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National Grid:
The National Grid is the thin blue grid system that divides Great Britain up into neat squares of cartographic information, often found on maps, especially those of Ordnance Survey.

Reality-Survey proposes to use the National Grid as a basis for ‘National Grid’, a 1:1 scale sample of Great Britain.

‘National Grid’ will be a national project constructed of local samples. It will serve the nation’s understanding of itself. It will provide a historic document of our environment.

 

Reality-Survey is to locate the exact point of every land based intersection of the 100Km National Grid and carry out a 2 by 2 metre survey, using exactly the same technique as used within Series Terrain, so that the thin blue line of the National Grid dissects the survey into 4 equal metre squares.

There are 24 points where the National Grid crosses land with a further 50 that cross at sea (these will be ignored). Where-ever the intersections lie a survey is to made, no matter what the terrain is like and no-matter who owns it. Initial research using multi-map.com has shown that these NG intersections lie mostly in the countryside, but there are exceptions; some lay in urban areas, including a school playground, a detached house’s garden, and right next to an A road. Some of the more rural 2 metre squares don’t look so easy either; one lies directly on a 100 metre cliff in Norfolk and one lies on a remote Scottish island.

Each survey will include the thin blue lines of the National Grid, dissecting the square as it dissects our country. Upon completion the 24 two metre square surveys will slot together to form a rough outline of Great Britain.

This assembled survey will form Reality-Survey’s ‘National Grid’ and will be exhibited to the public. It will literally sample the terrain of our island and will communicate the delicate differences and un-noticed beauty of Great Britain. We deserve a good look at the beauty of our country in perfect scale. Microscopic imaging, aerial photography and satellite views are very popular but can never give a real perspective. What we need is a real, true image of Britain. Unfiltered, unmasked, and without conscious decision. It is too easy to dismiss Britain and its physical properties as dull and boring. ‘National Grid’ will provide a uniform slice of a reality, a truth that will captivate and inspire.

‘National Grid’ will involve finances that are currently beyond Reality-Survey’s reach and so monies, grants and sponsorships are being actively sought. If you or your organisation would be interested in working with Reality-Survey on this project then please be in contact.

With thanks to Ordnance Survey and multimap.com for use of their imagery.