Where was mapping information sourced

With reference to map SJ7292 dated 2009, used by xxxxxx Council:

1. When was this map made?

2. Who made this map?

3. Where or from whom did the map maker obtain information for making map SJ7295 and putting Partingtons port area in Carrington, Common Lane in Carrington - the old BP site now used by Trafford Council environment dept as in Carrington?

4. Maps must be accurate and use factual information yet this map was made using inaccurate information so will the OS amend this map?

5. All evidence supporting these areas as in Partington, Manchester are freely available on the internet and in public libraries from old maps and paintings so why was this factual and proven evidence not used when SJ7292 was made?

Thank you for your clarification letter dated 21^st June 2011

Ordnance Survey does hold some of the information you have requested.

Before responding to your questions it is important to note that without sight of the mapping in question, it is not possible to be specific in all areas of our response. It is highly probable that a map bearing the reference SJ7292 is one which has been mapped by Ordnance Survey, although a date of 2009 on the map does not necessarily indicate this is the date the map was ‘created’ – but could relate to the date of downloading or printing of the mapping from digital map data.

1. We cannot be specific about the map in your possession.  We can however state that an Ordnance Survey National Grid 1:2500 scale map sheet bearing the title/reference SJ7292 was first published in 1967.  Since this time there have been various revisions of this map.

2. As we have stated above, it is highly probable that a map with reference SJ7292 is one which has been made by Ordnance Survey.

3. If Ordnance Survey were the map maker (which as we have already discussed is highly probable) the ground features would have been captured by Ordnance Survey for inclusion in our mapping.  In the case of 1:2500 scale maps this information would have been initially captured prior to the first publication of a 1:2500 scale map of the area in 1873 - 1877. 

Thereafter these maps, based upon a County Series numbering system, county by county, were revised periodically until the second World War.  In 1938 a decision was taken to transform the numerous County-based series to a single series based upon the, then new, National Grid.  The County Series to National Grid conversion of the Partington area took place prior to the revision of 1967, with the previous map information transcribed and revised.

Information in relation to local Parish boundaries and other administrative boundaries and their alignments would be provided to Ordnance Survey by the relevant Boundary Commission.

It is worth noting that towns and villages grow overtime, and although historically an area may be locally referred to as being in one town/village with a postal address indicating so, the actual boundary for parish/administrative purposes sometimes correctly indicates otherwise.

In the area in question, historically, parish and other administrative boundaries followed the route of the rivers Mersey and/or Irwell.  Following the building of the Manchester Ship Canal between 1887 and 1894 the parish/administrative boundary was retained as being the route of the river, despite the fact that the canal had effectively ‘cut through’ the rivers.

Although Ordnance Survey no longer has a historic map archive, we have been able to view historic mapping at www.old-maps.co.uk and can advise that the parish/administrative boundary has at some point later been re-aligned to follow the route of the Manchester Ship Canal, for simplification.  The Boundary Commission would have notified Ordnance Survey of this change.

Currently, the Parish boundary between Partington Civil Parish and Carrington Civil Parish runs through the centre of the gas works away from the ship canal.  Its alignment means that Common Lane lies within Carrington Parish.

You may wish to consider contacting the Boundary Commission for England if you would like further information on their role and how they work:

Boundary Commission for England
35 Great Smith Street
London
SW1P 3BQ

Telephone: 0207 276 1102

4. Until we have sight of the mapping in question and are able to confirm that it originates from Ordnance Survey no further action will be taken.

Should the mapping in question be that of Ordnance Survey, we will review the current situation and will revise the current map as may be necessary.  We will not make changes to previous editions of Ordnance Survey maps.

5. I hope our response to your above questions has highlighted the fact that changes do occur to an area over time.  We do not dispute that there are old maps, paintings and other documentary evidence indicating the situation in past times.  However landscapes change, settlements grow and alter, amenities and infrastructure change in nature and use over time.  The use of the Manchester Ship Canal port and dock facilities are a particular example of this.  Equally parish/administrative boundaries may be legally changed from time to time, and Ordnance Survey maps are revised as soon as is convenient, to reflect these changes. 

Thus whilst there may be substantial historic evidence of a parish or locality being referred to in a specific location at a single point in time, and while this may remain in local usage by custom and practice, the situation may have changed formally and legally at some point, and it is Ordnance Survey’s responsibility to reflect such formal changes on our maps.

When SJ7292 was ‘made’ the parish/administrative boundary information would have been obtained from the Boundary Commission.  Ordnance Survey’s responsibility was then to translate the Commission’s alignment as published with the physical and natural features in the ground so that it could be shown in its correct position on the map.

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: FOI11179/June 2011