1.1.2

OS Maps

Test yourself

OS Maps

The Ordnance Survey (OS) is the national mapmaker for Great Britain. They produce a range of maps for leisure and business use.

Illustrative background for Ordnance surveyIllustrative background for Ordnance survey ?? "content

Ordnance survey

  • The OS was formed in the mid-nineteenth century to map the country after a rebellion in Scotland.
  • The OS had mapped all of Great Britain by the mid-nineteenth century.
  • The OS continues to update its maps.
Illustrative background for Large scale mapsIllustrative background for Large scale maps ?? "content

Large scale maps

  • The OS produces a range of maps for different purposes.
  • Large scale maps show a smaller area and contain details of features such as building
  • Large scale maps are mainly used by businesses for planning and construction.
Illustrative background for Small scale mapsIllustrative background for Small scale maps ?? "content

Small scale maps

  • Small scale maps show a larger area and are typically used when less detail about the land needed.
    • Small scale maps include the Landranger maps and the Explorer maps.
  • Some maps are at a much smaller scale including the route planning maps for the whole of Great Britain on one map.

OS Maps

An OS Map shows us a place or an area. They can be drawn at a range of different scales.

Illustrative background for ScalesIllustrative background for Scales ?? "content

Scales

  • Ordnance Survey maps can be at a scale of either 1:25,000 or 1:50,000.
  • If the scale is 1:25,000 that means that objects on the map is 25,000 times smaller than in real life.
Illustrative background for SymbolsIllustrative background for Symbols ?? "content

Symbols

  • Ordnance Survey have created a wide range of symbols using different colours, shapes, lines and drawings to represent different features.
  • OS Maps have a key explaining what each symbol represents.
Illustrative background for Contour linesIllustrative background for Contour lines ?? "content

Contour lines

  • OS Maps show height as orange lines, these are called contour lines, or as spot heights which are numbers to show how high the land is above sea level.

Jump to other topics

1Geography Skills

2Geology of the UK

3Geography of the World

4Development

5Weather & Climate

6The World of Work

7Natural Resources

8Rivers

9Coasts

10Glaciers

11Tectonics

12Climate Change

13Global Population & Inequality

14Urbanisation

15Ecosystems

16Life in an Emerging Country

17Analysis of Africa

18Analysis of India

19Analysis of the Middle East

20Analysis of Bangladesh

21Analysis of Russia

Go student ad image

Unlock your full potential with GoStudent tutoring

  • Affordable 1:1 tutoring from the comfort of your home

  • Tutors are matched to your specific learning needs

  • 30+ school subjects covered

Book a free trial lesson