Three-quarters of UK adults can't read a map - here's how to improve
How far is the pub? According to a poll commissioned by the Ordnance Survey for National Map Reading Week (July 11-17), three-quarters of British adults may never know. It revealed that 77% of respondents could not recognize the most basic map symbols of the operating system, such as viewpoints and ads. (The latter is marked with a classic pint glass with handle, so could the ignorance be due to the switch to straight beer glasses?)
But despite the popularity of walking - and the huge boost it has seen during and after lockdowns - it seems most of us are still awfully bad at using a map to guide us.
Of the 2,000 adults surveyed, more than half (56%) admitted they got lost because they couldn't use a map or follow a phone app properly, 39% having resorted to calling friends and family, 26% to report help and 10% to mountain rescue. to get home.
Even when they don't get lost, 31% said they were afraid to do so. Many adults (46%) said they were happier walking with someone else.
OS GetOutside Ambassador Julia Bradbury said she knows a few basics of map reading, understanding symbols, and contour lines and grid references can transform how you feel about going out.
< p class="dcr-3jlghf">"At first glance, these results seem to show that the UK public lacks confidence in their map reading skills. This is a shame, but can be quickly corrected."Map reading skills provide confidence and lessen the fear of getting lost. This knowledge can unlock the outdoors and lead to wonderful adventures and discoveries.
OS General Manager for Recreation Nick Giles said that one of the main reasons they have National Card Reading Week (launched in 2016) is to make the outdoors "fun, accessible and safe". ”
"We want to encourage people to better understand how good mapping skills, both paper and digital, can inspire people to discover new places and adventures safely.< /p>
"We have a fantastic set of map reading resources on our GetOutside website, so take the time to watch our videos or read the blogs," Giles said.
Choosing the right card
How far is the pub? According to a poll commissioned by the Ordnance Survey for National Map Reading Week (July 11-17), three-quarters of British adults may never know. It revealed that 77% of respondents could not recognize the most basic map symbols of the operating system, such as viewpoints and ads. (The latter is marked with a classic pint glass with handle, so could the ignorance be due to the switch to straight beer glasses?)
But despite the popularity of walking - and the huge boost it has seen during and after lockdowns - it seems most of us are still awfully bad at using a map to guide us.
Of the 2,000 adults surveyed, more than half (56%) admitted they got lost because they couldn't use a map or follow a phone app properly, 39% having resorted to calling friends and family, 26% to report help and 10% to mountain rescue. to get home.
Even when they don't get lost, 31% said they were afraid to do so. Many adults (46%) said they were happier walking with someone else.
OS GetOutside Ambassador Julia Bradbury said she knows a few basics of map reading, understanding symbols, and contour lines and grid references can transform how you feel about going out.
< p class="dcr-3jlghf">"At first glance, these results seem to show that the UK public lacks confidence in their map reading skills. This is a shame, but can be quickly corrected."Map reading skills provide confidence and lessen the fear of getting lost. This knowledge can unlock the outdoors and lead to wonderful adventures and discoveries.
OS General Manager for Recreation Nick Giles said that one of the main reasons they have National Card Reading Week (launched in 2016) is to make the outdoors "fun, accessible and safe". ”
"We want to encourage people to better understand how good mapping skills, both paper and digital, can inspire people to discover new places and adventures safely.< /p>
"We have a fantastic set of map reading resources on our GetOutside website, so take the time to watch our videos or read the blogs," Giles said.
Choosing the right card
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