Optimus Template

About the Map Lists

For your convienience you can print this page by selecting the link on the top right.

Sheet

For  maps in series, locate the sheet number for the locality you are searching for, refer to the index map.

• ‘D’ after the sheet number indicates a ‘drift’ map that shows the superficial deposits; otherwise the maps are ‘solid’, showing the bedrock regardless of the drift cover, if any.
• An asterisk * after the sheet number indicates that more than one flat copy of the sheet is held; the best copy is noted. All folded copies in stock are listed as they vary so much.
• Region – A place or county name is given that is generally indicative of the area. Please check by email to confirm that a specific area of interest is covered by a map.
• Date – The date given is that of the geological mapping, not the topographic base map which is earlier. N.D. means no date. Usually this is because the margin has been trimmed. Occasionally in the South West, the date of the geology on first editions was omitted.
• Size – The index map also indicates, by the size of the rectangle, whether an area is covered by a ‘full sheet’ or a quarter sheet.  For flat maps, F indicates full and Q indicates quarter sheet for the Old Series. Folded maps were generally trimmed and sometimes joined, so dimensions vary considerably and are given in inches.

Condition

Physical condition is rated on a scale of excellent to fair, as follows:

• E for excellent – clean and bright and virtually unused.
• VG for very good – the map is clean and bright and shows minor signs of wear.
• G for Good – the map is still good to look at but may have minor marginal tears not affecting the map area or text. Often these have been neatly repaired.
• F for fair – the map has larger tears and / or is dingy and needs cleaning.
• P for poor – the map is legible and complete but not suitable for display.
• F/c    Flat cartridge paper
• Fd/c    Folded cartridge paper
• Fl    Flat light paper
• cr    creased along old folds
• c-dmlf. Cartridge paper dissected and mounted on linen to fold
• mmt    Minor marginal tears

Flat maps have been stored flat and lie flat, but may have been folded once, usually down the centre. CMLF indicates folded maps which were cut and mounted on linen for folding. This technique was adopted for Old Series maps and sections because the heavy cartridge paper, necessary when using water colours, did not fold well. Where it says folded, the map was not cut. Often covers were added to protect the map. Although, not a physical condition, the inclusion of large blank areas of sea or, in the north, Scotland does affect the value of map and so is noted.