The most confident map readers are in the South Coast
Research by the Ordnance Survey also found over half of Brits say maps are a vital part of everyday life
People across the South Coast are the most confident map readers according to a new poll by the Ordnance Survey.
The research was collected to highlight the beginning of National Map Reading Week.
Nick Giles, from the Ordnance Survey, says: “When you think about the coastline, there's one thing and there's one feature that you can always see on the map, which is the sea. So, as long as you know which side of you and you can tell your left from your right where the sea is, then actually you know where you are on a map. So that adds to the confidence.
“We are spoiled with some fantastic countryside and coast. So, getting outside is sort of part of what we do and how we spend our weekends. That's possibly something to do with it but maybe it's just there's something rooted in the DNA of people that live in the south coast where they have a great sense of direction, who knows, but it's great to see that we've got lots of map readers down here.”
The survey also revealed 84% of adults claimed they could read maps well.
“If you think about that we use we do use a map every day even if it's a map in our head just getting to work or walking to the postbox you know there is a there is map that is in our heads that we're using.”
“So, for everyday life the ability to be able to read a sort of more detailed map and to go out and get the best of the outdoor environment is an important skill and one that we're encouraging people to refresh their memories of.”
In modern times, it’s easy to assume paper maps could be a thing of the past but 43% of respondents admitted to owning one or two paper maps at home.
“We're trying to encourage people to get out and enjoy this fantastic weather that we are having at the moment. Make sure that you know where you can go and that you're finding a new adventure, so get your map out. Even if it's a dog-eared old paper map. Every square on that map will give you an adventure It's just a question of being able to find it.”