How we assess planning features

Rankroostercompassran is an independent publication based in Kendal, on the edge of the Lake District. We compare navigation tools for people who need a plan that holds up when the signal drops, the weather turns or the day runs long.

Paper walking map, baseplate compass and handwritten route notes spread on a wooden desk — Editorial photograph. We check digital plans against paper maps.

What we compare

We do not rank apps by overall score. We compare them by the decisions they support: preparing without signal, managing stops, judging effort and sharing location deliberately. An app that is excellent for London commuting may be the wrong choice on the Pennine Way, and our pages say so.

Documented features versus estimates

Every claim falls into one of two groups. Documented means the feature is described in the vendor’s own help pages or app store listing at the time of writing. Estimate means a figure from our own use, such as storage size, battery drain or time padding, which will vary on your device and route.

Our principles

Independent

We are not affiliated with any app maker and do not accept payment for placement or rankings.

Tested offline

We test routing with data switched off, because that is when planning matters most.

Dated and revised

Apps change monthly. We review comparison tables regularly and correct errors when readers report them.

Not a safety service

Our guides support planning; they are not navigation instructions. You remain responsible for your route.

Spotted something out of date?

Tell us which app, which feature and what you saw. We read every message.

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