SOUTHAMPTON based Ordnance Survey (OS) has published an adventure book for children to coincide with National Map Reading Week this week.

The Ordnance Survey Kids Adventure Book is full to the brim with challenges and map reading tips for young people to make the most of the outdoors while avoiding getting into difficulty.

OS mapping is relied upon by emergency services, including Mountain Rescue, who respond to around 2,500 people in trouble every year. Through OS Maps, responders are better able to plan a route and understand the lay of the land from the terrain to heights, before embarking on rescue missions.

Ahead of a summer of staycations and exploration around Britain, National Map Reading Week runs until Sunday.

The event aims to encourage people of all ages to understand the importance of map reading and how this vital life skill can unlock the outdoors and keep people safe.

One of the key reasons behind National Map Reading Week is to teach people how to stay safe in the great outdoors. OS is also urging people to ensure they have a paper map or OS Maps downloaded to their phone as part of their travel kit this summer, to help them find places to visit and discover new adventures.

Throughout the week OS is promoting videos full of tips to help you brush up on your map reading skills and challenging enthusiasts to put themselves to the test with an online quiz.

The Ordnance Survey Adventure Book for Kids is available via the OS Shop.