MAPS
GOOGLE MAPS
There is a useful Google map at the top right of this SpangleFish website that can be suitably enlarged. However it has its limitations and you are advised to use Google maps or similar for general purposes. The following are very useful for history research, walking routes etc. Try out the different layers. https://www.google.co.uk/maps
GOOGLE EARTH
The iconic map of the world, a digital globe. This is essentially from the same source as regular Google Maps, but more sophisticated. Use the search box for your location or allow for it to locate you by using the icon with a circle with a cross through it.
Try out the LAYERS bottom left and the other tools to the bottom right which include a 3D option. This latter applies to most cities, but to a lesser degree to less built up areas. The Pro edition even has a time-line slider so you can see earlier fly-over imagery.
NATIONAL LIBRARY OF SCOTLAND (NLS) : Extensive use has been made of this source. It is a fascinating website with maps covering the whole of Scotland and many further afield through several centuries. Most used here are from about 1860. This is not simply coincidence. This was the Victorian era when the country was undergoing great changes in many field of which towns and country estates were but an example. The NLS was contacted to get approval for reuse of such maps even in extract form and they have approved such use here. Acknowledgements are given at the end of each page including the specific map reference. If you use their maps, you will have to too. Such screen save copies are free, but of limited quality. For a fee though you can buy a high definition copy. Contact was made with the NLS to seek permission to use their maps in this manner and a record has been retained of their emailed response.
https://maps.nls.uk/index.html
PASTMAP : This will help you identify local historic features and maybe surprise you with some you had not suspected. Experiment with the layers. These will come up as options on the left. Dots will then appear across the area being looked at. Select a dot and more information will come up. Select that and a more detailed reference will be provided through CANMORE (the data/archival sectionof Historic Environment Scotland).
https://www.pastmap.org.uk/map
WALKHIGHLANDS : This covers the whole country, but is useful for its details on local places too. While intended for hikers, it is nevertheless a good source for detailed maps.
https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/
WHERESTHEPATH : This is a great tool for finding places and comparing past and present. Use the binocular icon first and then select from the drop-down options to fine tune. Explore with the layers. All this appears as two maps as chosen side my side.
https://wtp2.appspot.com/wheresthepath.htm
WHAT3WORDS : This website uses what3words to assist in locating places mentioned. This gives easy and accurate coordinates that can be used on smartphones, tablets and computers. Places are cross referenced in red.
It is explained and can be downloaded at https://what3words.com/products/what3words-app/
