§ 19. Sir J. Barlowasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what new methods have been adopted by the Ordnance Survey Department in the production of maps; and to what extent they are leading to increased productivity.
Mr. AmoryNew materials and processes introduced for survey work have included the use of stable materials for the large scale field surveys; the plotting of control points on the field documents by co-ordinatograph; and the use of rapid traversing equipment for minor control surveys. Self-reducing tacheometers for large scale surveys are being gradually introduced in place of chain survey methods; precise three-dimensional plotting machines are being increasingly used for air surveys; the AOE-computer at the National Physical Laboratory is being used for aerial triangulation work; and punched card 1932 equipment for the computations of traversing and tertiary levelling. I understand that these new methods and equipment have caused output to rise by from 20 to 50 per cent.
The most important change on the drawings and reproduction side has been the use of zinc glass and plastics as a drawing medium instead of paper. New photographic techniques have also been developed. Increased output has followed from these new methods too, and also improved productions.
§ Sir J. BarlowI thank my right hon. Friend for that information. Can he say to what extent this information is used for commercial purposes and whether this makes any considerable contribution to the cost thereof?
Mr. AmoryThe Ordnance Survey Department produces the basic maps, which are then sold to commercial firms for reproduction and sale. It does a great deal of work. I believe that the progress in new methods and standards which has been achieved during recent years reflects great credit on all concerned with the Department.