GB2416068A

GB2416068A - Map Reading Aid

Info

Publication number: GB2416068A
Application number: GB0415235A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Richard Heyes
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2004-07-07
Filing date: 2004-07-07
Publication date: 2006-01-11
Also published as: GB0415235D0

Abstract

A device for aiding the taking of coordinates from maps and identifying points on maps from known coordinates comprises an overlay 2 for the map, through which the map can be seen, which is marked with a square 1. The square is equal to the size of a grid square on the map and is further subdivided along each axis, normally into ten equal divisions. A ruler may also be marked on and the device may be the size of a credit card. Preferably the device is provided with two squares having subdivisions for different map scales (fig. 3).

Description

24 1 6068 Page 1

MAP READING AID

This invention relates to a device that aids the taking of co-ordinates from maps and identifying the position on a map, of a location of known coordinates.

Currently, when a map user takes co-ordinates from a map ("from the map") there is a choice of how the reading is made. The user may either: 1 Use a linear scale rule to assess the position of a point on one map axis, (in relation to the grid on that map) and then make a similar measurement on the other axis. This then establishes the two co-ordinates required for navigation.

2 Not use any measuring aid and estimate the position of the point on both axes in relation to the map grid, thus arriving at an estimate of the co-ordinates.

This is essentially the same as above but lacks the accuracy of using a linear scale.

When a map user locates on a map the position of a point of which the coordinates are known ("to the map") a similar choice exists. The user may either: I Use a linear measuring device to locate the line on which the point will fall on the map in respect of one axis and then repeat the process in respect of the other axis. Where the lines intersect is the location of the point.

2 Not use any measuring aid and estimate the position of the previously co ordinated point by making a judgement of the co-ordinate position in respect of the two map grid axes. Once again this is essentially the same as above but lacks the accuracy of using a linear scale.

In both of the situations marked number I above, two discrete measurements are needed that require a linear measuring device to be moved from one axis to the other on the map.

In both the situations marked number 2 above, accuracy in the operation is lost by the estimating process.

The present invention is a two dimensional scaling device that overlays a map.

The invention is a thin, flat, transparent piece of material 1 on to which is etched/embedded/printed a square 2 equal to the size of a grid square of the map in question. This square is then further divided into a chosen number of squares 3 which increases the resolution of the map grid. The greater the number of squares, the greater the resolution. The resulting subdivision of the main grid square into smaller squares automatically generates "sub grid lines" in respect of each map axis which are numbered on the invention.

Page 2 The invention will now be described solely by way of of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a layout of the invention and depicts a I:25000 (4cm = lkm) grid square 1 etched/embedded/printed onto the thin, flat transparent material 2. The grid square is subdivided into ten smaller squares in respect of each axis 3.

Figure 2 shows a layout of the invention and depicts a 1:50000 (2cm = 1 km) grid square 4 etched/embedded/printed onto the thin, flat transparent material 2. The grid square is subdivided into ten smaller squares in respect of each axis 3.

Figure 3 demonstrates a combined 1:SOOOO 5 and 1:25000 6 version which is shown in credit card size thin, flat, transparent material 8.

Figure 4 illustrates the invention overlaid onto a map 9 (combined I:50000 and I:25000 version 10 with 1:25000 example 6 shown in use).

In all the figures the correct orientation of the invention in relation to the map is ensured by the presence of a north arrow 11 on the invention.

The invention can be formatted for any scale of map.

The user identifies the map grid square which the point to be located or positioned lies within and overlays the invention onto that map grid square. The map can be seen through the invention. The device is used to measure the co-ordinates of a position or locate a previously coordinated position. Because the invention is a two dimensional scaling device there is no need to move it to measure in respect of one axis and then the other.

The invention will give the accuracy of a linearly scaled position with the speed of the estimated technique.

Claims

Page 3.

I A thin, flat, transparent, hvo dimensional, map reading aid that overlays a map and through which the map can be seen and onto which a square equal to the size of a grid square of the map is etched/embedded/printed, the square is then further subdivided into ten in respect of each map axis.
2 A map reading aid according to claim 1 above, formatted for any scale of map.
3 A map reading aid according to claims I and 2 above in which the subdivision is some other number than ten in respect of each map axis.
4 A map reading aid according to claims 1, 2 and 3 above which comprises any combination of the invention etched/embedded/printed etc onto one map reading aid.
A map reading aid according to all the claims above that includes a ruler on the product.
6 A map reading aid according to all the claims above that is produced the size and shape of a standard credit card.
7 A map reading aid according to all the claims above that is incorporated into a transparent material forming part of another object (eg the transparent base of a magnetic compass).