In the small history group to which I belong another member has started a project that requires a large 25 inch to the mile scale map that covers a specific area. This is basically centred on the Basset mines around Carnkie (Redruth).
To this end he has obtained the four OS maps that cover the area of Camborne, Illogan and Redruth. His idea, I think, is to manually take the relevant sections of these four maps to build a composite of the area required. Then have it photocopied to the size of the original maps.
I’m not actually involved in this but I am wondering if there is an easier and more efficient way of doing this? Apparently he has been in touch with the Frith Org. and they can probably do something at a price. I was just wondering, given the expertise on this site, whether anyone has any ideas or, indeed, done something similar. I believe it has to be to the same scale as the OS maps.

---

Are the 25 inch maps he obtaind the current edition or historic ones?

If current I am sure OS can provide a digital version (or a printout there of) centred on any point.

If historic version, try oldmaps.co.uk. They sell all editions, again centred on any spot.

They are the historic ones John. I suggested old maps to him but for some reason he didn't seem keen on the idea. I take it then they will supply the 1881 edition base on the coordinates that you supply?

---

Yes, that is correct. You can order it online, either as a digital file, or order a paper copy that will be sent to you.

Thanks I'll inform him of that and leave the rest up to him. :thumbup:

---

I do quite a lot of farooking around with maps. A useful tool is the screen snapshot tool MWSnap (freeware) and the very very useful "Smart Notebook" interactive whiteboard software, also downloadable for free, intuitive to use and v powerful.

I cut and paste maps all the time and add notations, etc. These are the 2 tools I choose. You can also take a google earth shot, bung it on the "surface" and then overlay any map. This is a very easy to use and good tool for finding things.


Stu
:smartass: :smartass: :smartass:

I use the Vista snapshot tool and have produced a whole mini set of Satellite/map hybrids of the old plateways around here.... superb as you have a scale modern map against a picture/old map.... I have found stuff thanks to all this I never knew existed still.... all good fun....

---

What about asking Truro museum if they have any old plans or maps of the area that can be photocopied?
They have loads of stuff in their basement archives.

---

It may be worth while contacting the County archaeological unit or English Heritage, who will probably have digital copies of these maps. Otherwise there are several sources for photocopies the Museum, Cornish Studies Library & the County Record Office. This would entail copying from fiche, all of which results in distortion from the original.

I have tried using a modern digitised 25" and then scanning and redrawing the first edition as a seperate layer, as a base for adding information such as archaeological features, mine plans, & modern underground surveys. Verytime consuming. GIS would be useful, but probably out of reach unless you are doing it on a professional basis.

Cornwall Archaeological Unit have already digitized all the mining information for the whole county from the OS large scale maps into their GIS system which was prepared for the WHS bid. I'm sure they would provide a plot if asked.

---

I should have thought of them as they produced some very useful stuff for me when I was doing some work on the Cornwall VCH religious project. I will pass this and all the other info. on to my colleague and thanks to everyone for their suggestions. :thumbsup:

---

Carnkie, what's the Cornwall VCH religious project?
Anything to do with Cornish chapels?

Only slightly. It's part of the Victoria County History of Cornwall that was left unfinished at the beginning of the last century.
The religious section came in two parts. One was a research project the Religious History to 1559 and the second was a volunteer project to compile a list and description of religious sites in Cornwall that existed up to 1559 with photos if possible.
This included churches (obviously), medieval chapels, Holy Wells, Crosses, any original stained glass windows (not many of them aound), bench ends, etc.

---

Thanks, Carnkie. That sounds interesting. Good luck with the maps! :thumbup:

Have a look at this http://research.microsoft.com/en-us/um/redmond/projects/mapcruncher/  Carnkie. The bumf says that it's a means of creating a 'mashup' from different sources. It's a free download from Micro$oft themselves. I'm unable to actively recommend it because I haven't used it (my Operating System is Linux).

---