In an era where technology has revolutionized navigation, the age-old debate between digital maps and paper maps persists. Should we embrace the convenience and versatility of digital mapping tools, or strive to uphold the charm and reliability of traditional paper maps? This brief exploration delves into the merits of each, weighing up the benefits and drawbacks to of digital and paper maps. In the modern age of smartphones and GPS devices, the allure of digital maps is undoubtedly strong with promises of real-time updates, interactive features, and seamless navigation. Yet, amidst this digit ..read more

It is widely recognised that physical activity, particularly if undertaken outdoors, can help support good Mental Health and general wellbeing. Since we spend such a lot of time in the workplace, as employers, we should look to address the wellbeing of staff. Many companies actively encourage light exercise and outdoor activity as a means of encouraging staff to perform better and to feel motivated and focussed. Improvements in work/life balance can help reduce workplace stress and lead to happier, healthier staff. MIND, the UK mental health charity, state that “60 per cent of employees say th ..read more

Most of us would probably describe an atlas as a collection of printed maps or charts, usually having a consistent design throughout.  However, when we dig a little deeper there are in fact several different types of atlas as outlined below. The Reference Atlas Probably the most common type of atlas, the Reference Atlas is a large format book containing detailed information in the form of maps, tables, images, text and usually an index to visually describe a specific geographic entity such as a continent or country.  The Reference Atlas will often also contain facts, figures and in ..read more

What is the Government Welcome Back Fund? In response to the ongoing challenges faced by towns and cities in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, Local Authorities across England are sharing £56m of European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) money, intended to support the safe return of visitors to the high street. Known as the Welcome Back Fund, the funding provides councils with a new stream of money for a variety of possible initiatives aimed at supporting local trade and tourism. Some initiatives that are permitted under the Welcome Back Fund Investing in green space, parks and planting to ..read more

When we look at a modern map designed by a cartographer using cartographic design workflows and software, the reader will probably not be aware that the map in question may also have benefitted from processes using Geographic Information Systems (GIS).  There are in fact a range of GIS techniques which are commonly used to underpin map-making activities.  Here we provide a few examples of how these two different but related disciplines support each other and more importantly benefit the map user. Needs Assessment In reviewing the client Brief, both the Cartographic and GIS Teams need ..read more

As students are find themselves in new surroundings in their next phase of life at University or College, an essential piece of kit in helping them navigate and familiarize themselves is the campus map. Indeed, a campus map may be useful to students, both current and prospective, and also general visitors, staff and even delivery companies. The map should be always welcoming and informative, and aid navigation around the site. The map base will usually be street level, dependent on the size of the campus area and the spread of buildings, but also needs to be sufficient to show access between d ..read more

With nearly 10,000 Parishes in England (according to the Department for Communities and Local Government), many of us come into contact with a Parish or Town Council at some point in our lives.  The role they play in our community varies but they are often responsible for the maintenance of markets, parks, playgrounds, allotments, litter bins, public toilets, village halls as well as being statutory consultees on local planning applications.  Parish and Town Councils have traditionally used a large format printed map, perhaps within a display noticeboard, usually positioned at a key ..read more

The definition of the world ‘illustrated’: – ‘to provide with visual features intended to explain or decorate’ When we look at the literal meaning of ‘illustrated’, it’s obvious why so many commissions for tourist attractions and visitor destinations use this form of map. The illustrated approach can bring a subject area to life, providing the user with a unique visual experience through the use of interesting graphics. This cartographic design can also help enormously with the fundamental purposes of a map – orientation and navigation. Let’s take a quick look at how illustrated maps use this ..read more

About Lovell Johns Founded in 1965, Lovell Johns is a market leading mapping company based in Oxfordshire. We have several key business areas: Cartographic services, digital mapping & GIS consultancy services, as well as our map retail brand which trades as Maps International. In 2014, David Stephens and Liz Murray completed a Management Buy Out from a large South African Media company. The business has grown significantly since 2014, particularly through the Maps International brand. After 6 years of owning the business, David and Liz decided to look at what the future held for them and t ..read more

Lovell Johns works with a variety of publishers to provide mapping services, from the largest and most familiar names, through smaller travel writers, to individuals looking to self-publish. All of them have a common goal – to add clear and concise mapping content and cartographic design, to support their written text. All require good value for money, attention to detail and adherence to a print schedule. We use data rulebases to set the map styles, exporting from GIS software to an editable format to be further developed by our cartographic team. We have access to many different datasets, of ..read more