How to choose the right map

1:25 000 scale

Maps at a scale of 1:25 000 are sometimes called medium scale maps. One centimetre on a 1:25 000 scale map is equal to 25 000 centimetres (or 250 metres – ¼ kilometre) on the ground; four centimetres on the map therefore represents one kilometre on the ground. Alternatively, two and a half inches on the map is equal to one mile on the ground.

At 1:25 000 scale, major buildings such as the Houses of Parliament are still clearly visible; other features such as field boundaries also still appear in rural areas. However, individual buildings such as Big Ben, road names and other smaller detail is no longer shown.

Maps at 1:25 000 scale are used by walkers and other outdoor enthusiasts but they also contain enough detail for local area planning purposes.

The Ordnance Survey paper products available at 1:25 000 scale are Explorer™

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