Definitive Map consolidation

10th March 2026 - 11th March 2026

9.30 to 1 both days, plus short exercise to complete between the modules

Virtual by Microsoft Teams

A definitive map consists of the last published map plus all the orders which have subsequently been made. The subsequent orders may amount to hundreds per decade since publication so the definitive map plus its orders is unwieldy and time-consuming to consult. Consolidation of a definitive map is the process of taking the last published map and updating with the effect of all subsequent modifications and legal events before publishing the consolidated map with a new relevant date.

A consolidated definitive map is a major benefit to a rights of way service for many reasons: up to date base map, incorporation of all legal events and modification orders, published map being close to the working copy, opportunity to log drafting errors and other anomalies. It also benefits other council services such as land charges and planning, plus conveyancing, utility suppliers and the public.

Consolidation can be daunting even when the benefits are recognised. It's a task that there is never time to address and is always kicked forward, but the longer it is left, the harder the task becomes.

This course breaks down the task to create a plan, assess resources, develop process and make a start having considered various methods, pitfalls to avoid, and gathered experience from others who have already achieved consolidation. It recognises that the first step is to draw a line and stop making the task bigger, then to commit to progress, however slow that may be.

Book here

Main topics

Why consolidate, making the business case for resources
Creating a plan to calculate resource needed and timescale
Rationalising boundaries, path numbering, parish loss or gain
Making Legal Event Modification Orders
Digitising the map, validation and verification
Discrepancies and anomalies
Making a start!

Learning outcomes

Appreciation of the value of consolidation and its business case
Awareness of what is needed to implement procedure
Understanding of the process and how to start

Level and prior knowledge

Intermediate.The course is designed for council officers responsible for definitive map records, as team leader, officer or technician who will be engaged in consolidation.

A working knowledge of the definitive map, its history and records, the order-making process for modification and public path orders and other legal events is presumed.

Trainers

Laura Wilkins, Definitive Map Team Leader, Kent County Council

Maria McLauchlan, Definitive Map Officer, Kent County Council

Richard Cuthbert, Definitive Map and Enforcement Team Leader, Hertfordshire County Council

Cost

Members £253, non-members £381 (+VAT)

Software

Microsoft Teams is the software used for training which is available to anyone. Using the app is strongly recommended for full functionality as the web browser version may be missing some facilities, although full participation should be possible, use of some apps within Teams may be limited by participating organisation's protocols.