“Streets of Gold” map wins two British Cartographic Society Awards

The first was the OS Award for excellence in the application of Ordnance Survey data. The second was the BCS Award – the grand prize for the best overall map.

Streets of Gold is a 1.13m square map of greater London created on a base of 24 carat gold leaf. It is the result of a collaboration between Europa Technologies and London-based artist, Ewan David Eason. This stunning piece is a special edition of Ewan’s celebrated Mappa Mundi series. It was created using Esri GIS software and Ordnance Survey Open Data, specifically OpenMap Local. Innovative new methods such as the precision application of UV varnish over water features were used for the first time.

The work was inspired by the story of Dick Whittington who leaves home with his cat to seek his fortune in London, where he believes the streets are “paved with gold”. The precious metal is also associated with golden anniversaries and therefore serves as an homage to Esri, Inc. which this year celebrates 50 years in business.

Warren Vick, Founder & Director of Europa Technologies and co-author of the map, commented, “On behalf of Ewan and Europa Technologies, we are both delighted and overwhelmed that Streets of Gold has won not just the OS Award, but the prestigious BCS Award. To be chosen as the overall winner by such a distinguished society is a true honour.”

In the Stanfords Award category for best printed map, Europa Technologies was commended for “1969” – a map of the moon celebrating the Apollo 11 landings and other notable events from that year expressed as orbits.