Ordnance Survey – Great Britain's national mapping agency

Eleven million motorists ‘can’t read a map’

07 August 2007

Some eleven million UK motorists cannot read a basic road map, new research suggests.

The study by esure^® investigated how the nation's map-reading skills have been affected by new technology.

It found that over one third of motorists struggled to read a four-figure grid reference and were hugely reliant on electronic satellite navigation systems.

Worryingly, a huge 83% were also unable to identify the ‘motorway’ symbol on a map.

The research also revealed that just 1% of motorists would pass the Cub Scout Map Reader badge – designed for 6 to 17-year-olds.

Scott Sinclair of Ordnance Survey commented on the many benefits of paper maps over electronic systems.

He explained: ‘It’s time for motorists to take a refresher in map-reading skills. Technology is great but the batteries won’t run out on a paper map.’

Mr Sinclair continued: ‘Many people still enjoy maps and they can really help you build up a sense of the world around you.

‘Knowing how to read a map gives you access to much more information than a set of instructions on a screen.’

esure is a registered trademark of esure Insurance Ltd.

 

 

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