Using the map
The map is the main way to explore historic sites in Visit History. When you open the app, you will see a map centred on your current location with nearby sites marked as pins.
You can pan the map by dragging with one finger and zoom in and out by pinching with two fingers or using the zoom buttons.
Tap any pin on the map to see a brief summary of that site. From the summary popup you can tap through to the full site details page, record a visit, or add it to your wishlist.
Map overlays
Visit History offers four map overlays to help you explore historic sites in context:
- OpenStreetMap — The default detailed, community-built map.
Satellite — Aerial imagery from Esri World Imagery.
LiDAR — Tap to cycle through Off → DSM → DTM.
- DSM (Digital Surface Model) — shows everything on the ground including trees and buildings.
- DTM (Digital Terrain Model) — strips away surface objects, ideal for spotting archaeological features.
To switch overlays, tap the layers icon in the top-right corner of the map.
Re-orient to north — If you have rotated the map, tap the compass icon to reset the map orientation back to north.
Re-centre the map — Tap to re-centre the map on your current location.
Search & Discovery
Search the map — Tap the search icon to find locations by name. The map will centre on the search location.
Search using this location — Search for sites near this location. Click the icon to expand the button, then click to open the search page using the selected location as the search location. This is useful for finding sites near a place you are planning to go, Arather than where you are now.
AI Discovery Assistant — Ask questions about historic sites and get intelligent answers powered by AI. The assistant can help you discover sites based on your interests, learn about the history of a place, or find recommendations for your next visit. This is an experimental feature and may not be available to all users.
Map layers
Use the toggles at the bottom of the map to show or hide different layer types.
My Visits
Visits — Places you have visited, shown with a checkmark.
Wish List — Places you want to visit, shown with a heart.
Featured
Featured Places — Curated selection of notable heritage sites. Submit your favourite site today.
Managed Properties
Heritage sites managed by member organisations.
English Heritage — Historic sites cared for by English Heritage.
National Trust — Places preserved by the National Trust.
Historic Houses — Privately owned historic houses open to visitors.
Historic Royal Palaces — Six of the most wonderful palaces in the world.
National Datasets
Official heritage listings from national bodies.
Listed Buildings — Buildings of special architectural or historic interest.
Scheduled Monuments — Archaeological sites of national importance.
Parks & Gardens — Registered parks and gardens of historic interest.
Battlefields — Historic battlefields on the national register.
Protected Wrecks — Shipwrecks protected under the Protection of Wrecks Act.
World Heritage Sites — UNESCO World Heritage Sites in England.
Viewing a site
Tap any pin on the map to open a popup showing a summary of the site, including its name, type, and managing organisation.
From the popup, tap the site name to open the full details page where you can read more about its history, see photos from other users, and leave your own comments.
