Mountain Navigation: Maps, Symbols and Scales
Overview
In this the first part of our mountain navigation series, we cover the different map sources available to UK users and the scales and symbols used on them.
Map Sources
There are a wide variety of sources of maps which can be used for navigation in the United Kingdom.
Online
Online resources like Google Maps and Multimap, while great for planning roadtrips, don’t really cut it when it comes to navigating in the hills. Although Multimap uses Ordnance Survey (OS) data, the lack of detailed topology (the way in which geographical elements are related to each other) on Google Maps makes the later a definite non-starter.
In mountain navigation you not only need to be able to see information about your immediate area but also the wider area, sometimes many miles out. This is essential when trying to use geographical features such as surrounding peaks and distant lakes to locate yourself on the map.
This is where the online maps generally fall down. Due to the limited area you can print out on a single sheet, a route could end up spanning multiple sheets of A4, which in driving rain and a gale could get quite confusing.
Handheld
There are a number of handheld devices on the market that will display your location on a map and track your movement using GPS (global positioning system). Although these can be very effective, they do take some of the skill, and some may say fun, out of mountain navigation.
As with any electrical device you at the mercy of technical failure and GPS’s in particular are reliant on good satellite coverage and can eat batteries fast. The use of GPS systems while increasingly popular, should not be seen as a substitute to a good basic knowledge of navigation using a paper map and compass.
We will cover the use of GPS’s in more detail, later in this series.
Paper Based
Historically the Ordnance Survey were the primary provider of paper based maps in the UK and are the only provider to cover the entire country in various scales. In recent years Harveys Maps has produced a number of solutions aimed at popular walking and climbing locations around the country. These have become very popular and many find their different symbols, colour schemes and contour systems much clearer.
In partnership with the BMC, Harveys Maps have also just launched as series of maps primarily focused on the UK National Parks. These include a single map covering the popular walking areas in the Lake District, something which requires four explorer or two landranger maps from Ordnance Survey. Further details of which can be found on the BMC website.
Computer Based
The final option are solutions such as Memory Map and Tracklogs which provide software to allow you to plan your routes on your PC or Mac at home. These can then be printed out using ordnance survey map data or even uploaded to your GPS for use while out on the hill. Finally you can also download a route you have recorded on your GPS and overlay on a map.
There are many benefits to this system over traditional paper based maps. Firstly you only need to print out the area you require and you don’t have the complication of carrying multiple maps when a route goes from one map to another. Also, as you can print a fresh copy of the map each time you walk in an area, you don’t have to worry about replacing your maps after it starts to suffer wear and tear.
Although the initial cost of purchasing such a system may be higher than buying single map, in the long run you are likely to be better off and appreciate the flexibility these systems offer.
UK Maps
For the benefit of this series we will focus on the ordnance survey maps, as these provide the widest coverage and are used by both Memory Map and Tracklogs.
As previously mentioned, the Ordnance Survey (OS) are the only publisher to produce maps covering the entire country. The UK is broken down into a number of different sheets, which overlap slightly to make it easier when moving from one sheet to another.
There are a number of different series of maps, each printed using a different scale. The most popular for navigating in the hills are the Landranger and Explorer series. Each cover the entire country with the Landranger series (204 maps in total) using a 1:50,000 scale (more commonly referred to as 1:50 or 1 to 50) and the Explorer series (403 maps in total) using a 1:25,000 scale (1:25 or 1 to 25).
Scale
The scale of the map describes how distance on the map relates to the physical distance on the ground. Put simply, when working on a 1:50 map, 1cm on the map equates to 50,000cm or 500m on the ground. Similarly 1cm on a 1:25 map equates to 250,000cm or 250m on the ground. This is important when judging distance or planning routes, something which we will come onto in more detail later in the series.
From OS’s perspective, this means that on a 1:25 map they have 4cm squared of paper to display a square kilometer, in comparison to only 2cm squared on a 1:50 map. This gives them four times as much space on a 1:25 map, allowing them to include much more detail such as field boundaries or buildings.
This can be extremely useful when trying to pin point your position and is the reason why the Explorer 1:25 maps are the number one choice for many hill walkers.
Symbols
All maps, not just Ordnance Survey, use a series of symbols and colour coded lines to represent roads, paths, buildings, services and other geographical features on the map. Although many of these will be common from map series to series, there are sometimes differences, especially with the use of colour.
To aid the user all maps come with a handy key giving the meaning of each symbol used. If you are not familiar with a particular map, or if it has been a while since you have used one then I would encourage you to take a few minutes to review the key prior to starting out on a route.
Since the change in access laws, the Ordnance Survey has updated its Explorer maps to clearly show areas where the public has a right to roam. This is especially important in England where unlike in Scotland, we don’t have the right to roam across all open land. In addition to this, if you are a mountain biker it is essential that you can recognise the difference between a footpath and a bridleway on a map in England as you shouldn’t ride your bike along public footpaths.
About the Author
Written by Giles Thurston, a qualified International Mountain Leader with over twenty years of experience of navigating in a mountain environment, including working as an outdoor instructor teaching navigation.
Further Reading
There are many books available which could provide further useful reading on the subject of mountain navigation. Some of the best are listed below:
Map and Compass - The art of navigation
By Pete Hawkins and published by Cicerone Press
The art of navigation from first stages to GPS. For everyone from the complete novice to the experienced hillwalker. Explanations on the different type of tools available to help in finding your way. Fully illustrated with the author’s own photographs and OS and other mapping. Appendices outlining further practice techniques and useful sources of information.
Navigation - Techniques and skills for walkers
By Pete Hawkins and published by Cicerone Press
This practical guide will help you get the most out of your map and give you the key skills to using your compass. It’s then down to you. Practice will make perfect, and with that will come the freedom and confidence to enjoy our hills and mountains.
Navigating with a GPS - Effective skills for the outdoors
By Pete Hawkins and published by Cicerone Press
This practical guide explains how to get the best from your GPS, and takes you through GPS navigation in a clear and structured way. It summarises how to navigate with a map and compass. The guide also looks at digital mapping, and how GPSs and mapping software can be used positively together.
Comments
Posted by connor duffy on May 19, 2009
love it
Posted by soham on April 13, 2010
this is a very useful info.. but truly speaking until or unless someone is teaching u these things, u won’t b able to find a single place in the mountain… it’s very true. i have read some books in mountain rescue. but when i had gone for mountaineering course, then only i course understand how tough is that....
Posted by michael framer on August 14, 2010
With numerous conference calling options available at affordable rates, corporations are able to eliminate a great deal of business travel while also managing telecommunications costs. Among the many solutions available are toll free conference calls, international conference calls, and flat rate conference call plans. Because a true conference calling solution is one that addresses your company’s calling needs, it’s important to explore your options. Among the many considerations are: calling plan type, price, and flexibility.
Conference Calling Plan Types
Several calling plans exist including plans where you can host 800 conference calls so that your clients, employees, and other participants can dial an 800 number; international conference calls where attendees from all over the world can dial a toll free number supported by their respective countries; and unlimited flat rate plans where you can host unlimited conference calls for a single monthly fee.
Toll free conference calls feature an 800 number used to access the conference. These plans are ideal when offering toll free access is important to you. For example, 800 conference calls are commonly used in conjunction with sales and marketing campaigns. Since the teleconference features an 800 number, clients and prospects are more likely to participate in the call.
International conference calls are ideal when your company needs to communicate with employees, partners, vendors, and other entities around the world. With these plans, callers from different countries need a special phone number to connect to the conference. For example, not all 800 numbers work internationally. In addition to ensuring that a phone number can connect international callers to the conference, providing local numbers ensures that participants do not need any special dialing instructions or access codes which could vary from one country to another.
In some instances, providing toll free conference calls doesn’t make sense. For example, if your company is part of a multi-company partnership working on solving a common problem, why should your company bear the entire financial burden of the call? By going with a non-toll free call, each company participating in the conference pays its own way.
Flat Rate Conference Call vs. Toll Free Conference Calls
With toll free international and domestic conference calls, the host pays the tolls for all participants. Non-toll free calls spread the cost of the conference call amongst participants with each attendee responsible for their individual toll charges during the teleconference. Unlimited monthly plans typically allow for an unlimited number of non-toll free conference calls each month in exchange for a flat rate conference call fee.
Depending on the telecommunications service provider and the plan you choose, expect to pay either a per minute, per participant fee or a flat monthly fee. Keep in mind that price is only one part of the equation. Equally important are features such as: international support, call quality, call recordings, account management tools, scheduling, and dial out.
Flexible Conference Call Plans
Because a solution is only a solution if it solves your problem, it’s important to choose a plan that addresses your needs. If you frequently host conference calls and toll free access is not important, going with a flat rate conference call plan may be the smart choice. Likewise, if you deal with an international audience, you’ll want a plan capable of international conference calls.
Your company may even need a blended service where you can make unlimited non-toll free conference calls as well as host 800 conference calls as needed. With calling needs that fluctuate from one month to another, plan flexibility becomes important. Consider plans that offer flexibility such as pay-as-you-go plans, prepaid toll free conference calls, and plans with no long term contracts. That way, you can solve current conference calling needs now and adjust your plan as your calling needs change later.
Once you understand the types of conference calls your organization needs, you can team up with a telecommunications provider offering corporate conference calling solutions that address your needs.
AIT is your one-stop resource for <a >toll free conference call</a> international <a >conference calls</a> and flat rate conference call services. With call quality, affordability, flexibility, and plan features top priorities, you can count on a corporate conference calling solution from AIT. Plans are available with no long term contracts required. Pay-as-you-go plans, unlimited plans, and prepaid conference calling minutes are also available.
Posted by michael framer on August 14, 2010
Corporate Conference Call Solutions
With numerous conference calling options available at affordable rates, corporations are able to eliminate a great deal of business travel while also managing telecommunications costs. Among the many solutions available are toll free conference calls, international conference calls, and flat rate conference call plans. Because a true conference calling solution is one that addresses your company’s calling needs, it’s important to explore your options. Among the many considerations are: calling plan type, price, and flexibility.
Conference Calling Plan Types
Several calling plans exist including plans where you can host 800 conference calls so that your clients, employees, and other participants can dial an 800 number; international conference calls where attendees from all over the world can dial a toll free number supported by their respective countries; and unlimited flat rate plans where you can host unlimited conference calls for a single monthly fee.
Toll free conference calls feature an 800 number used to access the conference. These plans are ideal when offering toll free access is important to you. For example, 800 conference calls are commonly used in conjunction with sales and marketing campaigns. Since the teleconference features an 800 number, clients and prospects are more likely to participate in the call.
International conference calls are ideal when your company needs to communicate with employees, partners, vendors, and other entities around the world. With these plans, callers from different countries need a special phone number to connect to the conference. For example, not all 800 numbers work internationally. In addition to ensuring that a phone number can connect international callers to the conference, providing local numbers ensures that participants do not need any special dialing instructions or access codes which could vary from one country to another.
In some instances, providing toll free conference calls doesn’t make sense. For example, if your company is part of a multi-company partnership working on solving a common problem, why should your company bear the entire financial burden of the call? By going with a non-toll free call, each company participating in the conference pays its own way.
Flat Rate Conference Call vs. Toll Free Conference Calls
With toll free international and domestic conference calls, the host pays the tolls for all participants. Non-toll free calls spread the cost of the conference call amongst participants with each attendee responsible for their individual toll charges during the teleconference. Unlimited monthly plans typically allow for an unlimited number of non-toll free conference calls each month in exchange for a flat rate conference call fee.
Depending on the telecommunications service provider and the plan you choose, expect to pay either a per minute, per participant fee or a flat monthly fee. Keep in mind that price is only one part of the equation. Equally important are features such as: international support, call quality, call recordings, account management tools, scheduling, and dial out.
Flexible Conference Call Plans
Because a solution is only a solution if it solves your problem, it’s important to choose a plan that addresses your needs. If you frequently host conference calls and toll free access is not important, going with a flat rate conference call plan may be the smart choice. Likewise, if you deal with an international audience, you’ll want a plan capable of international conference calls.
Your company may even need a blended service where you can make unlimited non-toll free conference calls as well as host 800 conference calls as needed. With calling needs that fluctuate from one month to another, plan flexibility becomes important. Consider plans that offer flexibility such as pay-as-you-go plans, prepaid toll free conference calls, and plans with no long term contracts. That way, you can solve current conference calling needs now and adjust your plan as your calling needs change later.
Once you understand the types of conference calls your organization needs, you can team up with a telecommunications provider offering corporate conference calling solutions that address your needs.
AIT is your one-stop resource for toll free conference call, international conference calls, and flat rate conference call services. With call quality, affordability, flexibility, and plan features top priorities, you can count on a corporate conference calling solution from AIT. Plans are available with no long term contracts required. Pay-as-you-go plans, unlimited plans, and prepaid conference calling minutes are also available.
Comment on this article
We welcome your comments on this article, please complete the form below to add your views to the reader discussion.
Please note: Mountaindays.net reserves the right to remove or edit any comments that are deemed inappropriate or off-topic.
Thank you for taking part in this discussion.
Latest Articles
Interview with Renan Ozturk
Read an excerpt from the recent cheaptents.com interview with pro climber and artist Renan Ozturk.
Other Recent Articles
Interview with Daniel Woods
Mountain Navigation: Maps, Symbols and Scales
Mountain Navigation Series
Interview with Andy Cave
Climbing Dictionary
Gallery Highlights
-
Giles Practicing Ice Axe Arrest -
Giles' Close Shave
Posted by Liz on March 25, 2009
HI… could you tell me the answer to this question that I can’t find the answer to… What is the symbol on the 1:25” scale maps (of old Iguess) that looks like a stretched letter “S"… it also looks like a mathematical integral symbol apparently! It appears several times on this scale map, but is not noted what it stands for. Any help you can give wil be appreciated… Many thanks… LIz Morgan