Road maps test
Drivers who prefer to use a traditional road atlas rather than sat-nav still have lots of choice – and we pick the best from 12 top products
Despite the meteoric rise of satellite navigation, there is still a huge market for the conventional road atlas. The choice is mainly between A4 (magazine sized) and A3 (twice as large) formats. The former is easier to store, while the latter provides more road per page. In general, a spiral binding is easier to use. Larger scales make mapping more legible, particularly on the move.
The test
We used the maps over a selection of routes, checking for up-to-date accuracy on three planned/recent road extensions and a junction that was altered in 2002. We marked practical aspects, such as town centre plans (ideally with indices), details of ports, airports and the Channel Tunnel. We considered value for money, too.
Verdict
The A-Z wins as a result of its larger scale – although the AA atlas has more town plans.
1. A-Z Super Scale Britain Road Atlas 2009
2. AA Road Atlas Britain 2009
3. Philip’s Navigator Britain
Contacts
Philip's, 020 7531 8400, www.philips-maps.co.uk
Michelin, 01782 402000, www.michelin.co.uk
HarperCollins Publishers, 0870 787 1730, www.collinsworld.com
A-Z Map Company, 01732 783422, www.a-zmaps.co.uk
AA, 0870 121 5176, www.aatravelshop.com
