Californian Reacts | Why does Russia have the best maps of Britain?

Uncover the mystery behind why Russia boasts some of the most detailed and accurate maps of Britain. Join us as we delve into the historical, technological, and cultural factors that have contributed to this unexpected phenomenon.
Throughout the ages, cartography has played a pivotal role in shaping nations and their relationships with other countries. As we investigate this enigma, we'll discover the surprising historical connections between Russia and Britain, which have fostered a unique interest in mapping the British Isles.
In addition to history, we'll also explore how advancements in geospatial technology have allowed Russia's cartographers to develop exceptionally precise and comprehensive maps. From satellite imaging to cutting-edge surveying techniques, we'll delve into the innovative methodologies employed by Russian mapping agencies that set their maps apart.
But it's not just about technology; cultural aspects play a role too. We'll learn about the meticulous attention to detail ingrained in Russian cartographic traditions and the significance placed on geographic accuracy. This deep appreciation for cartography as an art form has undoubtedly contributed to their ability to produce some of the best maps of Britain.
Join us as we interview experts in cartography, historians, and geospatial specialists to gain insights into this intriguing topic. Witness stunning visual comparisons of Russian maps against other representations of Britain, as we unveil the exceptional precision and richness of detail that make them stand out.
Original video - • Why does Russia have t...
Video by Jay Foreman
Map Men have done it again!

[@Sophie.S..]

They are very interested in cathedrals including Salisbury.

[@tiggerwood8899]

😂😂

[@johncrwarner]

Famously because the then Post Office Tower was considered a national security asset, it in the 1960s and 1970s did not appear on maps in Britain. Even though it was a famous landmark visible around much of London and even had a revolving restaurant at the top. The flying boat yard was mapped but not published.

[@coling3957]

thanks to Ordnance Survey its pretty easy to get very detailed maps of the UK . you can walk into WH Smiths or someplace and get them i'm sure.

[@rikmoran3963]

Still not as detailed as the Russian ones though. The Ordnance Survey maps used to leave off about 5,000 military installations and other sensitive areas.

[@bionicgeekgrrl]

There are great swathes of blank spaces, deliberate mistakes and other things with the os maps due to combination of security and copyright. The UK military will of course have had much more detailed maps, but it seems that the soviet union went to extreme detail as they were wanting detail relevant for a invasion, which of course the UK military didn't need.

[@davepoole9520]

There's an area in Kent with military bases near the Sussex border. A-Z leaves out these areas in their Kent A-Z but you can see detailed maps including gun movement rails in bits of East Sussex A-Z which has pages which spill over into parts of Kent.

[@thomas_oak2943]

Interestingly, I saw a report a year ago stating that the Russian army was having problems in their invasion of Ukraine as units were often provided with outdated soviet maps.

[@zahrans]

Many of those 'Russians are failing' reports were found to be false/made up. 😆 Stop and think for a sec. You seriously think Russia doesn't have updated info on their closest neighbouring nation?

[@pjmoseley243]

anyone can buy Ordinance survey maps from the high street made by the British, none could be better than the ones the British make.

[@bionicgeekgrrl]

Except they have omissions for security and also have deliberate errors to catch copying.

[@julianginniver5785]

the only eamples given were cases are the country didn't want to detail their military locations and Russian (soviet Union) would for obvious reasons. So not really better, just continued detail the overing country would rather it didn't. I'm sure the same applies today, Google maps have an agreement that they won't show much detail in certain areas even though they have the resolution to do so...

[@davepoole9520]

Their video inspired me to buy The Red Atlas which is really interesting.

[@0utcastAussie]

I have no doubt that in an enemy invasion the internet would be the first thing to have the plug pulled. Next would be TV & Radio stations. Basically a total media blackout. So having extremely reliable maps of the "REAL variety" would be critical ! As a UK Truck driver of 36 years experience I'd recommend "Philips Navigator" Atlases but I suspect these are iven better ! Iven ? I mean even but I guess Iven works in this case ?

[@AutoAlligator]

UK maps of Russia are far more detailed but unlikely to appear in a KZbin video.

[@rrm2305]

The British maps you are showing are civilian maps much in the same way that Google Earth would have clouds covering certain areas that were deemed off limits by the authorities. You are not going to put a map showing the layout and composition of military bases on sale to the public.

[@niallrussell7184]

You can't rely on the locals not to change road names, have the arrows point in wrong direction, etc.

[@AntonyMartin-e6c]

True, but this has nothing to do with maps.

[@bobbyboko6317]

Lucky for us that Russia is a non aggressive peace loving country 😂

[@keelbyman]

😂

[@КонстантинГоломозов]

Not like the most peace-loving country on Earth. THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

[@davidberesford7009]

Everybody wants a piece.

[@CyrilSneeer]

They were maps “given” to them by M16 moles. Counter-intel.

[@teslaandhumanity7383]

My home town island was on the Russian map .

[@californianreacts]

Very interesting and something I had no idea about! Hopefully you learned something as well from the good ol Map Men :) Enjoy!

[@tommysaroda4446]

How are you sir? I have found a very good cricket video for you to react to that will help clear all confusion and your questions about the sport game called cricket. Look Up a cricket video called Cricket explained for Baseball fans (by youtuber Sports explained). KZbinr sports explained for the cricket video is the original youtuber that will explain it all clear to you.

[@scottferguson48]

Thank you for a nother great video. Yes Russia would have the best map of Britain. They fly there jet a lot in to British air space here in Scotland

[@tiggerwood8899]

Why would the Russians have the best maps of Britain? Hmm, I don't think they were looking for the best chippy !😮

[@0utcastAussie]

shops that stock Vodka or Borsch ?

[@tiggerwood8899]

@@0utcastAussie Possibly 😂😂😂

[@Escapee5931]

If they're gonna take our vodka, I know several ladies who'll have something to say about it!

[@tiggerwood8899]

@@Escapee5931 😂😂

[@ProkerKusaka]

Хорошо что я не шпион 😅

[@ajs41]

It's a good example of how the Soviet Union got their priorities wrong. They spent all that time and money on making maps of Britain, but eventually their own economy collapsed because they hadn't spent money on the right things.

[@XRos28]

The CIA did it in revese... Didn't they?

[@tommysaroda4446]

Hey there California reacts How are you sir? I have found a very good cricket video for you to react to that will help clear all confusion and your questions about the sport game called cricket. Look Up a cricket video called Cricket explained for Baseball fans (by youtuber Sports explained). KZbinr sports explained for the cricket video is the original youtuber that will explain it all clear to you.

[@brijones]

china knows your house its number your rd your email your phone your friends your work your medical records your banking records

[@Will-li8mm]

Hi

[@thesmilyguyguy9799]

=~D