Passenger trains were rare on the Waterside branch line at Hadfield. In fact, there appear only to have been a handful during the line’s 85-year history. In late 1904 as part of a drive to improve the town’s railway services, Glossop Council approached the Great...
During 1957, cinema goers in the UK were in for a treat with The One That Got Away, starring Hardy Kruger as Luftwaffe pilot Oberleutnant Baron Franz von Werra. Produced by Earl St John and Julian Wintle, and directed by Roy Ward Baker, the film, based on a true...
When convoy HX 84 assembled at Halifax, Nova Scotia during late October 1940, it comprised 30 merchant ships escorted by the Royal Canadian Navy Town class destroyers HMCS Columbia (ex USS Haraden) and St Francis (ex USS Bancroft) and his majesty’s armed merchant...
For nearly six decades, Doctor Who has captivated audiences with its imaginative storytelling, iconic villains, and the ever-magnetic presence of the Doctor. Beyond the titular Time Lord, however, the series has also been a launchpad for numerous actors who have gone...
On Wednesday, 2 February 1916, driver George Lockwood and his fireman had brought the 1.40pm Leeds to Penistone in on time. Having arrived at 4.07pm, their Lancashire & Yorkshire Railway 2-4-2 tank engine was detached from its train and was diagrammed to shunt...
We’ve all heard of gun runners, drug runners, booze runners, ciggy runners, and so on. A friend of mine even told me of his tee-total, staunch Methodist, aged great uncle whose weekly ‘running’ consisted of taking a bottle of Irish Whiskey to his equally aged, though...
Audrey Hepburn remains an enduring symbol of grace, beauty, and humanity. Born on May 4, 1929, in Brussels, Belgium, Hepburn's rise from her modest beginnings to become a Hollywood legend and a compassionate humanitarian is a story of inspiration and nostalgia....
The Blackpool Tramway is a British icon, one of the oldest electric tram systems in the world and a symbol of Blackpool's rich history. Stretching along the Lancashire coastline, the network has been intrinsically tied to Blackpool's evolution as a beloved seaside...
The Trafford Centre, nestled in Greater Manchester, England, stands as one of the United Kingdom's premier shopping and leisure destinations. Its journey through time is a fascinating story of persistence and evolution. Let's take a closer look at how this iconic...
You are going to be disappointed if you think this article might be a review for a new movie in the Iron Man Franchise from Marvel Studios. Our iron man isn’t Robert Downey Jr. It is in fact Freddie Steele who became one of Port Vale’s most loved and respected...
The Ordnance Survey (OS) of Great Britain, renowned as the world’s oldest national mapping agency, has a storied history that spans over two centuries. This article explores the inception of Ordnance Survey, the evolution of its purposes and technologies, and its modern-day applications, reflecting on how historical contexts and technological advancements have shaped its journey.
Why It Was Set Up
The Ordnance Survey was officially established in 1791, but its origins trace back to the aftermath of the Jacobite uprising in 1745. The rebellion highlighted the British military’s need for accurate maps of the Scottish Highlands to control the region more effectively. This necessity led to the commissioning of William Roy, a young engineer, to conduct an initial survey of the area using rudimentary methods.
Founding Figures
Major-General William Roy is often credited as the founder of Ordnance Survey. His pioneering work in the Scottish Highlands set the groundwork for future developments. Roy’s passion for precision in mapping was instrumental in advocating for a national survey at a time when maps were often inaccurate and unreliable.
19th Century: Expansion and Methodology
Throughout the 19th century, the scope of Ordnance Survey dramatically expanded beyond military needs. Under the auspices of the Board of Ordnance, mapping efforts extended across the entirety of Great Britain, aiming to create a detailed and uniform series of maps at a scale of one inch to the mile.
The use of triangulation, introduced by Roy, became more sophisticated with advancements in technology and methodology. The Great Trigonometrical Survey, which aimed to measure the entire country with unprecedented accuracy, was a significant undertaking that lasted several decades.
20th Century: Technological Integration and Civil Applications
As technology evolved, so did the techniques used by Ordnance Survey. The introduction of aerial photography during the First World War marked a significant shift, allowing for more detailed and rapid surveying of land. Throughout the 20th century, OS maps became indispensable tools not only for military purposes but also for civil engineering, urban planning, and recreational activities.
From Manual to Digital
The latter half of the 20th century witnessed a technological revolution in the methods of surveying and map production. The shift from manual drawing to digital systems in the 1970s and 1980s transformed the production and accessibility of maps. Computerisation enabled more frequent updates and more complex data layers in maps.
GIS and Modern Surveying
The advent of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and the Global Positioning System (GPS) in the late 20th century further revolutionized Ordnance Survey’s capabilities. These technologies allowed for real-time data collection and highly accurate positioning, facilitating a move towards digital and online mapping services.
Digital Transformation
In the 21st century, Ordnance Survey has embraced digital innovation to remain relevant and useful in an increasingly information-driven society. Today, OS provides a range of digital mapping products and services that cater to diverse markets including government planning, environmental management, and outdoor activities.
Smart Technology and Big Data
The integration of smart technology and big data analytics has opened new avenues for the application of OS data. From supporting smart city initiatives to aiding in disaster management and mitigation, the data provided by OS is crucial for decision-making at multiple levels.
Public and Recreational Use
For the general public, Ordnance Survey continues to support outdoor activities such as hiking and cycling through its detailed topographic maps and digital applications. Apps like OS Maps offer users access to digital maps on their devices, combining traditional map reading with GPS technology.
Ordnance Survey’s journey from a military tool in the 18th century to a multifaceted digital resource in the 21st century illustrates a remarkable adaptation to changing technological landscapes and societal needs. As it continues to evolve, OS remains at the forefront of the geospatial industry, ensuring that its storied history continues to inform its innovative future.
Andy is the Editor of iNostalgia and is a regular contributor the exploring history & nostalgia category, with a love for community nostalgia.