Accurate spatial positioning using maps became essential for both defensive and offensive operations as summarised by Major-General N.M. Artillery was also vulnerable to long-range rifle and machine-gun fire, and maps also allowed defensive positions to be determined. Accurately plotting positions and the angular measurements between them became crucial for planning artillery bombardment, and for firing on hidden targets based on their precise location on the map. Whilst every country involved in the conflict had medium scale mapping for reconnaissance purposes and for planning the general movement of armies, the emergence of trench warfare created the need for much more detailed maps. It is estimated that over 34 million British maps of the Western Front alone were printed between 1914-18, the vast majority by Ordnance Survey. Maps have always been vital tools for military commanders, allowing them to form a picture of the terrain for planning attack and defence, but their value rose to greater prominence than ever during the First World War. Sheet numbering and references, NLS collection, further reading and links.Source mapping, surveying and printing, depiction of trenches.Comparing trench maps to each other over time, and to the present day, allows a detailed and fascinating graphic insight into the changing topography of the Western Front.īritish First World War Trench Maps home page In this section Trench maps illustrate the innovative survey, compilation, and printing technologies that advanced rapidly during the conflict. Accurate locations, and the distances and bearings between them were essential for the artillery, and all the maps show the British Trench Map Grid System as a prominent overlay, a unique referencing system often used in associated written records. These are often referred to in the written histories of the War, including personal war diaries and official regimental accounts. They record the names that soldiers gave the trenches, as well as the names of nearby farms, villages, woods, and other landmarks. They show in detail the changing Front Line and its associated communication trenches, as well as the location of enemy positions and defences including artillery gun emplacements, machine guns, mines, wire entanglements, and observation posts. Trench maps are a primary source for studying the major battlefields of the Great War. Trenches just east of Arras, revised to 4 March 1917 1:20,000 trench map showing British (blue) and German (red)
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