WIREDGOV

Digimap for Schools, the online mapping portal that brings digital Ordnance Survey mapping into the classroom, received a top honour at the Geographical Association’s awards on Thursday (14 April) evening.

Launched in November last year, Digimap for Schools provides easy, online access to Ordnance Survey's most detailed digital mapping for the whole of Great Britain. It was awarded Gold Certification for the most innovative new educational resource available to teachers.

The service is designed to improve the teaching of geography in schools - reflecting changes in technology that mean children are increasingly used to working with maps online. It provides instant access to mapping at various scales that can then be printed for use outside the classroom. 

In the award citation, the Geographical Association described it as a major development in the way schools access Ordnance Survey mapping.

Vanessa Lawrence CB, Director General and Chief Executive of Ordnance Survey said: “I am delighted that Digimap for Schools has been recognised and especially that it has been so well received by teachers and pupils.

“Understanding maps and geography is a fundamental skill all children should learn. By offering such a wide range of Ordnance Survey mapping to children of all ages, Digimap for Schools is helping to equip teachers with the tools they need to makes geography relevant and interesting.”

Digimap for Schools is seen as the long term successor to Ordnance Survey’s Free Maps for 11-year-olds scheme. Since 2002 Ordnance Survey has given over 6 million children a free OS Explorer Map, making it one of the largest educational initiatives of its kind. By now moving to online technology, Digimap for Schools can provide more mapping, greater flexibility and access for more children.

The service was built by EDINA, the academic data centre which provides educational software for schools, universities and colleges.

Peter Burnhill, EDINA Director comments: "This Gold Certification is splendid recognition for all those who have worked together on Digimap for Schools to bring Ordnance Survey mapping into the classroom.

At EDINA, which is based at the University of Edinburgh, we aim to do for primary and secondary schools what we have done so successfully for universities and colleges, encouraging love of maps as well as helping to prepare students for the future."

Teachers wanting to find out more about Digimap for Schools should visit: www.digimapforschools.edina.ac.uk