Ordnance Survey Digital Maps
Background
Ordnance Survey Map Data in the Map Room
Digimap
Background
Cambridge University Library is a legal deposit library and so holds an extensive archive of printed Ordnance Survey (OS) maps. Indeed, except for some of the very earliest 1:2,500 maps (published in the second part of the 19th century) the Map Department should have a copy of every OS map ever published.
However, Ordnance Survey no longer publishes paper maps at the most detailed scales. Instead the map data is held on a computer database from which paper maps are printed-on-demand at OS designated outlets (to find one of these see http://www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/oswebsite/support/walk-in-outlets/find-your-nearest.html).
However, there are two ways – depending on your status and the use to which you want to put the data – to gain access to current, detailed Ordnance Survey maps or map data within the University.
1. Ordnance Survey Map Data in the Map Room
Since 1998 Ordnance Survey has voluntarily deposited an annual snapshot of its most detailed data in the legal deposit libraries thus ensuring that the record of our changing landscape is not lost.
This data is only accessible via a specific computer in the Map Department from which A4 sized printouts can be taken. No data can be downloaded.
For more information see http://www.lib.cam.ac.uk/deptserv/maps/osdata.html
2. Digimap Ordnance Survey Collection
The Digimap service delivers Ordnance Survey Map Data to registered users within UK Tertiary Education via the Internet. The service is run by EDINA based in Edinburgh University Data Library and can be accessed by any registered user on any PC in the cam domain..
Cambridge University Library subscribes to two datsets:
- The Digimap Ordnance Survey Collection which provides access to current data. The data can be downloaded
- Historic Digimap which provides images of historic Ordnance Survey maps dating from 1843 to 1996.
For more information see http://www.lib.cam.ac.uk/deptserv/maps/digimap.html