Ordnance Survey has launched a brand new photography competition for 2015 and is looking for the very best photographs of Great Britain to feature on the covers of its iconic paper maps.
OS wants photographs of Britain’s stunning landscapes and amazing urban views. Do you have what it takes to capture a prize-winning map cover image? If so, enter OS Photofit – the national map cover photo competition.
OS is looking for inspiring map cover photos for over 700 paper map titles. The winning photos will take pride of place on the covers of the OS Explorer and OS Landranger maps and for junior entrants the OS Tour series.
See how our paper map covers have evolved over the decades and take your place in history by adding your photo to our brand new map covers…
Whether it’s flowing rivers, modern buildings, views of a valley or life in the city, OS wants the best photos of Britain for their map covers. The rules are simple: the photographs must be taken within the area of the map title and must show Great Britain as a beautiful place to enjoy, explore and have adventures.
Nick Giles, Managing Director of Ordnance Survey Leisure, said: “We’re really excited about the launch of the photography competition and expect to receive a great selection of images that capture the beauty of Great Britain’s rural and urban landscapes.
“This is a ‘money can’t buy opportunity’ and a chance for your photo to feature on the shelves of high street retailers, local book shops, tourist information centres, in homes and, most importantly, in the pockets and rucksacks of budding explorers.”
For over 223 years OS has been mapping Great Britain and producing maps which have become the envy of the world. Originally established to produce maps for the military, OS maps quickly became popular amongst outdoor enthusiasts and visitors travelling around Great Britain. By the early 20th century, OS paper maps were being produced for the whole country and became a common feature in homes up and down the country.
In 2014, nearly two million paper maps were printed, seeing an increase in sales for the first time in a decade.
OS Photofit will run during 2015 with closing dates staggered for different map bundles. Don’t delay: The first closing date will be 9 March for the popular Outdoor Leisure series (OS Explorer), consisting of 62 map tiles covering all the national parks and the top selling paper maps. Additional information on the closing dates can be found on the website.
Entries will be open to a public online vote, with a shortlist going before a judging panel which will include presenter and wildlife photographer Simon King. The winning photographers will not only have their image added to the map cover – with a credit – but will also receive a complimentary map featuring their photo and a free year’s subscription to OS online mapping service, OS getamap.
At the end of the year judges will also choose their favourite entry ‘winner of winners’ with the successful entrant winning a fabulous family holiday break in Great Britain.
Full details of the competition, including uploading instructions and full terms and conditions, can be found at os.uk/photofit