Author Topic: Recent OS map overlays?  (Read 953 times)

Recent OS map overlays?
« on: 25 February, 2024, 03:08:47 pm »
Does anyone know if there's an online archive of OS maps 1:50K or 1:25K, where one can compare maps from different recent decades?  I'm thinking of last 50yrs, so say, comparing 1985 or 1995 with 2020.  NLS mapping doesn't seem to have maps after mid-70s.
Cycle and recycle.   SS Wilson

Re: Recent OS map overlays?
« Reply #1 on: 25 February, 2024, 04:41:01 pm »
Does anyone know if there's an online archive of OS maps 1:50K or 1:25K, where one can compare maps from different recent decades?  I'm thinking of last 50yrs, so say, comparing 1985 or 1995 with 2020.  NLS mapping doesn't seem to have maps after mid-70s.

Use the 'change background map' drop-down, above the map.  Lots of options in there including LIDAR and modern OS leisure maps.

rogerzilla

  • When n+1 gets out of hand
Re: Recent OS map overlays?
« Reply #2 on: 26 February, 2024, 07:08:05 am »
The recent ones are still in copyright.  Bing Maps (not on mobile, it's crap) does current OS mapping but I'm not aware of anything in between.
Hard work sometimes pays off in the end, but laziness ALWAYS pays off NOW.

Re: Recent OS map overlays?
« Reply #3 on: 26 February, 2024, 07:34:29 pm »
Yes, OS maps are Crown Copyright, which lasts for 50 years. So up to mid 1970s is out of copyright.
Also some newer maps which have been released as OpenData, from about 2010 onwards. ie the 1:250K scale.

Some interesting stuff on SABRE maps. https://www.sabre-roads.org.uk/maps/

Re: Recent OS map overlays?
« Reply #4 on: 26 February, 2024, 10:59:14 pm »
The recent ones are still in copyright.  Bing Maps (not on mobile, it's crap) does current OS mapping but I'm not aware of anything in between.

As I mentioned above, the background OS option on NLS historical maps is bang up to date.  Check this link -
https://maps.nls.uk/geo/explore/#zoom=15.0&lat=50.75020&lon=-3.40233&layers=1&b=10

Re: Recent OS map overlays?
« Reply #5 on: 29 February, 2024, 04:12:00 pm »
Thx.  I have a subscription to OS maps online for the most recent 1:25k/1:50K, but was wondering whether it was possible to compare these with earlier (recent) decade OS maps.  Don't think it is.
Cycle and recycle.   SS Wilson

Re: Recent OS map overlays?
« Reply #6 on: 29 February, 2024, 06:01:21 pm »
Thx.  I have a subscription to OS maps online for the most recent 1:25k/1:50K, but was wondering whether it was possible to compare these with earlier (recent) decade OS maps.  Don't think it is.
Here's 1960 (approx) and current.  How recent to you want to go?
https://maps.nls.uk/geo/explore/#zoom=15.0&lat=50.75020&lon=-3.40233&layers=11&b=10

Re: Recent OS map overlays?
« Reply #7 on: 29 February, 2024, 06:44:58 pm »
Maybe you could acquire an old copy of Memory Map.
I have got the 2003 maps. Not sure if they are much different from the latest edition.

RichForrest

  • T'is I, Silverback.
    • Ramblings of a silverback cyclist
Re: Recent OS map overlays?
« Reply #8 on: 29 February, 2024, 08:21:12 pm »
Are you looking for a specific area or just everywhere?

Re: Recent OS map overlays?
« Reply #9 on: 29 February, 2024, 08:31:55 pm »
In first instance it was locally to see how area layouts have changed.  Would like to see a 1980-1985 OS map.
Cycle and recycle.   SS Wilson

RichForrest

  • T'is I, Silverback.
    • Ramblings of a silverback cyclist
Re: Recent OS map overlays?
« Reply #10 on: 29 February, 2024, 08:53:02 pm »
It was just that I have been given a few assorted old OS maps from a lady who is to old to tour now her husband has died. They seem to have had them from areas they went to over the years.
Some are from as far back as a '74 Devon one, the Oxford one is '94

Re: Recent OS map overlays?
« Reply #11 on: 29 February, 2024, 09:52:30 pm »
There are one inch and quarter inch maps available online here (below), up to about 1975:
https://www.sabre-roads.org.uk/maps/index.php?view=51.86852,-2.16244&map=QuarterInchMap&zoom=11&layer=qi74
The one inch maps are sheets by year of publication, so you'll have to hunt a bit to find the right area for you. If you select a layer and get black, zoom out to see where there is data - e.g. sheets for 1971


For later maps that are still in copyright, I should think your best bet is old paper maps, and second hand book shops or eBay.

Relatively local and touristy areas shouldn't be too hard in physical shops, but other areas would be more difficult. For example, I, in Gloucester, would expect to be able to get hold of maps for Hereford, Worcester, Swindon, and North Wales or the Norfolk coast, but I'd be surprised to find maps for Tamworth, Burton on Trent or Derby.

rogerzilla

  • When n+1 gets out of hand
Re: Recent OS map overlays?
« Reply #12 on: 01 March, 2024, 09:58:19 am »
The Bay of Thieves is good for stuff like this.
Hard work sometimes pays off in the end, but laziness ALWAYS pays off NOW.