Comprehensive Mapping and Data Solutions
Key Features
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Ordnance Survey historical maps date back to the 1840s to provide detailed insight into historical land use to understand the potential contaminated land risks and associated liabilities.
​Our historic maps also include detail from the original marginalia information such as surveyed, levelled and copyright dates.
This additional inspection ensures you have everything you need to provide an accurate and informed opinion using historical OS maps. Choose from three historical mapping formats which can include both National Grid and County Series maps.
What is the coverage on the A3 Historic Maps?
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Full pack, including town plans: Available scales include 1:10,000, 1:10,560, 1:2,500, 1:1,250, 1:1056 and 1:500
How Historical Mapping Can Support Site Investigations
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Historical mapping allows you to compare earlier versions of a location with its present-day layout. By examining changes in buildings, roads, railways, industrial sites, quarries and other land features, you can develop a clearer understanding of how a site and its surroundings have evolved over time.
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This information can be particularly useful for environmental consultants, surveyors, property professionals, developers and engineers investigating land use history. Older maps may reveal features or former activities that warrant further investigation, helping inform decisions about whether additional environmental or ground investigations are needed.
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Historical maps provide evidence of recorded features at particular points in time, rather than a definitive record of every activity that has taken place on a site. They are most useful when interpreted alongside other relevant records and site information.
What Can You Find on Historical Ordnance Survey Maps?
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Depending on the map edition, date and scale, historical Ordnance Survey mapping can show a wide variety of features, including:
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Former industrial and commercial sites: Locations and layouts of factories, works and other developed land.
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Transport infrastructure: Historic railways, sidings, roads, canals and associated structures.
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Extractive industries: Recorded quarries, pits and other ground features.
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Changes in buildings and land use: How settlements, property layouts and surrounding land have developed over time.
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Historic site details: Map annotations and marginalia, including original survey and publication information where recorded.
The features shown vary between map editions. Comparing multiple dates can help establish when changes may have occurred and identify areas that merit closer examination.
Choosing the Right Historical Map Scale
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Historical mapping is available at a range of scales, from broader views of an area to more detailed town plans. The most suitable scale depends on the size of your site, the level of detail you need and the aim of your project.
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Larger-scale maps can show more detailed features within a smaller area, while smaller-scale maps provide wider geographical context. Check the available map coverage, dates and scales for your chosen product before ordering to ensure they meet your requirements.
How do I order Historical Mapping Data from CentreMaps Live?
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Discover how to effortlessly order your Historic Maps using our 24/7 interface. Our streamlined process ensures quick and convenient ordering for our valued customers.
Navigate to our shop, then follow the instructions in the video below to obtain your historical OS maps and more.
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