Ordnance Survey Maintaining National Coverage of Paper Maps Across Great Britain

SOUTHAMPTON, England, March 31, 2014 /PRNewswire/ --

There have been a number of articles in the media this weekend reporting that Ordnance Survey is to end its policy of routinely producing maps that cover the whole country. This is simply not true.

This is wholly inaccurate and 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 two 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 also 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.

We are disappointed by these media articles and again would like to stress that we are committed to maintaining the national series of paper maps and that we will continue to supply these products to wholesalers, retailers and customers.

Notes to editors:

1. Ordnance Survey is Great Britain's national mapping authority, providing the most accurate and up-to-date geographic data, relied on by government, business and individuals.
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