UK: 30th March brought a sense of confusion and dismay among cartography and paper map lovers when they read in prominent news dailies, including The Telegraph, which claimed that Ordnance Survey (OS)is going to end its policy of routinely producing paper maps that cover the whole country. OS, in its official blog has refuted the claim and, in fact, added that “it is disappointed by this statement within The Telegraph article”.
The blog post read: “We would like to stress that this statement is wholly inaccurate and that we are committed to maintaining a national series of paper maps for both OS Explorer and OS Landranger maps. Paper maps are used by millions of outdoor enthusiasts every year enabling people to explore and enjoy Great Britain. Our paper products remain an important part of Ordnance Survey with nearly 2 million sold over the last year. Users will continue to be able to purchase paper maps covering the whole of Great Britain from many outlets, including our own online Map Shop.
We are always looking at ways to improve our products and services and our paper maps are no exception. We want to ensure that our paper products are the number one tool for anyone discovering the outdoors. This commitment has been reflected during recent years with our investment in our paper products including the introductions of the Active range of weatherproof paper maps and the launch of the popular Custom Made maps allowing customers to create personalised paper maps.
Paper maps are an important and iconic part of the Ordnance Survey brand and we strongly feel that they remain an essential part of the outdoors market, working alongside digital products and apps. We would always emphasise the importance of carrying a paper map, a compass, and having navigational skills to support any digital products and apps that are being used by outdoors enthusiasts. As part of our commitment to ensure people have the necessary skills to use a paper map, we run regular map-reading workshops with Cotswold Outdoor each year and have a series of resources available on our website.”
The blog wraps up with OS reinstating its commitment to maintain the national series of paper maps and that it will continue to supply these to wholesalers, retailers and customers.
Source: Ordnance Survey
