31 Mar 2014 Ordnance Survey are NOT stopping paper maps!
There have been a number of articles in the media this weekend
reporting that Ordnance Survey is to end its policy of routinely producing
maps that cover the whole country. This is simply not true.
This is wholly inaccurate and we are committed to maintaining a
national series of paper maps for both OS Explorer and OS Landranger Maps.
Paper maps are used by millions of outdoor enthusiasts every year,
enabling people to explore and enjoy Great Britain. Our paper products
remain an important part of Ordnance Survey with nearly two million sold
over the last year. Users will continue to be able to purchase paper maps
covering the whole of Great Britain from many outlets, including our own
online map shop.
We are always looking at ways to improve our products and services and
our paper maps are no exception. We want to ensure that our paper products
are the number one tool for anyone discovering the outdoors. This
commitment has been reflected during recent years with our investment in
our paper products, including the introductions of the Active range of
weatherproof paper maps and the launch of the popular Custom Made maps,
allowing customers to create personalised paper maps.
Paper maps are an important and iconic part of the Ordnance Survey
brand and we strongly feel that they remain an essential part of the
outdoors market, working alongside digital products and apps. We would
always emphasise the importance of carrying a paper map, a compass, and
having navigational skills, to support any digital products and apps that
are also being used by outdoors enthusiasts. As part of our commitment to
ensure people have the necessary skills to use a paper map, we run regular
map-reading workshops with Cotswold Outdoor each year and have a series of
resources available on our website.
We are disappointed by these media articles and again would like to
stress that we are committed to maintaining the national series of paper
maps and that we will continue to supply these products to wholesalers,
retailers and customers