Just half of Brits believe they could find their way with a paper map
Only half of Brits (54%) believe they could confidently use a paper map to help them find their way if they got lost, a study has found.
A poll of 2,000 adults found that many find map-reading a baffling prospect – with 16% admitting they have got lost in an unsafe situation, due to poor map-reading skills.
When faced with having to read a paper map to figure out their whereabouts, nearly a quarter (23%) would give up, and ask someone else for directions.
And 8% would try to retrace their steps, while 5% would take a wild guess about which way to go – and concerningly, another 5% admit they would simply panic.
As a result, three in five Brits (61%) believe map-reading should be taught from an early age, as part of the curriculum.
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And almost half of those polled (46%) say they would explore more of the countryside, while 41% would go on more adventurous walks – if they felt more comfortable reading a map.
Only half reckon they could find their way with a paper map if they were lost (Greg Pease/Getty Images)The research was commissioned by Ordnance Survey, ahead of National Map Reading Week, from July 31 to August 6 – and the mapping agency has also created this test, to help you discover how much you really understand maps.
The OS Map Reading Challenge features questions on map symbols, scale, and how to read contours – as it emerged less than half of Brits are aware of what contours on a map actually tell you.
Just 49% knew contours show the height of the land above sea level – with 5% believing it highlighted the different colours of a hill or mountain.
Only 46% were aware that a triangulation pillar shows the highest point of the land on an OS map – and nearly a quarter don't understand the scale of a map tells you how much you would need to enlarge it to get the actual size.
As such, 39% say they would like to brush up on their map-reading skills.
Nick Giles OBE, MD of Leisure for Ordnance Survey, which commissioned the research ahead of National Map Reading Week (July 31st - August 6th), said: “Some people feel map reading is a forgotten art, but in many ways we now rely on them more than ever before – we’re just not always using them to their full potential.
“Whether it’s a traditional paper map, an online app, or even sat-nav, we are constantly using them to get us from A to B.
“But sometimes when you are in the great outdoors, relying on your phone to tell you exactly where you are and where you need to go is not possible – that’s when map reading skills can become an essential safety tool.
And nearly a quarter think better map-reading skills would help them spend more time outdoors with their family (Floresco Productions/Getty Images)“Map reading can also help with problem solving and critical thinking skills, which in turn builds confidence, leadership skills, and self-esteem. It can help you find new places, grow trust in yourself to explore, and improve health and wellbeing.”
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Ordnance Survey also commissioned a separate poll of 1,000 parents, of children aged 7-14, which revealed they are determined to help youngsters develop the skills they need to explore the countryside.
A staggering 81% think their offspring would benefit from getting outdoors more often, with 28% concerned they don’t get out and about enough during school holidays.
And with parents running out of ideas to keep their children entertained just 16 days into the long six-week summer holidays, 85% would welcome tips of low-cost ways to keep them busy.
It comes as 54% of those polled, via OnePoll, claim their children’s only exposure to maps currently is via video games. And nearly four in five (79%) also said they would like to help their children develop better problem-solving skills.
Nick Giles added: “Map reading is an important skill to have, not only to keep you safe, but also to allow you to be more adventurous as a family.
“It opens up the British countryside to you more, allowing you to spend more time with your loved ones exploring areas you might not previously have seen, which is great for mental well-being and social connection.
“Whether you use a paper map or OS Maps, it’s about building some basic map reading skills so all its benefits can be realised.”
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