1. Use the Mscape map service
Mscape maker has a built-in map service that allows you to search for any place in the UK, Europe or USA and immediately add a map of that area to your mediascape.
In mscape maker click on Maps.
Now click on Use mscape Map Service.
You will now see a 3 step map service wizard.
On Step 1, click Next.
Type in a place name or postcode and click Go
You will now be shown an aerial photo map of that area.
Use the zoom and pan buttons to move the map view to a specific area you are interested in.
Click the Map button to include streets and place names on the map.
When you are happy with the map you see on screen, click Next
On Step 3, click Import if you are happy with the map you are being shown.
Wait a few moments, and you will then see the map you chose appear in the mscape maker window
2. Make your own map
The map that you use in your mediascape can be a traditional street map or it could be a simple sketch of your local area that you do yourself or that you have found, or you can use an image (e.g. perhaps an aerial picture that you have) of the local area.
If you are planning to use GPS with your map, then you need to find coordinates for the map that will tell the GPS device whereabouts you are.
I need to find out the co-ordinates
You can use the HP Map Aligner software (it is installed when you install the mscape player on your PDA) to find out what the coordinates are. Go here to find out more about getting coordinates.
I know the co-ordinates
You can create a digital map file by using the built in feature in the mscape maker called "create map from image". Find out how to do this here
3. Get a digital map from Ordnance Survey
Digital maps and data for LEA schools are available free from the Ordnance Survey.
You'll need to decide what map you want.
Pick your area
First, decide what area you want the map to cover.
Find the postcode or street name of the area that you want to be at the centre of your map.
You could use a mapping website to make sure you have the correct area for your mediascape. We recommend Streetmap.co.uk
In Streetmap, type the postcode or street name of the area you have decided on into the search box. (Remember to select the 'Postcode' or 'Street' option)
Click Search.
- You'll now see a map of the area you are interested in (at roughly 1:10,000 scale), with the postcode or street highlighted with an arrow, in the middle square of the nine shown on the screen.
- To move around the map, click on the arrows at the edges and corners.
- You may want to change the area that will be the centre of your map, but remember to make a note of the new postcode or street name.
- The largest recommended area you should use in your mediascape is 1km by 1km, as this is easy to manage and to walk around. Often an area smaller than this is fine.
- Think about the area your map needs to cover: what streets need to be included? Will all your media file regions fit in the area? Are there definite borders to it?
Make a note of the size of the area and its borders once you have decided what you want to show on your map.
Talk to Ordnance Survey
Then you'll need to request the map from your Ordnance Survey Liaison Officer (OSLO).
To do this, firstly phone the Ordnance Survey Customer Helpline on 0845 6050505 to get the contact details of your Local Authority's OSLO.
Get in touch with your OSLO to request the map.
They will need to know
1. The location of the area you are interested in. This is the street name or postcode at the centre of your map.
2. The area of the map. You could either ask for a 1km square around the central location, or you could request that certain streets are included. Your OSLO should know what type of map would be appropriate for the area you have requested - either 'Landline' or 'Streetview'. If the OSLO uses Landline data the map will not be as colourful, but will be a good scale to use for a mediascape in a 1km square area. If the OSLO uses Streetview data, you'll have a map with more colour, but it will cover a very large area (5km square). You'll need to cut the map down to something nearer a 1km square, and get the coordinates for this new square.
3. Make sure you can get the map as a square or rectangular .jpg file. You'll need it in this format to work in your mediascape.
4. Ask your OSLO to provide the coordinates for the map as 'OS Grid references' for the left-hand edge, right-hand edge, and bottom edge. Each of these should be a six-digit number.