BikeBiz Bicycle and cycling retail news
Over the weekend several news outlets, including The Telegraph, reported that Ordnance Survey is to end its policy of routinely producing maps that cover the whole country.
Ordnance Survey has swiftly rebuffed the claim, insisted it is ‘simply not true’.
The Telegraph said "the humble map is going the way of ‘the sextant, north star and other seemingly outmoded navigational aids" before citing years of declining sales and the fact that paper maps accounted for seven per cent of Ordnance Survey’s £141.9 million turnover in 2013.
However, Ordnance Survey flatly denied it: "We would like to stress that this statement is wholly inaccurate and that we are committed to maintaining a national series of paper maps for both OS Explorer and OS Landranger maps. Paper maps are used by millions of outdoor enthusiasts every year enabling people to explore and enjoy Great Britain. Our paper products remain an important part of Ordnance Survey with nearly 2 million sold over the last year.
"Paper maps are an important and iconic part of the Ordnance Survey brand and we strongly feel that they remain an essential part of the outdoors market, working alongside digital products and apps."
OS added: "We are always looking at ways to improve our products and services and our paper maps are no exception. We want to ensure that our paper products are the number one tool for anyone discovering the outdoors. This commitment has been reflected during recent years with our investment in our paper products including the introductions of the Active range of weatherproof paper maps and the launch of the popular Custom Made maps allowing customers to create personalised paper maps.
"Finally, we are disappointed by this statement within The Telegraph article and again would like to stress that we are committed to maintaining the national series of paper maps and that we will continue to supply these to wholesalers, retailers and customers." Go to the back of the class, Telegraph.
Cordee is among the suppliers of OS maps to the bike trade.
