Ordnance Survey Maps are here to stay, so why are people still using them in the age of the GPS device?
With the advent of GPS devices you may think that the map is beginning to show its age. They have after all been around for thousands of years – evidence dating back to 16,500 BCE points towards our ancestors mapping out stars in the night sky on cave walls. Even though GPS devices are becoming more widely available the trusty old map is still as popular as ever. Why are Ordnance Survey maps still selling so well? Will there always be a place for the map?
The OS Explorer map series is the most popular type of paper map on the market. I have a confession, I can look at these maps all day just for fun! The guys at Ordnance Survey have made these maps their most detailed to date – the scale is 1:25,000 (4cm to 1km). The map shows fences, boundaries, viewpoints – making this essential for any walker, hiker, climber and off-road cyclists rucksack. There are 403 maps in the series covering England and Wales and they cover all National Parks, so do not go sight seeing without one!
The OS Landranger map is an all purpose map. The maps show a 40×40 km area at a scale of 1:50,000. These maps are well suited for bikers, hikers and walkers who are looking to plan their activities. Cyclists and long distance hikers are going to love the size and scale of the map as you can get a great view and perspective of the area. Due to the larger scale of the map it is not as detailed as the OS Explorer maps so you will not find any map details that a horse rider may require. There are 204 maps in the series so chances are that all the best places to walk, hike and cycle are covered!
Maps have an uncanny ability to rip and tear at the most crucial times. They also seem to be allergic to rain, the paper becoming soggy and resulting in the map becoming incomprehensible. The Ordnance Survey Explorer Map Active map is the cure! These maps are specially laminated allowing them to be waterproof, tear-resistant and they can withstand over 10,000 folds. You can even write on an OS Explorer Map Active with a pencil and erase it with a rubber, perfect for marking out points on a hike and then erasing them for a new route next time.
We would be lost without maps… literally! Choosing the right map is extremely important, the scale, type and size of the map need to suit your conditions and activities. It pays to buy an OS map from a specialist retailer who knows what they are on about, they can apply their expertise and help you find the right maps for you. Keep an eye out for savings on many maps, some specialists such as Above and Beyond, often sell Ordance Survey maps with decent discounts, it is definitely worth a look.