01 March 2005

Ordnance Survey unveils map to mark Trafalgar bicentenary

Historic connection for national map maker

Ordnance Survey has published a special edition map commemorating the bicentenary of the Battle of Trafalgar.

Called The Trafalgar Way, it depicts the route taken by Lieutenant John Richards Lapenotiere, who was entrusted with delivering news of the naval victory and the death of Nelson to the Admiralty.

Lapenotiere made a momentous journey by post-chaise from Falmouth to London, arriving some 37 hours after setting out – a remarkable achievement in 1805. 

As well as showing his route, the map includes a description of the battle and its aftermath, and information about the people and places that played an important part in Nelson’s life.     

Lapenotiere’s dispatch heralded the news that the French threat to Britain had receded. One consequence was that the military style mapping of the south coast – the origin of Ordnance Survey – was redefined and expanded for civilian uses, launching a story of mapping innovation that continues today.   

“Trafalgar was a turning point in world history,” says product manager Debbie Cable. “It also had a dramatic impact on Ordnance Survey as it paved the way for the comprehensive mapping of every part of the country, however remote. That’s why we are delighted to commemorate the anniversary of this decisive battle with a special edition map.”

Vice Chairman of the New Trafalgar Trust, Peter Warwick, adds: “The Trafalgar Way route and the commemorative map will be lasting legacies of this year’s bicentenary. The famous journey taken by Lieutenant Lapenotiere is being highlighted by a series of ceremonial events and a re-creation of his travels from Falmouth to London. Plaques are being placed along the Way to help people retrace this historic route.”

Since the first Ordnance Survey map was published – a map of Kent in 1801 – a technological revolution has transformed the way geographic information is collected and used. Now, surveyors use GPS technology to lock onto positioning signals from orbiting satellites, and there is a growing requirement for computerised map data to support business and public services. Independent estimates suggest that Ordnance Survey data now underpins over £100 billion worth of economic activity in Britain.

Mapping has certainly come a long way from those very first surveys of the south coast, carried out to protect the country from Napoleon.

http://www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/leisure 

Notes for editors

• The Trafalgar Way costs £6.25 and will be available through retailers and our website www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/leisure
  

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