How to choose the right map

1:250 000 scale

Maps at a scale of 1:250 000 are small-scale maps. One centimetre on a 1:250 000 scale map is equal to 250 000 centimetres (or 2 500 metres – 2.5 kilometres) on the ground; four centimetres on the map therefore represents ten kilometres on the ground. Alternatively, one inch on the map is equal to four miles on the ground.

At 1:250 000 scale, individual and groups of buildings such as the Houses of Parliament no longer appear due to lack of space. Therefore, map detail is confined to place names and the road network with extent of urban areas shown by a grey background. Large forests and parks are also highlighted by colour. Major river networks are also shown. Map symbols are used extensively to highlight places of interest, again because of the lack of space.

These maps are used for planning routes or navigation.

The Ordnance Survey paper products available at 1:250 000 scale are Road maps maps and 1:250 000 scale information is also available as Strategi^® data.

• Strategi^® data
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