SMART MAPS

Another cool exploring feature launched very recently on the net is the Ordnance Survey Ireland Smart Maps. Unlike Google Earth the aerial definition is pretty good all over Ireland.

Here is what you get on Google Earth for Glendalough:


And here is what you get on Smart Maps:


And moreover the maps have a few extras. There 4 types of viewing:

• "environmental" shows you the basic features you would find on an OS map,
• "ortho" is a bare aerial photo,
• "Land reg" shows you the latest update of the land registry office (more info to come on that matter)
• "Wind report" (my own favorite) is a map of the average wind speed: for those who wonder about conditions, how fast a place can dry, which place is most likely to get midge infested, how exposed is Glenmac, etc. Here is the map of Ben's Font:

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By the way for those who still wonder, Cloghole seems to be the name given to the valley on the other side of Luggala hill (also Fancy mountain). But if one insists, Ben's Font could be called Cloghole river.

To browse the smart maps, you need to register first. It is free of charge and you do not need to provide many details. Once you are logged in, click on "browse maps". Again, please note all this information is protected by copyright.

Enjoy your exploration!