If you’ve ever done a walk that spans more than one map sheet then the faff will be familiar; and it’s usually raining and windy when it comes to the swap, too. More and more people are using handheld mapping devices but when all else fails you may still need a map.
To get around this the Ordnance Survey (OS) has just launched a range of customisable maps.
The new Explorer (1:25000) – Custom Made and Landranger (1:50000) – Custom Made maps allow anyone to customise their own map online, centering the sheet on any location they like. You can also choose your own title and cover image from a selection of photos. The custom-made version will be the same quality and detail as these benchmark paper maps, an improvement on OS Select, the previous made to measure offering from the OS.
A new production process means that the maps are now printed on the same paper as standard off-the-shelf OS sheets, making them thinner, tougher and easier to fold – a practical option for outdoor enthusiasts for the first time.
Yes you could print your own sheets at home from mapping software, but given the price of ink these days it’s unlikely to save you much money. Custom Made maps cost £16.99, though there might be some introductory offers.
‘We carried out some research and found that our mapping is the first choice for walking – except sometimes the walks people are planning can involve needing two or more maps – there are four covering the Lake District for example’ says Gemma Nelson of the OS. She could equally have added Torridon (three Landrangers), the Rough Bounds of Knoydart (two) or the Howgills (three, for one wee hill group). ‘The new range matches the existing look and feel of our popular OS Landranger Maps and OS Explorer Maps series. They’re printed on the same paper and the map covers echo the existing products – so will match those already on people’s shelves. People can also choose from a wider range of cover images when customising their map.’
Custom made maps are available online www.shop.ordnancesurveyleisure.co.uk
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