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This page explains the types of map and data file that are available in the Atlas.
Outline Maps
These maps are based on 10km National Grid squares, using a method often used in biological surveys. If at least one place within a 10km grid square has the required feature, the whole square is coloured in. This makes it easier to spot general patterns, and it particularly useful where large numbers of points would otherwise reduce the clarity of the distribution.
Interactive Google Maps
As the name implies, these maps are plotted using the Google Maps Application Programmers' Interface (API). Also as the name implies, they are highly interactive. You can zoom in or out for differing levels of detail, change between map and/or satellite views, and pan to different parts of the world. You can also click on any of the markers to view more information about the play at that point. This is useful for exploring how characteristics and script lines vary in different parts of the country.
Google Maps tend to be most useful where there are modest numbers of markers. Clarity may be lost with large numbers of points, and the maps may take a long time to load. In such cases, the Outline maps tend to be more convenient
Static Google Maps
These are snapshot images of the relevant interactive Google Map. They conseqently look like Google maps, but it is not possible to zoom in or out, pan the image, or click on points for more information. Their main purpose is as a back up when a connection cannot be made to the Google server.
XML Data
Geographical data is fed to Google Maps in XML files. You are welcome to re-use this data for your own purposes for not-for-profit purposes, under the terms of the Creative Commons licences detailed near the top of each file.
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