Search results
Detail from 1901 Ordnance Survey map of the Imperial fortress colony of Bermuda (showing St. George's Town and St. George's Garrison), compiled from surveys carried out between 1897 and 1899 by Lieutenant Arthur Johnson Savage, Royal Engineers.
In 1995, Ordnance Survey launched its website and digitised the last of about 230,000 maps, making Britain the first country in the world to complete a programme of large-scale electronic mapping. Computers further transformed the map-making process, with electronic data becoming routinely available to customers within 24 hours of being surveyed.
In the United Kingdom, we have very detailed mapping available via the government-run Ordnance Survey. Their maps, while not best suited for long distance navigation are invaluable for outdoor activities, due to the level of detail and landmarks available, especially on the 1:25000 Explorer series.
Here you can find out how to buy our historical maps of Great Britain and where to find our archived maps, aerial photography and survey records of overseas British colonies. We define historical mapping as mapping that no longer reflects the situation on the ground.
Jun 18, 2021 · On 18 April 1936, the trig pillar was first used in the retriangulation of Great Britain. On this day, a group of surveyors gathered around a white concrete pillar in a field in Cold Ashby and began the monumental task of mapping Great Britain.
Jun 24, 2022 · On 21st June 1791, the Board of Ordnance bought a new and improved Ramsden theodolite to start to map out the entirety of Britain in light of the threat of French invasion. This was the day the Ordnance Survey was born.
Jun 21, 2020 · But it was during summer 1791 that the ‘Trigonometrical Survey’ – the basis of the first accurate map of Britain – was initiated. The three-foot theodolite used for the Principal Triangulation of Great Britain. Image credit: Science Museum Group.
