Detail from the OS walk-on map

Detail from the OS walk-on map

Countryside lovers can now walk the length of Britain in just a few strides with the opening of a large-scale open-air Ordnance Survey map of the country.

The Britain from the Air Project was opened by comedian and seasoned travelogue presenter Michael Palin, who visited the site in Bath with OS director general Vanessa Lawrence.

The display, created by the Royal Geographic Society (with IBG), features aerial photography of outdoor icons such as Suilven, St Kilda, the South Downs and Llanberis Quarry, along with mapping to support the images.

Michael Palin and  Vanessa Lawrence at the launch

Michael Palin and Vanessa Lawrence at the launch

The exhibition is on view 24 hours a day and is free to view. Ordnance Survey said it captures Britain’s beauty as seen from its skies; it reveals mountain valleys carved by glaciers, saw-toothed coastlines edged by glistening waters, abandoned villages and transport networks, telling their story with text, historical images and maps.

The RGS-IBG’s director Dr Rita Gardner hopes the free exhibition will encourage the enjoyment and exploration of Britain’s great outdoors.  “A unique value in the exhibition lies in its ability to help everyone to appreciate Britain, and understand more about how people have, used and interacted with its landscapes for millennia,” she said.  “As people take in this view of Britain as they’ve never seen it before, we hope it will inspire them to get out and about around the country, and see for themselves the wonders of this island.”

Mr Palin said: “Our landscapes in Britain tell the stories of our heritage, brings alive the beauty of our environment, and challenges us all to understand the changes taking place in our towns and cities. All too often, chasing far-away places, we forget just what beauty we have on our doorstep and just how varied Britain is, even today.

“This exhibition is designed to celebrate this diversity and shows us, very powerfully, just what we’re missing down here on the ground.  The stories of these landscapes are revealed – so visitors can truly explore and discover something new.”

Ms Lawrence added: “For many years maps have been used to reveal the beautiful and varied landscape of Great Britain and this exhibition highlights the location of 100 stunning natural and human geographic features.

“Ordnance Survey is delighted to support Britain from the Air and the large walk-on Ordnance Survey map will give visitors a new perspective, understanding and desire to explore some of the beautiful locations that we have in Great Britain.”

The exhibition is in Bath city centre with the map located on Kingston Parade. It runs in Bath until the end of February 2011 and there are plans to take it to more cities in the UK.

grough is a business partner of Ordnance Survey in the delivery of its grough route system