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The Joy of Map Reading: Celebrating National Map Reading Week

3 June 2024

Hiking Tips

Estimated reading time 4 minutes

It's National Map Reading Week! As Ordnance Survey Champions this is a great excuse to talk about maps!

Now, to be 100% truthful, we were always big fans of the OS App, and only owned one physical map that had barely been touched. That has changed however in the past year and we have a new found love for the paper maps and we're building quite the collection too. Don't get me wrong the app is an amazing tool but personally, the paper maps are just so much more fun and a great skill to learn. Phone batteries do have a habit of dying especially after a day of taking pictures of scenery.

The Wonders of Map Reading

The power of map reading; It’s not just about finding your way - it’s about uncovering new places, stories, and secrets hidden in the landscape.

Map reading is an invaluable skill, not just for navigating the beautiful Kent countryside and further afield but also for ensuring safety, planning exciting routes, and understanding the world around us. It adds a layer of adventure to a walk and brings the group together.

The History of Ordnance Survey

A quick historical detour before we delve into map reading. Ordnance Survey (OS) was founded in 1791, primarily for military purposes and the first OS map was a one-inch-to-the-mile map of Kent, published in 1801. Yup! our very own Kent! Over the years, OS has evolved, producing increasingly detailed and accurate maps, becoming the go-to resource for walkers.

The Fun of Exploring with a Map

With your map spread out on the table, tracing your finger along the footpath lines, and planning your next walk, its like being an explorer. Here are some reasons why map reading is not just important, but also a ton of fun:

Treasure Hunts and Secret Paths: Maps reveal paths and trails that aren’t always obvious, leading you to hidden waterfalls, ancient ruins, or cozy pubs off the beaten track.
A Sense of Achievement: There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of navigating using a map and compass, finding your way to a destination without relying on GPS.
Enhanced Awareness: Reading a map makes you more aware of your surroundings. You’ll start noticing natural features like hills, valleys, and rivers, and understand how they fit into the landscape.
Brain Exercise: Map reading is a fantastic mental workout. It improves your spatial awareness and problem-solving skills.

How to Get Started with Map Reading

If you’re new to map reading, fear not! It’s a skill anyone can learn with a bit of practice. Here are some basics to get you started:

Understanding the Map

Scale: This tells you how much the real world has been shrunk to fit on the map. For example, a 1:25,000 scale means 1 cm on the map equals 250 meters in reality.
Contour Lines: These lines show elevation. The closer they are together, the steeper the terrain.
Symbols: Maps are full of symbols representing everything from churches and campsites to footpaths and pubs. Familiarize yourself with these symbols to interpret the map accurately.

Essential Tools

Compass: A map and compass go hand in hand. Learning to use a compass with your map will help you navigate with precision.
OS Maps App: While we love traditional paper maps, the OS Maps app is a fantastic tool for planning routes and navigating, especially if you’re new to map reading.

Practical Tips

Start Simple: Begin with a short, straightforward walk to practice your map reading skills.
Check Your Bearings: Regularly check your location against your map to ensure you’re on the right path.
Use Landmarks: Identify landmarks around you and match them with your map to confirm your position.