Sept 16 sees the latest phase in Ordnance Survey’s rejuvenation of its paper maps with the release of its Explorer range – each coming with an exclusive mobile download and a cover image taken by the public. The Explorers follow the successful launch of OS’s 62 Outdoor Leisure (OL) map titles.
The 341 Explorer maps make up OS’s largest range of maps, and the national mapping agency will complete the rejuvenation of all 607 of its map titles with the release of its OS Landranger maps in February next year.
Lee Newton, Head of Ordnance Survey Leisure, says: “People are once again recognising the vital role which OS paper maps play in supporting digital devices. There’s always been an emotional attachment to the iconic design and the feel of them in your hands, but the detail contained in OS Explorer and OS Landranger maps give users greater security and reassurance when outside exploring. They fit in your back pocket, work without a battery and do not need a signal.
“OS is fully committed to paper maps, just as it is fully committed to up-to-date accurate mapping, and mapping every inch of the country in fine detail. It is clear to us that the paper map has an exciting future and we are currently exploring augmented reality and how new and old OS maps can contain a wealth of new information, images and film. The possibilities AR present are endless.”
OS’s modernising of its maps comes on the back of 2014’s success that saw paper map sales increase for the first time in a decade.