Simply how far is it to the pub? Three-quarters of UK adults are at risk of by no means discovering out, in keeping with a ballot commissioned by Ordnance Survey to mark Nationwide Map Studying Week (11-17 July). It discovered that 77% of respondents couldn’t recognise essentially the most fundamental OS map symbols, akin to viewpoints and pubs. (The latter is marked with a traditional pint “jug” glass with deal with, so might the ignorance be right down to the swap to straight beer glasses?)
However regardless of the recognition of strolling – and the large increase it noticed throughout and after lockdowns – it appears most of us are nonetheless woefully unhealthy at utilizing a map to information us.
Of the two,000 adults surveyed, greater than half (56%) admitted they’d acquired misplaced as a result of they couldn’t use a map or comply with a cellphone app appropriately, with 39% resorting to calling family and friends, 26% flagging down assist, and 10% calling mountain rescue to get dwelling.
Even after they’re not really getting misplaced, 31% mentioned they had been fearful they could. Many adults (46%) mentioned they had been happier strolling with another person.
OS GetOutside ambassador Julia Bradbury mentioned understanding a couple of fundamentals about the right way to learn maps, understanding symbols, contour traces and grid references can remodel how you are feeling about getting exterior.
“On the face of it these outcomes appear to point out the British public have a insecurity relating to their map-reading abilities. It’s a disgrace, however may be shortly rectified.
“Map-reading abilities give self-assurance and ease the worry of getting misplaced. That information can unlock the outside and result in fantastic adventures and discoveries.”
OS’s managing director for leisure Nick Giles mentioned one of many key causes they run Nationwide Map Studying Week (launched in 2016) is to make the outside “enjoyable, accessible and secure.”
“We need to encourage folks to raised perceive how good map abilities, paper and digital, can encourage folks to securely uncover new locations and adventures.
“We’ve got a unbelievable set of map-reading sources on our GetOutside web site, so take a while to observe our movies or learn the blogs,” Giles mentioned.
OS’s suggestions for map studying
Select the proper map
The orange OS Explorer maps are 1 to 25,000 in scale, so each 4 centimetres on the map is a kilometre on the bottom in actual life. These are good for strolling, operating, kayaking and biking. The pink OS Landranger maps are 1 to 50,000 in scale, so a kilometre for each two centimetres on the map, and fitted to nationwide trails akin to Offa’s Dyke Path or the South Downs Approach.
Perceive map symbols
A key to what the map symbols imply is printed on each OS Explorer and Landranger map.
Perceive contour traces
The faint reddish brown traces have a quantity that exhibits peak above sea stage. On a shallow slope the contour traces can be far aside, but when a slope is far steeper the traces are nearer collectively.
Want extra assist? Map-reading programs
Pure Outside runs free on-line map-reading programs, with theoretical coaching and sensible workouts. The course is available in electronic mail format, with one lesson despatched out every week for 4 weeks.
For one thing extra energetic, Group Strolling has one-day map-reading programs within the Yorkshire Dales (£60pp, subsequent one with availability 3 August; extra obtainable all through autumn and winter).
Mountain Abilities runs one-day map-reading and navigation programs (from £50pp) within the Lake District, Northumberland and the Pentland Hills close to Edinburgh.
London-based Gutsy Women runs women-only map-reading and navigation abilities programs on the Ashridge Property in Hertfordshire (£40pp, meet at Berkhamsted station).
Peak District navigation programs with Past the Edge run to skilled stage, however its one-day intro to navigation course (£80pp, begin at Grindleford) guarantees to demystify maps and introduce the compass so members can confidently navigate a easy route.
