Mapping agency Ordnance Survey (OS) has launched a service offering free and unrestricted access to most of its map data.

However Ramblers, the walkers group, has expressed disappointment that OS' paper maps have not been included.

Ordnance Survey said the decision to leave out the paper maps was "in the national interest".

"There was concern that by giving away the 1:25,000 and 1:50,000 maps you would undermine the continued provision of a nationwide paper map series," said a spokesperson.

"It is in the national interest to have a nationwide paper map."

Del.ici.us tags: maps opendata ordnancesurvey