While I would agree with many criticisms of the OS, I am afraid I can't agree with the "innovatorily stagnant" one! The OS is pretty much in the forefront of providers of geographic information; has developed the Digital National Framework and from a data point of view is one of the leaders in the field. Their adoption and promotion of the "TOID" system is clearly a move forward in data management, and while it has problems, it is probably the way forward. However, most of this doesn't appear in published maps, but that isn't the main thrust of the OS activities these days. Their primary product is OS Mastermap, a digital product, and the published maps are no longer seen as the flagship products they once were. Finally, I would EXPECT a national mapping agency to continue to adhere to the standards and stylistic guidelines that have been created in the past; their users expect it!
Paul
>>> [log in to unmask] 12 June 2006 10:48:08 >>>
[The usual apologies for cross-posting:]
It may be recalled that I drew attention last autumn to two 1:100,000
maps of Cornwall and (most of) Devon published by Mike Harrison of
Crodecycle, who had previously produced a very fine 1:100,000 cycling
map of Herefordshire. Mr Harrison has now produced two 1:12,500 walking
maps, one of Georgeham parish and the other of Morthoe parish. Each map
measures 50 x 35 cm, printed back-to-back, and is supplemented with
information about geology, ecology and history: each costs £2 each.
(see www.croydecycle.co.uk). I have not been able to test them on the
ground, but the execution is as beautiful as the earlier 1:100,000
maps, and they are strongly recommended to anyone with an interest in
contemporary cartography, to say nothing to alternatives to the
apparently stylistically and innovatorily pretty stagnant national
mapping agency!
Richard Oliver
(sorry, too busy to go for a walk)
-------------------
Richard Oliver, B.A., D.Phil., F.B.Cart.S.,
School of Geography, Archaeology & Earth Resources
University of Exeter
Exeter, EX4 4RJ
[The views in the e-mail are of course those of the writer: after all,
no respectable body would counternance them...]
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