Category Archives: Map Formats and Support

Maps in Memory-Map (qct) Format

All the Waterway Routes Cruising Maps are available in Memory-Map (qct) format, as well as in Acrobat (pdf)  format. The Memory-Map (qct) maps have all the pages joined into one seamless map.

Advantages of the Memory-Map (qct) Format

  • Seamless scrolling through the whole map
  • Zoom in and out, to see more or less of the map
  • GPS tracking (like satnav or Google Maps) on GPS enabled devices
  • No turning through multiple pages
  • Memory-Map (qct) purchases include a free Acrobat (pdf) version of the same map for the best of both options

Disadvantages of the Memory-Map (qct) Format

  • Requires a two stage installation process
  • May require payment for software or app
  • Not ideal for printing (but just use the free Acrobat (pdf) version that comes with each Memory-Map (qct) version).

Which devices will the maps work on?

The maps work on almost any computer, phone or tablet with the correct App or Software installed, including:

How can I check if the maps work on my device?

Download one of the free maps from my website and try that.  If the free map works then the paid for ones will work the same way. You can try these free maps:

Please note

I produce the maps.  I  don’t produce the software or apps to use them, but I explain where to get those from.

Maps in Acrobat (pdf) Format

All the Waterway Routes Cruising Maps are available in Acrobat (pdf) format, as well as in Memory-Map (qct) format. The Acrobat (pdf) maps are split into pages, with overlaps between each page.

Advantages of the Acrobat (pdf) Format

  • The format is well known and supported
  • The software and apps are free and often installed already
  • The maps are split into A4 pages
  • The maps are easy to print A4 or A5
  • The maps are easy to view on screen (a page at a time)

Disadvantages of Acrobat (pdf) Format

  • There is no GPS tracking on smartphones
  • Requires lots of scrolling on small screens (like phones)
  • There are lots of pages to search and turn through (more than 900 for England & Wales Maps)

Which devices will the maps work on?

The maps work on almost any computer, phone or tablet which will open Acrobat (pdf) files, including:

How can I check if the maps work on my device?

Download one of the free maps from my website and try that.  If the free map works then the paid for ones will work the same way. You can try these free maps:

Please note

I produce the maps.  I  don’t produce the software or apps to use them, but I explain where to get those from.

Map Formats

My Waterway Routes Cruising Maps are the most up do date maps available for the British canals and rivers.  All the maps are available in two formats:

  • Acrobat (pdf) format, and
  • Memory-Map (qct) format

They work on a range of devices including:

  • Androids
  • iPhones/iPads
  • Mac Computers
  • Windows Computers

Acrobat (pdf) Format

The maps in Acrobat (pdf) format are split into pages for printing at A4 or A5 size and for on screen viewing.

Advantages of the Acrobat (pdf) Format

  • The format is well known and supported
  • The software and apps are free and often installed already
  • The maps are split into pages
  • The maps are easy to print A4 or A5
  • The maps are easy to view on screen (a page at a time)

Disadvantages of the Acrobat (pdf) Format

  • There is no GPS tracking on smartphones
  • Requires lots of scrolling on small screens (like phones)
  • There are lots of pages to search and turn through (more than 850 for England & Wales Maps)

Read more about my Acrobat (pdf) format maps and how to install them.

Memory-Map (qct) Format

The maps in Memory-Map (qct) format have all the pages joined into one scrollable map with tracking (like satnav or Google Maps) on GPS enabled devices.

Advantages of the Memory-Map (qct) Format

  • Seamless scrolling through the whole map
  • Zoom in and out, to see more or less of the map
  • GPS tracking (like satnav or Google Maps) on GPS enabled devices
  • No turning through multiple pages
  • Memory-Map (qct) purchases include a free Acrobat (pdf) version of the same map for the best of both options

Disadvantages of the Memory-Map (qct) Format

  • Requires a two stage installation process
  • May require payment for software or app
  • Not ideal for printing (but just use the free Acrobat (pdf) version that comes with each Memory-Map (qct) version).

Read more about my Memory-Map (qct) format maps and how to install them.

Routes Covered

The maps cover the connected navigable waterways.  They are available for

Read more about my maps

Availability and Ordering

All the maps, for canals, rivers and cruising rings, in both Acrobat (pdf) and Memory-Map (qct) formats, can be ordered through this website for download, except for the England & Wales map which is too large to download and is supplied by post on a data DVD.

All the maps for canals, rivers and cruising rings, can also be supplied on CD in a presentation box so they can be wrapped as a gift, or stored for your records.

Maps on Androids

My maps are available in a choice of two formats and both can be used on Androids.  The formats are:

  • Acrobat (pdf), and
  • Memory-Map (qct)

When you purchase one of my maps in Memory-Map (qct) format you also get a free copy of the same map in Acrobat (pdf) format.

Please ensure you test my maps work on your Android, as described below, before purchasing any of my maps.

Please note that I supply the maps, but I do not supply the App to use them which is available separately, as explained below.

Using my Acrobat (pdf) Format Maps on Androids

All my maps are available in Acrobat (pdf) format.  This is a widely used format and it is very likely that you will already have an App on your Android which will open Acrobat (pdf) format maps.

These maps are split into pages, designed for printing at A4 or A5 size.  They can be viewed on screen but there is no smart GPS tracking and you will need to change pages manually as you cruise along.

For further information please see:-

There are other Apps which claim to open Acrobat (pdf) format maps and it is likely that many of them will work with my maps but I have not tested any of them.  Setting up those Apps and using them is likely to involve similar steps to those described for the Acrobat Reader App, above.

Please ensure you test my maps work on your Android using my free Droitwich Canals Map in Acrobat (pdf) format before purchasing any of my maps.

Using my Memory-Map (qct) Format Maps on Androids

All my maps are available in Memory-Map (qct) format.  This is the “Quick Chart” format which is used for mapping products, including some versions of Ordnance Survey maps.  It is sometimes referred to as the “Classic Map” format to distinguish it from the alternative “qc3” format.

These are the same maps as in the Acrobat (pdf) format but they are joined into one large map which you can seamlessly scroll around and zoom in and out.  On devices with GPS they provide smart tracking like Sat-Nav or Google Maps.

There is a choice of three Apps for using my maps on Androids:-

  • Memory-Map App:  This has the best range of features, and it’s the App I use, but it is the most expensive,
  • AlpineQuest GPS Hiking App:  This has a medium range of features at a medium price,
  • Alpine Quest GPS Hiking (Lite) App:  This is the free version of the previous App but it has restricted features.

For further information please see:

Please ensure you test my maps work on your Android using my free Droitwich Canals Map in Memory-Map (qct) format before purchasing any of my maps.

Remember, when you purchase one of my maps in Memory-Map (qct) format you also get a free copy of the same map in Acrobat (pdf) format.

Maps on iPhones/iPads

My maps are available in a choice of two formats and both can be used on iPhones/iPads.  The formats are:

  • Acrobat (pdf), and
  • Memory-Map (qct)

When you purchase one of my maps in Memory-Map (qct) format you also get a free copy of the same map in Acrobat (pdf) format.

Please ensure you test my maps work on your iPhone/iPad, as described below, before purchasing any of my maps.

Please note that I supply the maps, but I do not supply the App to use them which is available separately, as explained below.

Using my Acrobat (pdf) Format Maps on iPhones/iPads

All my maps are available in Acrobat (pdf) format.  This is a widely used format and it is very likely that you will already have an App on your iPhone/iPad which will open Acrobat (pdf) format maps.

These maps are split into pages, designed for printing at A4 or A5 size.  They can be viewed on screen but there is no smart GPS tracking and you will need to change pages manually as you cruise along.

For further information please see:-

There are other Apps which claim to open Acrobat (pdf) format maps and it is likely that many of them will work with my maps but I have not tested any of them.  Setting up those Apps and using them is likely to involve similar steps to those described for the Acrobat Reader App, above.

Please ensure you test my maps work on your iPhone/iPad using my free Droitwich Canals Map in Acrobat (pdf) format before purchasing any of my maps.

Using my Memory-Map (qct) Format Maps on Mac Computers

All my maps are available in Memory-Map (qct) format.  This is the “Quick Chart” format which is used for mapping products, including some versions of Ordnance Survey maps.  It is sometimes referred to as the “Classic Map” format to distinguish it from the alternative “qc3” format.

These are the same maps as in the Acrobat (pdf) format but they are joined into one large map which you can seamlessly scroll around and zoom in and out.  On devices with GPS they provide smart tracking like Sat-Nav or Google Maps.

There is just one App for using my maps on iPhones/iPads:-

  • Memory-Map App:  This has a good range of features, but payment is required to use it.

For further information please see:

Please ensure you test the maps work on your iPhone/iPad using my free Droitwich Canals Map in Memory-Map (qct) format before purchasing any of my maps.

Remember, when you purchase one of my maps in Memory-Map (qct) format you also get a free copy of the same map in Acrobat (pdf) format.

Maps on Mac Computers

My maps are available in a choice of two formats and both can be used on Mac computers.  The formats are:

  • Acrobat (pdf), and
  • Memory-Map (qct)

When you purchase one of my maps in Memory-Map (qct) format you also get a free copy of the same map in Acrobat (pdf) format.

Please ensure you test my maps work on your Mac computer, as described below, before purchasing any of my maps.

Please note that I supply the maps, but I do not supply the software to use them which is available separately, as explained below.

Using my Acrobat (pdf) Format Maps on Mac Computers

All my maps are available in Acrobat (pdf) format.  This is a widely used format and it is very likely that you will already have software on your Mac computer which will open Acrobat (pdf) format maps.

These maps are split into pages, designed for printing at A4 or A5 size.  They can be viewed on screen but there is no smart GPS tracking and you will need to change pages manually as you cruise along.

For further information please see:-

There is other software which claims to open Acrobat (pdf) format maps and it is likely that many of them will work with my maps but I have not tested any of them.  Setting up that software and using it is likely to involve similar steps to those described for the Acrobat Reader software, above.

Please ensure you test my maps work on your Mac computer using my free Droitwich Canals Map in Acrobat (pdf) format before purchasing any of my maps.

Using my Memory-Map (qct) Format Maps on Mac Computers

All my maps are available in Memory-Map (qct) format.  This is the “Quick Chart” format which is used for mapping products, including some versions of Ordnance Survey maps.  It is sometimes referred to as the “Classic Map” format to distinguish it from the alternative “qc3” format.

These are the same maps as in the Acrobat (pdf) format but they are joined into one large map which you can seamlessly scroll around and zoom in and out.  On devices with GPS they provide smart tracking like Sat-Nav or Google Maps.

There is just one software program for using my maps on Mac computers:-

  • Memory-Map Software:  This has a good range of features, but payment is required to use it.

For further information please see:

Please ensure you test the maps work on your Mac Computer using my free Droitwich Canals Map in Memory-Map (qct) format before purchasing any of my maps.

Remember, when you purchase one of my maps in Memory-Map (qct) format you also get a free copy of the same map in Acrobat (pdf) format.

Maps on Windows Computers

My maps are available in a choice of two formats and both can be used on Windows computers.  The formats are:

  • Acrobat (pdf), and
  • Memory-Map (qct)

When you purchase one of my maps in Memory-Map (qct) format you also get a free copy of the same map in Acrobat (pdf) format.

These instructions apply to any device running a full version of Windows.  Desktops and laptops mostly run a full version and some tablets do too.  Some tablets and other portable devices only run a cut-down version of windows and may not be capable of loading my maps.  Please ensure you test my maps work on your Windows computer, as described below, before purchasing any of my maps.

Please note that I supply the maps, but I do not supply the software to use them which is available separately, as explained below.

Using my Acrobat (pdf) Format Maps on Windows Computers

All my maps are available in Acrobat (pdf) format.  This is a widely used format and it is very likely that you will already have software on your Windows computer which will open Acrobat (pdf) format maps.

These maps are split into pages, designed for printing at A4 or A5 size.  They can be viewed on screen but there is no smart GPS tracking and you will need to change pages manually as you cruise along.

For further information please see:-

There is other software which claims to open Acrobat (pdf) format maps and it is likely that many of them will work with my maps but I have not tested any of them.  Setting up that software and using it is likely to involve similar steps to those described for the Acrobat Reader software, above.

Please ensure you test my maps work on your Windows computer using my free Droitwich Canals Map in Acrobat (pdf) format before purchasing any of my maps.

Using my Memory-Map (qct) Format Maps on Windows Computers

All my maps are available in Memory-Map (qct) format.  This is the “Quick Chart” format which is used for mapping products, including some versions of Ordnance Survey maps.  It is sometimes referred to as the “Classic Map” format to distinguish it from the alternative “qc3” format.

These are the same maps as in the Acrobat (pdf) format but they are joined into one large map which you can seamlessly scroll around and zoom in and out.  On devices with GPS they provide smart tracking like Sat-Nav or Google Maps.

There is just one software program for using my maps on Windows computers:-

  • Memory-Map Software:  This has a good range of features, but payment is required to use it.

For further information please see:

Please ensure you test the maps work on your Windows Computer using my free Droitwich Canals Map in Memory-Map (qct) format before purchasing any of my maps.

Remember, when you purchase one of my maps in Memory-Map (qct) format you also get a free copy of the same map in Acrobat (pdf) format.

Setup Mac Computers with the Acrobat Reader Software

Please note that I supply the maps, but not the software to use them. To use the Acrobat (pdf) version of my maps on a Mac computer you will need appropriate software installed.

This page describes using the free Adobe Acrobat Reader software.  There’s lots of other software that claims to open Acrobat (pdf) format maps and most of them probably work but I have not tested any of them.

Setting up my maps with the free Adobe Acrobat Reader software is a three stage process:-

  • Install the free Adobe Acrobat Reader software and check that works
  • Install my free Droitwich Canals Map and check that works
  • Install more of my free or paid-for maps

Installing the Free Adobe Acrobat Reader Software

In this step we we will install the free Adobe Acrobat Reader software and check that works.

Most Mac computers will already have the free Adobe Acrobat Reader software installed and working.  If so, or if you have an equivalent you are happy with, then you can proceed straight to the next step to install my free Droitwich Canals map.

Visit Adobe’s website and follow their links and instructions to download and install the Mac version of the free Adobe Acrobat Reader software.

Only proceed to the next step when you have the free Adobe Acrobat Reader software installed and working.

Installing my free Droitwich Canals Map

In this step we will install my free Droitwich Canals Map and check that works. Make sure you have completed the previous step and have the free Adobe Acrobat Reader software installed and working first.

Download my free Droitwich Canals Cruising Map in Acrobat (pdf)  format on your Mac computer and note where you have saved it.  You may wish to create a folder for storing maps in.

Open the free Adobe Acrobat Reader software on your Mac computer, select open and navigate to the folder you saved the Droitwich Canals map in, and open the map.

You should now have my free Droitwich Canals map on screen and you can view the map on screen, a page at a time.  Note that the Acrobat (pdf) version of my maps does not have any of the smart scrolling and tracking features that work in the Memory-Map (act) version of my maps.

Using my free Droitwich Canals map with the free Adobe Acrobat Reader software allows you to check you can get my maps working on your Mac computer before you spend any money.

Please make sure you test my maps work on your Mac computer and you can conquer the installation process. Only proceed to the next step when you have my free Droitwich Canal map working on your Mac computer.

Installing more of my free or paid-for maps

Once you have the free Droitwich Canals map working on your Mac computer you can repeat the previous step to install more maps.

There are free maps to download from my website for many restoration projects and there are paid-for maps for the open waterways.

Please Remember

I supply the maps and I will provide support for the maps in the unlikely event of any problems.

I do NOT supply the free Adobe Acrobat Reader software. That comes from Adobe, by download from their website, and you must seek help from Adobe in the event of any problems with their software.

My free Droitwich Canals map allow you to check everything works before you spend any money. Please don’t pay for any maps on my website until you have checked they work on your Mac computer.

Setup Windows Computers with the Acrobat Reader Software

Please note that I supply the maps, but not the software to use them. To use the Acrobat (pdf) version of my maps on a Windows computer you will need appropriate software installed.

This page describes using the free Adobe Acrobat Reader software.  There’s lots of other software that claims to open Acrobat (pdf) format maps and most of them probably work but I have not tested any of them.

Setting up my maps with the free Adobe Acrobat Reader software is a three stage process:-

  • Install the free Adobe Acrobat Reader software and check that works
  • Install my free Droitwich Canals Map and check that works
  • Install more of my free or paid-for maps

Installing the Free Adobe Acrobat Reader Software

In this step we we will install the free Adobe Acrobat Reader software and check that works.

Most Windows computers will already have the free Adobe Acrobat Reader software installed and working.  If so, or if you have an equivalent you are happy with, then you can proceed straight to the next step to install my free Droitwich Canals map.

Visit Adobe’s website and follow their links and instructions to download and install the Windows version of the free Adobe Acrobat Reader software.

Only proceed to the next step when you have the free Adobe Acrobat Reader software installed and working.

Installing my free Droitwich Canals Map

In this step we will install my free Droitwich Canals Map and check that works. Make sure you have completed the previous step and have the free Adobe Acrobat Reader software installed and working first.

Download my free Droitwich Canals Cruising Map in Acrobat (pdf)  format on your Windows computer and note where you have saved it.  You may wish to create a folder for storing maps in.

Open the free Adobe Acrobat Reader software on your Windows computer, select open and navigate to the folder you saved the Droitwich Canals map in, and open the map.

You should now have my free Droitwich Canals map on screen and you can view the map on screen, a page at a time.  Note that the Acrobat (pdf) version of my maps does not have any of the smart scrolling and tracking features that work in the Memory-Map (act) version of my maps.

Using my free Droitwich Canals map with the free Adobe Acrobat Reader software allows you to check you can get my maps working on your Windows computer before you spend any money.

Please make sure you test my maps work on your Windows computer and you can conquer the installation process. Only proceed to the next step when you have my free Droitwich Canal map working on your Windows computer.

Installing more of my free or paid-for maps

Once you have the free Droitwich Canals map working on your Windows computer you can repeat the previous step to install more maps.

There are free maps to download from my website for many restoration projects and there are paid-for maps for the open waterways.

Please Remember

I supply the maps and I will provide support for the maps in the unlikely event of any problems.

I do NOT supply the free Adobe Acrobat Reader software. That comes from Adobe, by download from their website, and you must seek help from Adobe in the event of any problems with their software.

My free Droitwich Canals map allow you to check everything works before you spend any money. Please don’t pay for any maps on my website until you have checked they work on your Windows computer.

Setup iPhones/iPads with the Adobe Acrobat Reader App

Please note that I supply the maps, but not the App to use them. To use the Acrobat (pdf) version of my maps on an Android you will need an appropriate App installed.

This page describes using the free Adobe Acrobat Reader App.  There are other Apps that claim to open Acrobat (pdf) format maps and most of them probably work but I have not tested any of them.

Setting up my maps with the free Adobe Acrobat Reader App is a three stage process:-

  • Install the free Adobe Acrobat Reader App and check that works
  • Install my free Droitwich Canals Map and check that works
  • Install more of my free or paid-for maps

Installing the Free Adobe Acrobat Reader App

In this step we we will install the free Adobe Acrobat Reader App and check that works.

If you already have the free Adobe Acrobat Reader App installed and working, or an equivalent you are happy with, then you can proceed straight to the next step to install my free Droitwich Canals map.

Visit the App Store from your iPhone/iPad and install the free Adobe Acrobat Reader App.

Only proceed to the next step when you have the free Adobe Acrobat Reader App installed and working.

Installing my free Droitwich Canals Map

In this step we will install my free Droitwich Canals Map and check that works. Make sure you have completed the previous step and have the Memory-Map App installed and working first.

Download my free Droitwich Canals Cruising Map in Acrobat (pdf)  format on your iPhone/iPad and note where you have saved it.  You may wish to create a folder for storing maps in.

You can download the map directly to your iPhone/iPad using WiFi or Mobile signals, or you can download it to a computer and transfer it to your iPhone/iPad.

Open the free Adobe Acrobat Reader App on your iPhone/iPad and use the local tab to navigate to the folder you saved the Droitwich Canals map in, and open the map.

You should now have my free Droitwich Canals map on screen and you can view the map on screen, a page at a time.  Note that the Acrobat (pdf) version of my maps does not have any of the smart scrolling and tracking features that work in the Memory-Map (act) version of my maps.

Using my free Droitwich Canals map with the free Adobe Acrobat Reader App allows you to check you can get my maps working on your iPhone/iPad before you spend any money.

Please make sure you test my maps work on your iPhone/iPad and you can conquer the installation process. Only proceed to the next step when you have my free Droitwich Canal map working on your Android.

Installing more of my free or paid-for maps

Once you have the free Droitwich Canals map working on your iPhone/iPad you can repeat the previous step to install more maps.

There are free maps to download from my website for many restoration projects and there are paid-for maps for the open waterways.

Please Remember

I supply the maps and I will provide support for the maps in the unlikely event of any problems.

I do NOT supply the free Adobe Acrobat Reader App. That comes from Adobe, through Apple’s App Store, and you must seek help from Adobe in the event of any problems with their App.

My free Droitwich Canals map allow you to check everything works before you spend any money. Please don’t pay for any maps on my website until you have checked they work on your iPhone/iPad.