On Wednesday May 6th, John Edwards delivered a talk at the British Omani Society on how modern hiking maps for Oman’s Hajar Mountains are created, and why high‑quality cartography is playing an increasingly important role in the country’s emerging mountain‑tourism economy.
Drawing on decades of exploration in Oman, John explained how recent technological developments have transformed map‑making worldwide. Central to this shift is the availability of publicly accessible digital elevation models, which allow accurate contoured maps to be produced for almost any landscape on earth. He described how these datasets, combined with OpenStreetMap information, GPS tracks recorded in the field, and selective use of Google Earth imagery, form the raw material for contemporary cartographic work.
John outline his own mapping workflow, showing how professional cartographers first prepare the underlying spatial data before it is refined and designed using Adobe Illustrator. Through careful layering, colour choice, and symbol design, raw numbers are turned into maps that clearly show terrain, routes, water sources, villages and accommodation; practical information that is essential for anyone travelling on foot in remote mountain regions.
A particularly distinctive challenge in Oman is the transliteration of Arabic place names into English. John spoke about his close collaboration with the Cartography Department of Oman’s Ministry of Defence, whose role includes ensuring consistency and accuracy in place‑name spelling. This process involved detailed discussion, local consultations, and multiple revisions, but ultimately led to the formal approval of his maps and the granting of a licence to sell them within Oman.
The lecture concluded with examples of how walkers from around the world have used John’s maps and guidebook to complete sections, or even the entirety, of the 209 km Western Hajar Traverse.
Watch the recording of the lecture here:
Access John's website here:
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