Ordnance Survey’s team of surveyors have mapped the detail of Wales’ highest building. The recently opened £8.4 million visitor centre on the summit of Snowdon has been mapped by the national map maker, making it the highest structure to be captured. At 1,065 m (3,560 ft) above sea level, the building includes a cafe, shop area and interpretation space.
The building was officially opened at the beginning of June and a team of surveyors from Ordnance Survey had already been there to capture the detail.
Steve Roddick, Surveyor responsible for collecting the building details, said: “With traditional methods of surveying we wouldn’t have been able to carry out the survey on the day we were there, due to poor visibility. We couldn’t actually see the building from the trig pillar on the summit even though it’s only 50 yards away. However, with our new hi-tech kit, which relies on global satellites for positioning, we were able to map the building without any problems, even though we could barely see it!”
The new visitor centre will appear on Ordnance Survey’s OS Explorer Map sheet OL17 from September, but is already available on digital products.
Mick Hardy, who helped survey the building added added: “The new building is truly magnificent and the views are amazing. However, even in April it was freezing up there and I’m not surprised that visitors need a hot cuppa when they get to the summit!”
The granite building was designed to blend in with the landscape and cope with the extreme weather conditions, while a glass wall offers visitors a window on the world. The building has courted controversy in the past with Prince Charles calling it the “highest slum” in Wales.
About Ordnance Survey
Ordnance Survey is Great Britain’s national mapping agency, providing the most accurate and up-to-date geographic data, relied on by government, business and individuals. For more information please visit http://www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk.