Changes to ISBN

!n the most recent issue of your Publication Report, a number of OS  Explorer Maps and OS Landranger Maps are listed as "forthcoming titles" with changes to their ISBN:

EGM 357   25/07/2011           LRM 89   28/11/2011

EGM OL26  19/09/2011           LRM 90   28/11/2011

EGM OL27  19/09/2011           LRM 96   28/11/2011

EGM 403   17/10/2011           LRM 97   28/11/2011

EGM OL22  21/11/2011           LRM 166  15/05/2012

EGM 160   14/05/2012           LRM 167  15/05/2012

EGM OL15  11/06/2012           LRM 176  15/05/2012

EGM 162   11/06/2012           LRM 177  15/05/2012

EGM 174   11/06/2012           LRM 194  11/06/2012

EGM 175   11/06/2012           LRM 175  11/06/2012

Since April last year, however, as I understand it, new editions in the leisure map range are not given new ISBNs without good reason, for example a change to the title of the sheet.

As far as I can tell the above sheets are not listed as having any alteration to their title. Therefore I'd be very grateful if you could clarify the reason(s) why these maps will have a change of ISBN upon their publication?

Ordnance Survey does hold the information you have requested, and we are pleased to advise you of the following:

There is no explicit rule that we follow when selecting a revised map for photograph and ISBN change. Instead we assess the sheets in the programme for those that we feel will be of most interest to the public. This typically means that sheets are chosen on factors such as their popularity, the amount and/or significance of change that has been made to the sheet or the length of time since it last had a cover change.

For example, sheets such as OS Explorer Maps 357, OL27 and 403 were chosen because they have not had a cover change for 3 or 4 years, and because they are popular sheets. The same goes for OS Landranger Maps 89, 90 96 and 97. OL26 and OL22 would have been chosen purely on the strength of their popularity.

The remaining sheets you list were chosen because of the extensive development accumulated on the sheets, which was mostly a result of being sites selected for the 2012 Olympics.

Please note your enquiry has been processed according to the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) 2000. As all the 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: FOI11160/May 2011