Which Map? How to Choose the Right Ordnance Survey (OS) Map

The walk location is decided, you know how long you want to be out for and you've brushed up on your map reading skills. It's time to get a map and plot the route. In the UK this means using an Ordnance Survey map which shows all the footpaths, features and topographic detail you will need to complete any forray into the countryside safely and successfully. There is not just one Ordnance Survey map for each area however but a choice of different series of maps, all showing different levels of detail, scales or usages. So how do you select the right Ordnance Survey map for your walk? Here are a few pointers to help you choose:

Select the correct map for your walk:

You have two main choices of paper map - the Ordnance Survey (OS) Explorer or the Ordnance (OS) Landranger. Other maps are available such as street atlases, historical or specialised activity maps but for hiking or walking you will need one of the above in order to provide enough detail to navigate from.

The OS Explorer map series is the most popular choice and an essential for longer or more complex walks or those going off the beaten track. It is highly detailed and shows all rights of way, footpaths, landscape and interest features and contours. Every house, public facility or point of interest is covered giving you all the tools you need to locate yourself as well as finding that nearest pub for a drink after a hard days walking! The scale is 1:25000 - that is 1cm on the map equates to 250m on the ground (4cm per km or 2 1/2 inches to a mile)

The OS Landranger map series covers a wider area with a scale of 1:50000 (that's 1cm on the map to every 500m on the ground, 2cm per km or 1 1/4 inches to the mile). This makes it handy for planning a day out over a broader area and for getting a good picture of where you are going and it shows the main footpaths and rights of way as well as tourist information and points of interest. However it doesn't contain as much detail as the OS Explorer range and if you are going off into the wilds you will need the detail of the Explorer map to navigate with confidence.

There are other options worth knowing about: firstly the Active Maps which come in both Landranger and Explorer ranges and have a laminated, waterproof cover to protect your map from the rain and elements when out and about; secondly there are the custom-made maps which allow you to choose where the centre of your map will be. These are particularly handy if the route you want to follow will require buying 2 or more maps or you want maps of the countryside surrounding one central point on all sides e.g. the area around a campsite or accommodation or even your house! Both types of map are more expensive than basic OS Explore and OS Landranger maps.

Check your whole walk area is covered:

Select the type of map you require and then check on the map detail that your whole route is covered. The last thing you want is to realise that half your intended route is missing when you set off for your walk! If necessary you will need to get additional maps for adjoining areas. Each map has a number in the top right hand corner of the cover which along with the name is the reference you will need to select the correct map to purchase.

Buy/borrow a map:

That's it - the hard work and research is done. Now you know which map or maps you need you can order them online or buy from an outdoor shop. All you need is a compass, your hiking gear and a good day for the walk! Happy hiking!

Baby Routes is a website for outdoor parents looking for walking routes and information about getting out and enjoying the Great Outdoors with kids. For more information on hiking, walking with children, walking routes or outdoor gear and product reviews visit babyroutes.com

Want to find out about walking access rights and map reading in the UK? Go to http://babyroutes.co.uk/map-reading-countryside-access/

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Which Sports Card Trading Company Reigns Supreme? You Decide

In the card collector and sports memorabilia world there are three main companies which provide the fan and collector with sports cards to create a "closer" fan experience. These companies are the likes of Topps, Upper Deck, and Panini. Now I know what you are thinking, "There are multiple other companies involved in the production of sports cards!" I realize that these three are not all inclusive, merely the "Big Three" in the sports card collectors world.

For collectors that have been around a while these three companies have the market covered on all fronts. Each company provides their own unique aspect of the sports card. Each company is not only competing for the collectors business, they are competing with each other to create the most unique, interesting, and sought after cards in the business.

So, with the basics out of the way, let's discuss a few of the "high-end" cards these companies are generating to peak collector interest in an attempt to provide a superior product to the collector. These are not listed in order of my preference. I have listed them alphabetically so no favoritism is show to any one company.

Panini America (formerly Donruss Trading)

This group was started in the 1950's. Their original production was not that of sports cards, but of confectionery. Their first production of trading cards was entertainment based. This was during the 1960's and 70's. They did not begin in the sports card niche until 1965 when they began with racing cards. Then in 1981 they produced a series of baseball and golf cards. Donruss continued to produce cards until 2005 with some roadblocks and hurdles in between due to bankruptcy of Pinnacle Brand cards. During this time, in 2001, Playoff Corporation acquired the rights to produce baseball cards. However, In 2005 MLB changed their card production criteria. Currently Panini America is licensed to produce NFL and NHL cards. They also have the exclusive rights to production of NBA sports cards.

Today Panini America is regarded as one of the strongest and cutting edge trading card companies around. Their sports card collections are sought after and releases are anticipated with great excitement. A few of their most prized releases are the yearly releases of National Treasures. These cards feature Autographs, Relics, Autographed Relics, and multiple signature cards. The look and feel of the cards is amazing and lends to the idea that Panini is trying to get it right. Their cards have come a long way since the late 80's renditions of slim paper and basic entry level sports cards. Panini's "Black Boxes" have become quite the prize when they are released at the annual Industry Summit. These cards feature One-of-a-kind cards with multiple variations. Most registered member of the industry summit are given a box to open as part of their fees for attending.

Topps Company, Inc.

The Topps Trading Card Company is regarded as one of the oldest, if not the oldest, trading card producer in the United States. The Topps company was founded in 1938, however they go back much earlier with their ties to American Leaf Tobacco which was founded in 1890. The most famous set of Topps is the 1952 Topps baseball card. The design came from Sy Berger. Considered to be the "father of the baseball card". He was a veteran of WWII and designed the cards from his home in Brooklyn. That was the beginning of a 50 year career with Topps.

Today, Topps still produces sports cards and is an elite competitor in the field. Of their most prized products, Topps Five Star far exceeds their other products with the Tribute line running a close second. Topps Five Star are printed on thick cards stock and packaged in individual tins with a maximum of 8 cards per tin. The look and feel of the cards are exquisite and have an elite feel. They feature on-card autographs, multiple autographed booklets, and multiple other variations of autograph and relic cards.

Upper Deck Company

The Upper Deck Company was founded in 1988. They are a major player in the trading card industry but have also branched out into the authenticated sports memorabilia world. This includes the production of sports figurines and the well known game World of Warcraft. Upper Deck was the first trading card company to insert randomly autographed cards of sports superstars.

For Upper Deck the most anticipated launch of their line of cards would have to be the Exquisite line. Although Upper Deck produces more than just one set of "high-end" cards, these are above and beyond the others. The first set was released in 2003 as a NBA line. They contain multiple variations of cards with autographs, memorabilia, and low numbered parallels of each. Some of these included Extra Large Jersey pieces with autographs and rookie parallels that are serial numbered to each specific player's jersey number. (i.e., Michael Jordan #'d to 23)

In conclusion, there is not one premier manufacture of sports cards. Each individual collector will create their own preference for which cards remain higher on their list than others. Some will prefer more autographs, while others seek the lowest serial number they can find. Seeking out the true 1/1 cards! But I think we can all agree that no matter the preference, the quality of trading cards produced today is by far superior to those of the late 80's and early 90's.

For more information on subjects such as these please visit cardsandcasebreaks.blogspot.com

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