Public capacity to read and follow maps

I wonder if you are able to point me to any reasonably recent survey/research on who uses OS maps, also on the capacity of the public to read and follow data presented in mapped format. I assume that this is a large area of inquiry (and I also assume that some of your data will be commercial in confidence) but also assume that there must be some academic research that is in the public domain. I am only looking for some general information (not any deep academic inquiries into spatial skills) and my interest is for a voluntary body - the Scottish Rights of Way and Access Society (also known as ScotWays).

Thank you for your e-mail dated 8^th November 2010. I am pleased to provide you with the following information with regard to your request.

Ordnance Survey does hold some survey and research information, and some of these documents do contain reference to the information you have requested. However, I regret to inform you that this information falls under the 'Commercial Interests' exemption Section 43 (2) of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) 2004.

We consider this exemption applies because the survey/research information Ordnance Survey holds has been commissioned by Ordnance Survey from external organisations, and disclosure of this information would prejudice the commercial interests of the organisations who undertake this type of commission as part of their core business activity, therefore we will not be releasing this information to you.

However, I am able to provide the following information which may be of some assistance:

The link below is to a published paper focusing on the cognitive aspects of how people in general relate to maps which you can access via the Ordnance Survey website:

http://www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/oswebsite

Other areas which may help would be the Mintel Oxygen Service, which sells consumer market research on UK leisure and sporting activities, at the following e-mail address: www.mintel.com.

The Outdoor Industry Association web site http://www.outdoorindustriesassociation.co.uk/, is more focused towards retailers but produces and sells a research report called Shaping The Future for £399 - a review of the retail ‘journey’ of outdoor consumers, exploring what influences them, when, why and how they shop, and what they buy.

Visit Scotland provide free statistics and research about tourism in Scotland, including some which relate to walking: http://www.visitscotland.org/research_and_statistics.aspx

Finally, you may be able to find information at the Office for National Statistics (ONS) website http://www.statistics.gov.uk/default.asp in the Travel and Tourism section, which should be free of charge.

To the extent that the Public interest test applies (section 17 FOIA), we have determined that in all the circumstances of the case, the public interest in withholding the requested information does outweigh that of disclosure, as there is public interest in ensuring organisations are able to compete and trade fairly for their business, and participate competitively in a commercial market.

Please note that your enquiry has been processed according to the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) 2000. If you are unhappy with our response, you may raise an appeal to our Appeals Officer at:

FOI Appeals Officer
Customer Service Centre
Ordnance Survey
Romsey Road
SOUTHAMPTON
SO16 4GU

Please include the reference number below. The Appeals Officer will ensure that the process has been followed correctly, questioning any decisions taken regarding the original response and recommending disclosure of additional information if appropriate.

Thank you for your enquiry.

Reference number: FOI10116/November 2010

Public capacity to read and follow maps

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