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What kind of map do you prefer?

Preferred map type

Harvey 1:25000
4
4%
Harvey 1:40000
12
11%
Ordnance Survey 1:25000
41
39%
Ordnance Survey 1:50000
30
29%
Digital map products
15
14%
Some other kind of map
1
1%
I don't use a map
2
2%
 
Total votes : 105

What kind of map do you prefer?


Postby Robert Haynes » Thu Aug 05, 2021 7:26 am

Because I'm a bit of a dinosaur, I prefer walking with a paper map, and was always brought up to trust them over electronic navigation aids. It's Ordnance Survey for me, though I've never been able to decide whether I prefer 1:50000 scale (looks nicer, better for planning a long day) and 1:25000 (better for precise navigation in tricky areas).

I'd be interested to know what other people like to use, and reasons why.
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Re: What kind of map do you prefer?

Postby iain_atkinson_1986 » Thu Aug 05, 2021 7:41 am

I use 50k OS on the OS Maps app and carry the paper map and compass in my bag. I've had very few equipment issues over the years and find paper maps to be a total faff. I last used a paper map doing the Tarf Munros and Corbetts just because the area was so big it was easier to use a paper map periodically.

I don't really find any benefit in 25k. If I'm having to pick my way through crags etc I've usually picked my line from quite far away.

Would consider switching to Harvey's if they had a decent app (haven't checked if they do).
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Re: What kind of map do you prefer?

Postby Giant Stoneater » Thu Aug 05, 2021 8:46 am

I take all 3 while out walking, paper map, map on phone, map on GPS it does not matter which i use so long as i can see a map and the detail that i need at the time. The paper map i normally print off a zoomed area of what i am doing. Most used is OS 1:50k
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Re: What kind of map do you prefer?

Postby WalkWithWallace » Thu Aug 05, 2021 9:12 am

1:50k OS on paper and on Viewranger. I find 1:25k a bit overkill in most circumstances, but good for planning in the house beforehand.
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Re: What kind of map do you prefer?

Postby Tinto63 » Thu Aug 05, 2021 11:08 am

I really prefer 1:25000, but only if they are the Pathfinder sheets or older. These two are from the mid 1950s.

IMG_8594_01.JPG
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Re: What kind of map do you prefer?

Postby davekeiller » Thu Aug 05, 2021 7:22 pm

Depends a bit where I am.
In lowland Scotland, OS 1:25000.
In the Highlands, Os 1:50 000 OR Harveys 1:40 000.
To be honest, I prefer the Harveys, but in many areas I already have the OS and don't want to shell out.
OS 1:25 000 shows too much detail for me - I find it's easier to get a sense of the topography from the 1:50 000
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Re: What kind of map do you prefer?

Postby Scottk » Thu Aug 05, 2021 7:44 pm

I use gps on my watch, have memory map on my phone (which I rarely use) and always carry either an OS 50k map or a Harvey’s map. I prefer the weather proof maps and I am slowly upgrading as the paper ones wear out.
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Re: What kind of map do you prefer?

Postby Veryhappybunny » Thu Aug 05, 2021 11:27 pm

I carry an OS 1:50,000 (or sometimes Harveys) and also use UK Maps on my iPhone (or occasionally maps.me, or the OS app). I also carry a really old Garmin GPS 12, which I use for checking position or gotos. My phone battery is not great, so I wouldn’t rely on it, although I do sometimes carry a power bank if I can be bothered.
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Re: What kind of map do you prefer?

Postby malrobb » Fri Aug 06, 2021 11:50 am

I carry the OS on my phone and a printed OS sheet from the app in my bag with a compass but the latter rarely leaves my bag. I could do with a dedicated GPS unit with buttons for the winter but spending £500 on a device for that niche seems extravagant unless anyone on here can convince me...
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Re: What kind of map do you prefer?

Postby Steve B » Fri Aug 06, 2021 11:59 am

I like too take a 1:25000 OS with me. This is used in conjunction with OS Locate and a compass as required.
I prefer thee detail at this scale. I usually have my day opened out in a Ortlieb Map Case (A3) for when, or if, I need to reference it.
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Re: What kind of map do you prefer?

Postby AyrshireAlps » Sat Aug 07, 2021 2:44 pm

I prefer the actual layout and graphics of OS, but use Harvey's due to the materials used, far better for our climate!.
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Re: What kind of map do you prefer?

Postby cyclejogle » Sun Aug 08, 2021 3:58 am

I take OS 1:25k plus a Garmin gps with open street topo maps. I feel the more detailed maps give the most chance of survival should I get lost in between some cliffs somewhere...
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Re: What kind of map do you prefer?

Postby gaffr » Sun Aug 08, 2021 11:16 am

I use both of the Harvey maps, both of the Ordnance Survey maps and a couple of digital ones.
In winter the buried under the snow features make the 1:25,000 less useful.
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Re: What kind of map do you prefer?

Postby Caberfeidh » Sun Aug 08, 2021 11:27 am

Aaaaarrrrrrrrrrrrrr, a 17th Century pirate sea-chart be all I need...

CartaMarina3Weba#R.jpg
All I need now is Cap'n Jack's magic compass...
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Re: What kind of map do you prefer?

Postby gaffr » Wed Aug 11, 2021 12:00 pm

Just thought of something re. the Harvey Maps....I just have both of the Cairngorm maps...however the 1:25,000 map is only an enlargement of the 1:40,000 ..or maybe it is the other way round. They are not different maps the features on both maps are the same.
On the Ordnance survey maps the two map scales have their own set of features shown.
On the Harvey two for the Cuillin Hills...one on each side of the map sheet... the 1:12,500 has much more useful information than appears on the 1:25,000 map.
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