NLS Maps site adds 1973 OS maps, and Woodlands viewer 1840s-1880s

Two major additions so far this month to the National Library of Scotland maps viewer:

Ordnance Survey maps published in 1973

We have put online 1,868 maps at scales of 1:1,250 to 1:10,560 which were published in 1973, and which have therefore just come out-of-copyright from 1 January 2024. These include 1,151 detailed maps at scales of 1:1,250 and 1:2,500 covering areas in Scotland, and 717 less detailed maps at scales of 1:10,000/1:10,560 covering areas in England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Our graphic index showing the maps highlights the new maps published in 1973 in orange. These are usually the most detailed, basic scales of Ordnance Survey maps for these areas.

    Home page - Ordnance Survey National Grid maps, 1944-1973

Woodland in Scotland map viewer, 1840s-1880s

The Library has recently partnered with the nature regeneration platform, Zulu Ecosystems, who have extracted a digital layer showing woodland from the mid-19th century Ordnance Survey maps. The depiction of woodland on these OS Six-Inch to the mile maps (1843-1882) is one of the most comprehensive records of ancient woodland in Scotland. It is hoped that the development and donation of this open access layer will contribute towards the conservation and protection of ancient woodland in Scotland.

Due to the automated processes used to extract the layer, some revisions are still needed. We are inviting volunteers to easily record corrections they spot in the viewer.

    Woodland in Scotland map viewer

For further details on recent releases visit https://maps.nls.uk/additions

Chris 

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