in areas whereby they do not have internet coverage. Most people try to carry less when they are going for outdoor leisure activities and having to carry with them maps seem like more baggage than convenience (Ednie and Stibor, 2017). Some of these individuals are not financially sound enough to keep on buying maps to specific areas of interest. More so, the person will need to pre-plot their route after purchasing the maps so that they do not end up getting lost. Most of the people do not have all this time to carry out these tasks. The schedules in the lives of people do not allow such tasks. Thus, going digital is one of the most convenient moves for such individuals who need direction.

The younger Gen Z will require a service that is reliable even when they are in circumstances that are not very favorable to them. The provision of an instrument that will not shut down or hang or refuse to work at given times but will offer dependability at all times. More so the access to the directions will operate at a faster speed rather than hang or keep buffing just to get a signal and ascertain there location (Ho and Do, 2015). However, most digital maps do not offer all the required expectations of most individuals. Thus, a big percentage of people taking a hike or going mountain climbing or biking just need a digital device that will manage to work throughout and offer them the desired outcome.

A wide range of the mountain and hiking places do not offer internet or cell coverage so one can easily get lost. Thus, people require to have a device that extends the maps with or without internet service. The ability to pinpoint a location or plot a route using a phone without internet is one of the desires in every traveler. Even without the internet, a user can manage to estimate the traveling time using the activity option such as running, walking or cycling. More so the easy access of such facilitates and simple use of the device is what many customers desire. A lot of this group of individuals are still in school pursuing their carrier. So as students they also require the use of maps in class aside from their leisure activities. When it comes to doing their homework they require a reliable source that can help them research their work properly. Some students require an application in which they can use to plan fieldwork investigations for the classwork assignments.

For many people who are used to using maps, they can definitely say that the OS map came so much in handy as it provides them with efficiency, accessibility, and accuracy in their travels. The application is reliable even in the most unexpected situations. In the case of a detour, one will still end up getting back to their home safely (Usborne, 2015). OS maps offer freedom for one to wonder at leisure knowing that they can still get their way back. Tus, gaining an affectionate place in many people’s hearts. The application offers a variety of features.

For one it has a GPS locating device which allows one to find their location even without the use of the internet on their mobile device or the garget that they are using. It as well has direct maps that are readily available in the app. Thus, when the user wants to check the direction of a given area the application has everything they need. It allows access to plotting or following routes. One can plot directly on the app when the user is already out and about in their daily undertakings. OS maps grant an advantage of one syncing not only the maps they’ve plotted on their laptop but one can as well use the routes that other people have plotted if in case they saved them publicly. Such a provision offers an advantage for the user because when they get to a strange place it becomes easy for them to find the easiest routes out of the place. Thus, it helps in saving much needed time.

Unlike other map applications, OS maps allow one to save up their battery usage. Since most map apps require one to use the internet, they drain the phone of the battery. However, with the use of OS maps, one can put their phone on airplane mode to save the energy and the best part is that the maps will continue to work as required. Thus, the user can manage to camp at ease and use the phone even after to find their way back home.

Implementation of entrepreneurial methodologies so as to build a sustainable as well as scalable consumer business involves having a direct to the consumer distribution channel as its main objective. Thus, a business will work to provide business strategies as well as the development that will grow the business. An entrepreneur has to understand the needs of a customer so as to initiate programs that speak to their every need. Consequently, not missing the target in the delivery. The advantage of the OS maps is that it focuses on putting the customer at the heart of every one of their decisions before implementing them.

The research harnesses secondary literature sources to explicitly summon the research topic and bring into limelight the various arguments presented by different scholars. The paper will equally seek to remain with the bounds of moderation, and remain selective of the materials. This work takes cognisance of the limitations of the secondary source; such as out-dated data provisions, variations in times of research for the sources and limited validity and surety of figures presented. The work in response will strife to remain moderate concerning relevance of the used materials.

The OS maps organization have four core values in which they share with their customers making up their organization. First, adventurous which explains how they explore the ever-changing dynamics of their environment just like customers. Therefore with the available new technology as well as markets, the location data creates more opportunities (Ordnancesurvey.co.uk n.d., para.1). Hence, they pursue their objective is to discover as well as reveal new potentials for the customers together with partners to have rewarding journeys.

Secondly, incisive, That is, they aim at finding simple solutions to the complex problem that face people and offer the information in a simple manner which makes it easy to grasp. Thirdly, restless, meaning that they give their utmost attention to discovering, mapping, charting the dynamic world and connecting the slightest additions in the landscape (Ordnancesurvey.co.uk n.d., para.3). Lastly, true. The company commits to providing their customers with accurate information so as to have a unique experience. Hence, it continually refines the content they provide having at least seven updates each minute on a daily basis. These values offer reliability and trust from their customers.

One of the major aims of the Ordnance Survey OS Maps Company is to offer the user a unique efficient experience. Unlike most applications, it has managed not only to provide the service for Android users but also for Apple. The application works perfectly on both ends. Another objective of the company was to offer those facilities as well as services that other providers have failed to provide or have overlooked. Thus, OS maps checked into the gaps in other map providers and decided to offer the services. Most map apps only focus on a driving or a walking passenger (Collins 2017, p.1). For OS maps it did not focus only on people with vehicles but it made it possible for those who are walking, horse riding, running and mountain biking.

Such provisions make it cover a larger consumer ground since it offers the need gap in society. Most horse riders and that mountain biking especially during the winter season can find the service very convenient. The application, therefore, offers the best service for holidays, long-distance driving and cycling because it covers a greater area with an extensive view. Thus, for the target group, the application offers the best service because these individuals engage in the activities in which the map offers their service. The app shows many places of interest as well as offer fine details tourist information concerning the area and road. Thus, giving the consumer the optimum experience needed as per the main objectives of the organization.

Additionally, OS maps objective is to find out more on consumer needs. Thus, it spends a lot of finances as well as time to carry out research on the needs of the customers and how the service is in operation in the market. According to the 2015-206 annual report, the company took its time to recruit a Chief Geospatial Scientist who had a new role in leading a research team. Thus, they led a review of the research direction concerning the aspirations of the business (Ordnance Survey Limited Annual Report and Accounts 2015−16. 2016, p.14). The team, therefore, came up with new research strategies that will lead to the widening of the business in the future. The research led to the initiation of the 3D map facilitate. The strategy has managed to bring about new changes for the company that offers consumer satisfaction. For example previously there was no provision for one to sync but currently, the application offers the same.

One major area in which management of a company can succeed in the existing market is to offer a corporate social responsibility in their business endeavor. Offer a strategy that helps the community as well as other stakeholders to get incorporated into the business (Beal, 2014). OS maps have involved the consumers into the business which is one of the added advantages. That is, the users can add in their routes in which other people can manage to use it and they are able to highlight their areas of interest. Thus, the company can partner up with business joints along with the areas of their jurisdiction and offer to market them through their application so that they can also earn from that.

Some nature trails have food joints and restaurants around. Some have commercial nature sceneries if the company engages in a contract with such places to recognize them in their maps and market them at the same time they can earn more. They can create a feature where people can offer their reviews concerning the place to create traffic or provide a special highlighting of the places in the maps. This strategy would become a new way for them to make a profit and thus facilitate easier access to required places by the users.

The application has raised concerns in diverse areas which might cause a problem to the target group. First, it is a bit limited for one it cannot function outside the UK. The service is only operational within that area thus making it limited. Some people will find it not convenient when they need to purchase it hence, not seeing the need if it is only operational in one area. Users have raised concerns concerning this limitation. It shows that the organization is not growing. Thus, when one wants to visit a different geographical location aside from the one it is specified they cannot manage to use it.

Such an application would offer the best help in a foreign land. Since data charges tend to change in a foreign land it can become expensive for one to access an application that needs internet so as to find their way. Thus, OS maps would come in handy in such areas. That is why most people tend to stick to google maps because aside from it being free they cover a wider area internationally. Hence providing reliability and convenience. Among the younger Gen Z, some will require a facility that is all around. Not necessarily providing service in the UK alone but also other parts of the continent since they are people who travel outside.

Secondly, the application has experienced the problem of hanging in some phones or crushing all together. Thus, clients tend to complain about their subscriptions turning out into a wasted venture. When the application constantly hangs it can inconvenience the user who will then opt to use an alternative means. Thirdly, when an individual is outside during their escapades and they try to zoom in to see their location, the zoom level ping out and they cannot locate their exact location. The main idea of using the maps is to know where one is at a given time. Especially for the enthusiast who plans to go into their adventures during the winter season. If at all the application fails to work in the middle of a foggy winter that will automatically give the organization a poor review thus detracting potential customers from getting the app. More so it will become detrimental to the individuals using it because they would not manage to find their exact way back home. Then they will opt to use google maps. Once they find the use of the alternative app more effective they will never use it again.

Analysis of potential threats through consumer feedback helps in the betterment of an organization or a product. Thus, the barriers stipulated above offers an avenue for the organization to deal with the issues arising. Clearly, the company needs to enforce actions concerning the mishaps in the application. They have to evaluate the areas of concern and find a means to alleviate the issue. For one, the developer of the app needs to analyze the issues that make the app not to function properly. Research on how to improve the technology so as to eradicate the technical issues should be underway. The reason as to why the app crashes or hangs should be investigated then strategies applied on the next update.

OS maps not operating in the international platform is an issue of great concern. The lack of that opportunity not only makes it lose earnings but it as well makes it not more appealing than its competitors. The company, therefore, needs to do research on how they can facilitate the service not only in the UK but also in other countries. They have to expand their horizon through access into the international market just like the traditional Google maps among other applications. Before venturing into the market OS maps will have to do the necessary research so as to understand the needs of the global market in the delivery of service. Since it is so used to the UK it might not fare well if it does not offer all the concerns of people in the international arena.

Conclusion

The application offered for the access of maps is one of the genius moves that Ordinance Survey came up with as it targets individuals who pursue outdoor leisure. The feature that allows the program to operate without the internet makes it ideal for individuals who seek gratification through outdoor activities. The application, however, has diverse issues that the company can look into. Thus, for future improvement, the company can organize a department which focuses on regulating any implementations done. The team can watch over such changes and account for their execution.

Reference List

• Beal, B. D. (2014) Corporate Social Responsibility : Definition, Core Issues, and Recent Developments. Los Angeles: SAGE Publications, Inc. Available at: http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=nlebk&AN=972404&site=ehost-live (Accessed: 3 May 2019).
• Collins, JC 2017, ‘Windows, Bing, and Google Maps: How to suggest location corrections for incorrect maps online’, Journal of Accountancy, vol. 224, no. 1, pp. 1–3, viewed 3 May 2019, http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=bth&AN=124418892&site=ehost-live.
• Ednie, A. and Stibor, M. (2017). Motivation and self-efficacy among winter outdoor exercise enthusiasts. Leisure/Loisir, 41(4), pp.491-508.
• Ho, T. and Do, P. (2015). Analyzing the Changes in Online Community based on Topic Model and Self-Organizing Map. International Journal of Advanced Computer Science and Applications, 6(7).
• McDonough, C. (2019). Folk belief and landscape in Connacht: accounts from the Ordnance Survey letters. Folk Life, pp.1-14.
• Ordnance Survey Limited Annual Report and Accounts 2015−16. (2016). [online] pp.1-66. Available at: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/536812/ordnance-survey-ltd-annual-report-2015-16-print.pdf [Accessed 4 May 2019].
• Ordnancesurvey.co.uk. (n.d.). Our values. [online] Available at: https://www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/about/overview/values.html [Accessed 3 May 2019].
• Usborne, S. (2015). Ordnance Survey creates app to take walkers from A-Z. [online] The Independent. Available at: https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/features/ordnance-survey-joins-the-digital-age-with-an-app-to-take-walkers-from-a-z-10327422.html [Accessed 4 May 2019].