Abbreviations Used on Ordnance Maps
The restrictions imposed by lack of space on maps, as well as the requirement for them to appear uncluttered, means that many abbreviations are used to describe features on maps. Ordnance Survey (OS) use a range of symbols and abbreviations on their maps; some are only used on the large scale maps (for example, Mastermap), others on small scale maps (for example, Landranger Maps).
This is just a short list of some very common OS map feature abbreviations. The National Library of Scotland maintains a much more comprehensive list.
Abbreviation | Definition |
|---|---|
Allot Gdns | Allotment Gardens |
Amb Sta | Ambulance Station |
Bdy | Boundary |
BG | Burial Ground |
BM | Bench Mark |
Br | Bridge |
BS | Boundary Stone |
Cemy | Cemetery |
Ch | Church |
CH | Club House |
Dismtd Rly | Dismantled Railway |
El Sub Sta | Electricity Sub Station |
EMB | Embankment |
F Sta | Fire Station |
FB | Foot Bridge |
FC | Forestry Commission |
FE Sta | Fire Engine Station |
Ferry V or F | Ferries - Vehicular, Foot |
FP | Foot Path |
Gas Gov | Gas Governor |
GH | Green House |
H | Hydrant |
L Ho | Lighthouse |
LC | Level Crossing |
MH & MLWS | Mean High and Mean Low Water Springs |
MP | Mile Post |
MS | Mile Stone |
NTL | Normal Tidal Limit |
NTS | National Trust for Scotland |
PC | Public Convenience |
PO | Post Office |
PW | Place of Worship |
Resr | Reservoir |
Rly | Railway |
Sch | School |
SM | Sloping Masonry |
Twr | Tower |
WB | Weighbridge |
YH | Youth Hostel |