Ordnance survey maps as sources of information about the landscape

Abstract

Abstract Ordnance Survey maps have formed the most widely used and most nationally consistent historical record of the British landscape. A recent review has testified to the value placed upon this record by a wide range of organisations and groups. This paper summarises the effects of new technology and the changing financial circumstances under which OS operates on the Survey's method of operations. OS now does not produce maps so much as ‘spin them off from a constantly up‐dated topographic database. The products produced are increasingly determined on economic criteria. As a consequence, the continuation of the public record is not a business imperative for OS and, to complicate matters still further, the Legal Deposit Libraries have at least short‐term difficulty in moving from soon‐to‐be‐curtailed microfilm records to digital versions. The paper seeks further input from those involved with landscape research on the importance of the historical record.