Pre - Plotted bought maps

[Rallynavigator]

I have given this a lot of thought about the maps supplied by outside companies in conjunction with events. It does appear to be a good saving and time, The average OS Map is £6.50, and I know there are many on line stores at a reduced cost for these items. The pre-plotted maps are around £25. The event the weekend covers 5 maps, and when you put your time in as well providing you have a advanced copy of the road book, is it worth doing it yourself??

[expat]

In the past I think deciding the route for each support vehicle and marking their maps provided a co-driver with a familiarity with the event that helped to do a good job. This was particularly important when plans had to change or someone in the team asked an unexpected question; it was easier - and more impressive - if you knew the event well and could respond immediately without having to check through schedules and maps. So I would never use pre-marked maps for old-style events.

Nowadays I think things have changed. Centralised servicing, no road-side servicing, restrictions or bans on chase cars, double stage usage, cloverleaf route layouts etc all mean there is less information to assimilate and less need for detailed planning. This makes pre-marked maps a more attractive option, and one I would certainly consider.

Typically the events I do provide a printed route map, with a copy for the rally car and at least 1 copy for the service crew. Not an OS map or anything like it, but an A4 or (more usually) A3 sheet. This is adequate for me to read alongside the road book, and also allows the service crew to find us if we retire and need to be recovered. I use these maps and rarely buy OS-style maps for events, so in effect I am using pre-marked maps.

Are the available marked maps actual OS sheets, or presented in some other format? If the latter, are they based on OS maps, with the same level of detail?

[Rallynavigator]

The maps are OS Style in a A4 booklet and cover the route for rally car and Aux route all marked in different colors to determine both routes. It is a comprehensive booklet which has all details reqd, stage start , stage finish, PC controls, fuel stations and all relevant information the organisers see fit to have on the map

[expat]

Sounds very good, and a lot of work to do yourself. It would be interesting to see an example, but it isn't an option on the events I do.

[Rallynavigator]

If I can get a copy scaled down I will put it on the site for you.