Map Analysis

The Historic Environment Consultancy holds the largest high-resolution digital map library in the UK, containing c. 2000 pre Ordnance Survey maps.

The maps we hold cover much of the United Kingdom from 1564 to the present day.

The Historic Environment Consultancy are recognised as market leaders in the computerised interpretation of historic maps. We frequently use maps for:

  • Area Studies and Characterisation

  • Phasing Buildings

  • Map Regression Analysis


Excerpt from Speed's 1610 plan of Lincoln following georeferencing

 We have access to the Bodleian Library, Oxford, who hold most, if not all, maps of the UK that have been produced.

Using unique digital techniques developed in-house, we can correct historic maps to make them compatible with digital Ordnance Survey data.

The map to the left is an excerpt from the 1610 plan of Lincoln by John Speed (below). The plan was rectified, georeferenced and scaled and was found to be accurate to within a metre of electronically surveyed data.


Excerpt from John Speed's 1610 map of Lincoln

Map of historic Lincoln showing buildings by date, data obtained from maps dating from the middle ages to the present