First edition surveyors instructions

Could you please tell me if you have information regarding the instructions given to surveyors for the 1^st Edition 1:10560 scale maps in the nineteenth century? I am particularly interested in what criteria was adopted for mapping features such as trees, hedges and ponds e.g. how big did a tree have to be to be mapped?

Thank you for your e-mail dated 18^th February 2011. I regret to inform you that Ordnance Survey does not hold information regarding the instructions given to surveyors for 1^st edition 1:10560 scale mapping. However, I have undertaken some research and am able to provide the following information which may be of interest.

Ordnance Survey does hold a copy of the ‘Red Book’ dated 1963, which is the ‘Instructions for detailed survey and revision of maps and plans’ provided to surveyors.  Although this does not cover the time period you are requesting, these instructions would have evolved from any earlier instructions, and I detail below some sections from this book (when issued) in relation to trees, hedges and ponds for your information:

SECTION B Representation of Detail - HEDGES
52 a. The centre line of routes of all hedges will normally be shown by a single firm line, whatever the width of the hedge, but in those potions of outgrown hedges which extend more than 5 (10) metres from the routes the extent and character of the vegetation will be shown.

b. Hedges will be annotated “Hedge” (H) when necessary for clarity.

SECTION B Representation of Detail - TREES IN A ROW
104 a. Trees in avenues or rows will be shown except where the symbol would obscure more important detail.

b. They will be depicted by the sketched tree symbol.  If the trees are spaced at less than 15 metre intervals they will be shown on the field document at a conventional spacing of 15 metres. If they are spaced more than 15 metres apart they will be shown in a position to an accuracy of 5 metres.  The first and last trees and those shown at the ends of breaks greater than 15 metres will be shown in position to an accuracy of 5 metres.

c. An exception to the foregoing rules will be made when any tree in the avenue or row is used to define an administrative boundary.

SECTION B Representation of Detail - LAKES, PONDS, MOATS AND RESERVOIRS
117 a. The outline of lakes and ponds at normal winter level will be shown by a firm line, and the feature will be annotated when not named.

SECTION D Names and House Numbers – TREES
130. The name of prominent trees of a particular interest will be collected and recorded.

SECTION L Instructions for 1:10 000 Detail Survey – HEDGES FENCES AND WALLS
62. a Where houses are grouped and providing the character of the area is maintained, boundary fences, hedges and walls will not be shown at closer intervals than 10 metres.

SECTION L Instructions for 1:10 000 Detail Survey – LAKES, LOCHS, LOCHANS AND PONDS
73. These will be shown at the normal winter level and described.

SECTION L Instructions for 1:10 000 Detail Survey – WOODS, ORCHARDS AND TREES
124. Except when they form prominent isolated features, the minimum area of woods and orchards to be surveyed will be approximately 1 hectare. Indicate the character of trees in woods but classify for density only when scattered.

Trees in avenues or rows will be depicted by a suitable number of sketched tree symbols between the end trees of the row; the latter should be positioned to an accuracy of 10 metres. Trees standing in permanent water will not be shown.

Further information in relation to your request and earlier surveyor instructions may be available at The National Archives (TNA).   TNA is a centre of expertise in creating, managing and preserving official information. TNA work with 250 government and public sector bodies. As the government's national archive for England, Wales and the United Kingdom, they hold over 1,000 years of the nation's records for everyone to discover and use. You may contact them as follows:

The National Archives
Kew
Richmond
Surrey
TW9 4DU
Telephone: 0208 876 3444
www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/contact

Please note that your enquiry has been processed according to the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) 2000. As all requested information has been provided, we have determined that in all the circumstances of this case the Public interest consideration (section 17 FOIA) is not applicable in this instance.

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
Adanac Drive
SOUTHAMPTON
SO16 0AS

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: FOI11140/February 2011