Multimap :: Blog

The BBC have been running an interesting debate lead by Mary Spence (the president of the British Cartographic Society), in which she argues that online mapping sites are “wiping out history”. This is an area which we feel quite passionate about too. As mentioned in previous posts, we have invested lots of effort in providing standard maps as-well as traditional maps created by skilled cartographers who are firmly keeping history alive. For example:

• The famous Ordnance Survey Land Ranger map of Great Britain (as mentioned by Mary Spence)
• Collins Bartholomew London street maps
• Malaysia street maps by local Malaysian cartographers Navi&Map
• ..and many more to come!

That said, there is nothing wrong with our standard maps too, having a simple “base map” enables our users and customers to overlay their own content that is relevant to their needs. After all, one of the principal elements of cartographic design is a map “must be designed foremost with consideration to the audience and its needs” (Robinson, A.H,1953). There is not one size that fits all for our users. Online map users have many diverse needs, and in the last few years have become extremely educated in the use of online mapping sites and personal navigation devices. This means that online map providers like ourselves have had to be flexible, offering choice.

So if you are planning a holiday to the Lake District, please try our Ordnance Survey Land Ranger maps or if you are planning a city break you might want our standard maps with some landmarks and perhaps even some Bird’s Eye imagery, or if you simply want a map of wi-fi hot spots in Paris, then please take one. The choice is yours!