Digital maps for Spain

For some countries in Europe, like France, you can buy digital mapping through mapping application providers like Memory-Map. Spain, unfortunately, is one country where this is currently not possible. However it is possible to get downloads of some areas of mapping to import into a digital mapping application.

There are some small areas of mapping, particularly for the 'warm islands', from Discovery Walking Guides. These come complete with calibration files which need to be kept in the same folder as the map image and which will calibrate the map in applications like Memory-Map. It's worth looking to see if your destination is included in this set as they are very cheap to buy (£2.99 a map) and link in with the DWG guidebooks.

You can also download PDFs of 1:50 and 1:25 scale maps for free from the Instituto Geografico Nacional. Choose MAPAS MTN50-MTN25, 'Por Hoja' if searching for a sheet number, or 'Nombre' to enter a place name and hit 'Buscar' (it helps if you have a smattering of Spanish!). A high-res image file showing the sheet numbers on a map of Spain is available here (allow it to download then rightclick to save it and open in image editing software to print out). These PDFs need to be converted into image files using e.g. Photoshop Elements and then you will have to calibrate them. You do this by loading the image into your mapping application, clicking on a handful of known locations and entering their positions.

For more information about calibrating check the article in our online advice centre which gives detailed advice on importing and calibrating maps in applications like Memory-Map.

Discovery Walking Guides Digital Maps

The well-known walking maps from Discovery Walking Guides are now available in digital form. These digital maps can be imported into your favourite mapping application, allowing you to plot your own routes, import Walkingworld routes, and print out segments of map to carry with you. At just £2.99 per map with no delivery cost (you simply download them after payment) they are fantastically good value. Our experience is that they import most easily into Memory-Map. If importing into Quo you need a computer with plenty of spare RAM memory.

The digital maps come with calibration files so positions of waypoints are correct for export to your GPS. We strongly recommend that you download a test pack before buying one of these maps. After payment you will be given a link to download the map pack. Unzip into your map folder on your computer keeping map and calibration files together.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Alpujarras digital map with calibration files - £2.99