Navigation

Equipment

 

 

 

 The Map

always use a current map

The map underlines all navigational equipment. Without it all other equipment is virtually useless. However it is also the cheapest item of navigation equipment and represents excellent value. The map should be kept dry and carried conveniently ready for use at all times.

Use only modern and up to date maps.

there are many types (and scales) of maps available, get advice on the best type for your needs.

as I said on my navigation equipment page
"in recent years the variety, availability, cost, and accuracy of navigation equipment available has increased dramatically
some are more useful than others
but some are essential"

a map is essential

Learn how to use your map, it is only a useful tool when in competent hands.

 

 

 

The map

the map is the most important item of all your navigation equipment,  you must choose one that is the correct scale for activity (see below)

To operate safely and get the most from the hills it is vital that you know how to get the best from your map.
We are lucky

British  maps are amongst the most accurate and best value as any maps available any where in the world.

 

Britain’s national grid system

Britain’s national grid system is unique as most countries use the latitude and Longitude system of establishing position.

The National grid system is very easy to use and very accurate to use.

Learn how to use it,  Understand the 100 km. main grid squares,  the sub division into 1 Km. grid squares and accurate use of  six figure grid references.

 more on Britain's national grid

Ordnance Survey maps

The government mapping agency in Britain is Ordnance Survey (often called OS)

they produce many types of maps, but the three main types of map that are used for walking, and mountain climbing recreation in the UK are :

Landranger

a 1:50,000 scale map covering the whole of the UK in 204 separate map sheets.

the smallest scale of the three main map types.

It is also arguably the most readily available.  It has been the standard outdoor map since the metrication of O/S maps from the old scale of one inch to a mile (1 : 63,360)
Explorer

a 1:25,000 scale map covering the whole of the UK

At present (March 2002) there have been 291 explorer maps produced.
There are parts of Northern Britain that are still not yet published in explorer format

These maps replace the pathfinder series of maps (also at 1:25,000) with a green cover that formally covered all of Britain.

The explorer maps cover a much larger physical area per map than the old explorer and are drawn with some newer symbols after resurvey and as such are much clearer to use.
Outdoor Leisure

a 1:25,000 scale map covering selected leisure areas of the UK

at present (March 2002) there are 41 outdoor leisure maps of the UK covering popular areas.

These maps are drawn at the same scale as both the new explorer (and older pathfinder series of maps.

The outdoor leisure maps have become so popular that they are now the "standard" map for navigation in tourist areas such as the Lake district and Snowdonia.

note : the outdoor Leisure map is in the process of being replaced by the explorer maps.  They will have the same map number as the outdoor Leisure and be known as explorer Lxx

 
Example of the detail of a 1:50,000 Landranger map

In the example below is a section of the detail of a 1:50,000 Landranger map.  It is from Landranger number 140, Leicester and Coventry.  It is a small section (approximately 4km. x 4km.) of Bradgate park Leicestershire

Image produced from the Ordnance Survey Get-a-map service.
Image reproduced with kind permission of Ordnance Survey

 
Private map makers (cartographers)

An increasing number of private companies now also produce maps that are suitable for outdoor leisure type use. Always exercise caution if using a map that is new to you.

One "up and coming" map maker is Harvey’s, a Scottish company that produces an ever increasing range of maps of popular walking areas.

Other company's : a number of company’s produce maps of various qualities.

 

Symbols

Some symbols vary between different scales and different cartographers.

Before use spend some time becoming familiar with at least the main symbols.  If you cut out and laminate a small area remember to carry a symbol sheet

 

the symbol for a
triangulation point

 the symbol for a
triangulation point
is the same on
Landranger, Explorer and
Outdoor Leisure maps

whilst the public bridleway symbol is the correct symbol on Landranger maps

but wrong on both explorer and outdoor leisure maps where it is green

the symbol for a
public bridleway

more information on map symbols

 

Keep your map handy in all weathers

Remember a map is no good in a rucksack, even in the rain so keep it handy.  Use either a map case or have your map laminated.  It is becoming increasingly common for people to purchase commercially laminated maps as they visit new areas.

It is often useful to cut out the area that you are to use and laminate it, thus creating a waterproof manageable size.

 
see more detail of map scale on my page map scale

keep your map handy

there is only one easy way to Navigate
Keep your map handy in all weathers
remember a map is no good in a rucksack,
even in the rain keep it handy

use either a map case or have your map laminated.

indeed
It is becoming increasingly common for people to purchase commercially laminated maps as they visit new areas.
   

keep your map out

 If you visit an area often it may be useful to cut out the area that you are to use and laminate it, or cover in plastic
thus creating a map of waterproof manageable size

if you do this
- ensure your map  has grid numbers along each axis
- ensure you know your map symbols

 

please note

map-layer.jpg (24362 bytes)

 some map images on this site
are produced from the
Ordnance Survey
 get-a-map
 service
images reproduced with kind
permission of
 Ordnance Survey

the images are reproduced from Ordnance Survey map data
©Crown copyright

for information
you are permitted a maximum of 10 extracts of 10 actual Ordnance Survey maps
on personal web sites
this site www.nigelspencer.co.uk
respects O/S (and other copyright information)
I therefore  only use the maximum  permitted number of extracts from O/S maps on this site.

the O/S maps used on this site are

1:50,000 extract of Ben Nevis
1:50,000 extract of Snowdon
1:50,000 extract of Bradgate Park
1:50,000 extract of Irchester Country Park
1:50,000 extract of Helvellyn
1:50,000 extract of Long Myndd
1:25,000 extract of Ben Nevis