Possibly a UK-centric thing, but who knows.
Have a look at this map. If you zoom into the canal basin by the river, just south of it is a patch of land with ‘BSW^D’ on it (well, it looks like an upwards-pointing arrow).
I see it dotted all over the map, but I’m not sure what it means.
Note that south of the river, you see “BSW^D” and north of the river, you see “BPW^D.”
At the bottom, under “Characteristics and Symbols,” some things are explained, but it says, “For other information, see Characteristic Sheet.” Is that “Sheet” available as part of this series?
I love maps! If Google Maps/Earth had existed when I was a kid, I’d have never left the house!
My opinion: Probably some sort of ownership initials. (I await the solution from a more intelligent member)
The characteristic sheet doesn’t have those abbreviations: View map: Ordnance Survey, Ordnance Survey six-inch characteristics sheet - Ordnance Survey Six-inch England and Wales, 1842-1952
But in the list of abbreviations B.S. and B.P. are listed as boundary stones and boundary posts, which make sense in context. Ordnance Survey Abbreviations - National Library of Scotland
Seems it may be the code for Birmingham Snow Hill rail station – so maybe those parcels are owned by a railway company connecting that station with another whose code is “D.”
Here’s a timetable using those initials for that station:
Or maybe not. That actually seems pretty far fetched. No idea. Carry on!
Correct.
Check link below under heading “CONVENTIONAL SIGNS” for definition of B. S. W. D.
W.D. is the War Department, in this context. You might also find Admiralty Dept. markers.
More info on the War Department and the broad arrow symbol
Neat! Now I know about the Pine Tree Riot, a precursor to the American Revolution. Gotta love the Dope!
Now that seems to be answered, can I just add that I love maps too, and especially the Ordnance Survey. The level of detail and accuracy is astonishing. Every stone, stile, footbridge (even if it’s a plank over a two-foot-wide ditch, literally), footpath, fence and hedge is drawn with loving care and a wonderful uncluttered economy.
They are both a pleasure to use, and to simply look at.
Well this is a bizarre coincidence. I’ve just spent the last couple of weeks writing a flood risk assessment for the gate across the entrance to that very canal basin.
How about that! Let me know - I’m buying a house in the area 
Could you either say what it is or link to an image where the writing is more than a blur?
He worries about you when you’re traveling.
The image is perfectly clear when zoomed in. Try using Ctrl and + to zoom in if you are using a PC, or the stretch gesture with your finger and thumb on a touchscreen.
Is there no question that can’t be answered by The Dope?
Amazing.
The image linked says that BSW^D stands for W.D. Boundary Stone, and others have noted the use of W^D for War Dept.
The Admiralty Dept. has a little anchor between the A and the D, but I can’t see one on that particular map.
OK, follow-up question: why would the War Dept have boundary stones here? Is it a standard thing for all coastline?
I know Tilbury fort is directly opposite…