The UK’s Ordnance Survey, which provides accurate maps at different scales of every inch of the country, says a survey it sponsored shows that three-quarters of UK adults have deep gaps in map-reading skills.
The survey, part of activities for National Map Reading Week, which ends Sunday, asked 2,000 adults about their skill and confidence levels, and found that 56% reported having gotten lost at some point because they couldnt effectively use a map or phone app, and 77% couldn’t recognize a basic set of OS map symbols, including the ones for scenic viewpoints and for pubs.
Of those who got lost, by the way, 39% called friends or family for help, 26% flagged down a passerby, and 10% actually needed mountain rescue to get home.
Ordinance Survey “GetOutside” ambassador Julia Bradbury says that while the results are disappointing, it’s not the end. “It’s a shame, but can be quickly rectified,” she said, and “Map-reading skills give self-assurance and ease the fear of getting lost. That knowledge can unlock the outdoors and lead to wonderful adventures and discoveries.”
