Maps tell stories. If you have a series of maps of the same location over time you can read the history of the area just by studying each map. For people searching for alignments that may suggest a ley line, accurate maps are a starting point, but where do you find them?
In the UK, we’re fortunate to have the Ordnance Survey. Here’s a list of map providers in other countries.
United States of America (USA):
- Equivalent Maps: The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) produces topographic maps at a scale of 1:24,000, known as the 7.5-minute quadrangle maps. This scale is the closest equivalent to the UK’s Ordnance Survey 1:25,000 maps.
- Where to Find Them: You can download these maps for free from the USGS National Map website. Printed copies are also available for purchase through the USGS Store.
Australia:
- Equivalent Maps: Topographic maps at a 1:25,000 scale are produced, but coverage varies by state. For example:New South Wales: The NSW Spatial Services offers 1:25,000 topographic maps.
Victoria: The Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning provides Vicmap Topographic maps at this scale. - Where to Find Them:New South Wales: Visit the NSW Spatial Services website.
Victoria: Access maps through the Vicmap portal.
Other States: Check the respective state government websites or authorized map retailers.
Canada:
- Equivalent Maps: The standard topographic maps are at a 1:50,000 scale produced by Natural Resources Canada (NRCan). While 1:25,000 scale maps are not widely available, some provinces or commercial entities may offer them for specific areas.
- Where to Find Them:NRCan: Download maps from the Atlas of Canada.
Provincial Agencies: Check provincial mapping services for more detailed maps.
Commercial Retailers: Specialized maps may be purchased from outdoor or map retailers.
Netherlands:
- Equivalent Maps: The Dutch Cadastre, Land Registry and Mapping Agency (Kadaster) produces Top25NL maps at a 1:25,000 scale.
- Where to Find Them: Maps can be obtained through the Kadaster website or from authorized map retailers in the Netherlands.
Sweden:
- Equivalent Maps: Lantmäteriet, the Swedish mapping authority, offers topographic maps at a 1:25,000 scale covering the entire country.
- Where to Find Them: You can purchase or download maps from the Lantmäteriet website.
New Zealand:
- Equivalent Maps: Land Information New Zealand (LINZ) produces the Topo50 series at a 1:50,000 scale, which is the most detailed standard available. Some specialized areas may have 1:25,000 scale maps, but they are not commonly used.
- Where to Find Them: Maps can be downloaded for free from the LINZ Data Service or purchased from map retailers.