Mapland FAQS

MAPLAND SCOTLAND
Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is a Mapland giant map?
Q. How big is the map?
Q. Are the maps accurate?
Q. What is the Resource Pack made up of?
Q. How do I get Mapland for my school?
Q. How is the map delivered?
Q. Can I transport the map to another school or venue? Can other groups use Mapland?
Q. Where should we put the map?
Q. Can we use Mapland outside?
Q. What are the rules for use and care of the map?
Q. Can wheelchair users go on Mapland?
Q. Should I contact the local newspaper when Mapland visits our school?

Q. What is a Mapland giant map?

A. Mapland Scotland is a massive topographical map made up of 180 giant plastic jigsaw pieces. Mapland is accompanied by an educational resource pack of lesson plans and activities. The map requires assembly which can be done systematically from the labelled boxes; it takes 2 people about 1/2 hour. Alternatively, assembling Mapland can be undertaken by the pupils themselves - a great test of their Scottish geography!

Q. How big is the map?

A. Mapland Scotland, including the Shetland islands, is 15m long by 8m wide. Without the Shetland islands it is 11m x 8m. If the hall/venue is needed for other uses, e.g. for school dinners, Mapland can be quickly disassembled and stacked in piles at the side of the hall; this takes about 15mins. Mapland comes packed in 13 plastic boxes stacked on a wooden pallet. Each box when packed is approximately 15kg; they have handles and can be carried like a large suitcase.

Q. Are the maps accurate?

A. Yes, they are identical to the Ordnance Survey 1:50,000 Landranger series of maps. All the islands are in the correct locations and not as insets.

Q. What is the Resource Pack made up of?

A. Lesson plans, activities, activity cards and props.

Q. How do I get Mapland for my school?

A. Mapland Scotland is available for hire for either 3 days or a week. Complete a Booking Form and we will contact you to confirm your booking. We will agree a delivery and collection date and send you a Hire Agreement which will need to be completed and signed. A £200 + VAT deposit is also needed to confirm your booking - we will invoice you after contacting you.

Q. How is the map delivered?

A. You provide us with a delivery location, and we will arrange transport. For weekly hire, Mapland is delivered on a Tuesday and collected the following Wednesday, giving you a full week of use, including the weekend and evenings. For the 3-day hire, Mapland is delivered on a Monday and collected again on the Friday, giving you 3 full days of use including the evenings. The map will arrive in 13 boxes stacked on a pallet. It must be packed up in the same way ready for collection at the end of the hire period.

Q. Can I transport the map to another school or venue? Can other groups use Mapland?

A. The map must only be used in the school or venue it is hired to and must not be transported to another location (on agreement, we do make exceptions for the Scottish Islands). However, we do encourage you to share the map with other local community groups such as after school clubs, Scouts, Brownies, Rambling Clubs - this is a way you may be able to share the cost amongst several users. Please Note: if other groups are using Mapland it must still remain in your school and must be supervised by a responsible person at all times.

Q. Where should we put the map?

A. Mapland Scotland needs a large flat floor without pillars, of 15 m by 8 m (11m x 8m without the Shetlands). Usually it is set up in the school's sports or assembly hall, both hard and carpeted floors are suitable. If the hall is needed, e.g. for school dinners, Mapland can be quickly disassembled and stacked in piles at the side of the hall; this takes about 15mins.

Q. Can we use Mapland outside?

A. No. Mapland is for indoor use only and it is not permitted to be used outside under any circumstances, this includes use in marquees. Mapland is easily damaged by dirt and grit and must be used inside only on a floor which has been swept clean of dirt and grit.

Q. What are the rules for use and care of the map?

A. There are a number of rules which must be followed at all times. A list of the rules is detailed in the Hire Agreement. The key rules are:

1. Absolutely no shoes are allowed on the map, all users must wear socks or stockings.
2. Absolutely no running, sliding or skidding on the map as this results in permanent scuff marks. All users must walk only.
3. Mapland must be regularly swept clean when in use to prevent dirt and grit from scratching the map.
4. No permanent writing utensils or sharp objects are allowed on the map including pens. Pencils may be used on the map, but pupils must not write on the map with the pencil.
5. Users must take care with any hard or sharp jewellery, watches and belts that may scratch the map - preferably these items should be removed.
6. The map must be supervised at all times by a responsible person. The map can be disassembled and stacked out of harms way if necessary.
7. No other hard or sharp items to be used or placed on the map, including map measuring wheels, chairs, tables, camera tripods, etc.

Q. Can wheelchair users go on Mapland?

A. Yes. Please thoroughly clean wheels of all dirt and grit before going onto the map.

Q. Should I contact the local newspaper when Mapland visits our school?

A. Yes. Pupils using the map make a great photo! The local media is likely to be very interested and we encourage schools to take advantage of this. We have made available a press release with interesting details about Mapland. In addition, they can contact us.