As mentioned in my previous post a few weeks back, Ordnance Survey maps are here to stay. Even in 2012 when everybody and their dog has a smartphone with GPS capabilities, the trusty old paper map is going from strength to strength. Orienteers, hikers, cyclists, rock climbers and outdoor purists prefer to use a physical map that is not going to drop out on them or run out of battery whilst in the midst of an adventure. 2012 has so far been a big year for Ordnance Survey Maps with their waterproof Active range being a big hit due to the tumultuous weather we have had this Summer.
OS Explorer Active Maps are the waterproof, also known as encapsulated, editions of Explorer OS Maps. Both Explorer maps are available in the Active waterproof form and I have to say, now that I have used the Active Maps I would not switch back to a regular paper map if there was a chance of rain. I have field tested these myself at the Lakes and they came in extremely useful. They are covered in a lightweight plastic coating, this allows the paper map to be waterproof, windproof and rip proof. My favourite feature however, is the ability to write and annotate on the map with washable ink. This way you can keep track of where you have been and mark interesting locations or points of interest. Active Maps do cost a couple of quid more than the regular OS Maps although it is definitely worth it, especially if there is a chance of rain.
Personally I think that the greatest innovation that the OS Active series of maps brings us is the ability to write and draw on them. Last week I found a lovely area for a picnic whilst trekking around the lakes, the view was absolutely magnificent, literally jaw dropping. With my Landranger Active OS Map I was able to mark down exactly where it was. With a phone I would not have had signal to be able to do this on a GPS or sat nav app. This little but endearing feature means that maps become souvenirs of trips, you cannot put a price on that.
So thats my take on Ordnance Survey Active maps. They are definitely worth the few pounds extra they cost, they will last a lot longer than a regular Ordnance Survey Landranger map or OS Explorer map. Other than the plastic coating, they are exactly the same as their non coated brothers, so expect to see the same range and unrivaled detail and precision that you find in Ordnance Survey maps.