Digital mapping software is starting to become more common with the growth of more powerful phones and PDAs. Effectively replacing an entire pocket full of Ordinance Survey maps, “Quo” from Mapyx is the latest to join the lineup.

Quo is a simple application to use and (more importantly) it’s free to download. Once installed, you can plan routes using the tool which can then be exported to GPS waypoints. A Windows Mobile version of the software is also included, which will display your chosen route on your smartphone/PDA.

Compatibility is excellent with Garmin and Magellan GPS devices supported as well as the ability to import maps and routes from a variety of other applications.

When planning a hill walk, the included map will not contain enough detail so the software lets you buy official 1:25000 Ordinance Survey maps of a specific area. A very slick download interface means you can just buy the maps you’re interested in and have the product automatically integrate then. Covering the whole of the UK in this resolution would get expensive but the software lets you choose your areas in 10×10KM tiles so it’s not too bad – you’ll pay about £2 per tile.

One nice feature I found when playing is the ability to select an area and ask the Quo to find appropriate walks from walkingworld.com – it’s a nice touch and shows the thoughtfulness that went into the product.

You can download Quo for free from www.Mapyx.com