How to choose the right map

1:50 000 scale

Maps at a scale of 1:50 000 are small-scale maps. One centimetre on a 1:50 000 scale map is equal to 50 000 centimetres (or 500 metres – ½ kilometre) on the ground; four centimetres on the map therefore represents two kilometres on the ground (2cm = 1 km). Alternatively, one and a quarter inches on the map is equal to one mile on the ground.

Although the Houses of Parliament are highlighted, Big Ben itself cannot be identified, as individual buildings are now grouped together as blocks. In rural areas, field boundaries no longer appear.

This scale of map is for general-purpose use, for example, business planning, motoring, walking and cycling.

The Ordnance Survey paper product available at 1:50 000 scale is called OS Landranger^® Maps and 1:50 000 scale data is also available.

• 1:50 000 scale data
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