Historic map scanning project – Online, available and free NOW


Remember Tyrannosaurus rex mapped out in the East Midlands?


Well now the complete collection of historical maps has now been released online via BGS OpenGeoscience. Over 2200 hand-coloured maps and sections from the whole of the British Isles are now available for viewing at high resolution.

Visit your local area on an old map and see what the geology was like when it was first mapped, then compare it with the modern mapping or maybe follow the sections from one side of the UK to the other, or wonder at the development of the stratigraphy and colouring shown in the ‘Index to colours’.
Swindon
Section through Arthur's Seat
Edinburgh
As this blog is all about the work of the BGS staff, it is worth reflecting about the creation of a web resource such as the historical maps. In the beginning comes the inspiration and the idea, then management approve the project, librarians find the different maps and meticulously compile the data, reprographics staff undertake the scanning and file management, database designers create a database to enable web delivery, the authors write the accompanying text and help design the site, the web team build the site to perfection and the communications team let the world know about it. Yes, all teamwork!

Bob McIntosh

Comments

Anonymous said…
Somewhere I have a geologic map from about 1850, hand-coloured, of the area near Morecombe in England. I'm going to get it scanned so I can have a copy printed to display (no way am I leaving those water colours in the light) - should I send you a copy of the file when I do it?
scotfot said…
Hi renardo, it would certainly be interesting to see the scan of your map so we check to see if it is a new variant! Thanks for the offer, Bob