07 December 2009

Santa and Rudolph in satnav versus paper map spat

Preparations for Santa’s busiest night of the year are being hampered by a dispute with his usually faithful reindeer – Rudolph.



After spending most of the year working out and getting in shape, ready for his marathon festive journey, the red-nosed reindeer now finds himself out in the cold.

His North Pole-based employers – Santa Claus and the Elves Ltd – have invested heavily in new equipment and technology for the sleigh. Among the new additions, is a new satellite navigation system – giving accurate directions for the quickest possible route on Christmas Eve.

“There are so many children to deliver to in just one night – trying to make sure that everyone gets a present is very stressful. Even more so if we were to get lost,” says Santa. “This satellite navigation system relies on Ordnance Survey mapping data – so it’s based on the most detailed information available. Our trials in the run up to Christmas have been very promising.”

Rudolph disagrees: “For many years now, I have used a combination of nose-power and paper maps to plan our routes. I’m hurt, frankly, that Santa sees fit to replace such a tried and tested method with this new-fangled technology.”

This argument is echoed across Britain. With so many satnavs finding their way into stockings this Christmas, there is a fear that traditional map-reading skills will disappear.

“Our mapping data underpins most of the satnav systems available in Britain,” says Ordnance Survey’s Rob Andrews. “But paper maps are equally important.

“We believe satnavs and paper maps can work in harmony – just like Santa and Rudolph should. One complements the other. The systems are a fantastic way of finding your way across Britain, but if you’re using one in your car – or sleigh – you should always have a paper map in the glove box too. Just in case. You never know when you might need it.”

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Head of Corporate Communications - Rob Andrews

Email: rob.andrews@ordnancesurvey.co.uk

Phone: (+44) 023 8005 5563

Senior Communications & PR Officer - Paul Beauchamp

Email: paul.beauchamp@ordnancesurvey.co.uk

Phone: (+44) 023 8005 5564

Press Office fax: (+44) 023 8005 6156