Shapefiles

Can you please provide me with a zipped shapefile of the map extents for each of your current paper map ranges
(i.e.these: http://www.shop.ordnancesurveyleisure.co.uk/Content/Images/imagemaps/paper%20maps%20ordnance%20survey%20great%20britain%20os%20landranger%20map.gif  

Each feature in the shapefile should include the map's number and the boundary of the area depicted on that paper map.    

Please provide this information for each of the following products:
a) OS Explorer
 b) OS Landranger
c) OS Travel Map – Tour

Thank you for your e-mail dated 26th December 2011.  I confirm that Ordnance Survey does hold the information you have requested, however I regret to inform you that your request falls within the Commercial Interests exemption under section 43 (2) of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) 2000.

We believe this qualified exemption under Section 43 (2) applies, because disclosure would damage the commercial interests of Ordnance Survey and a number of our partners who license our information at cost and then undertake additional work to add value to their own product.

Ordnance Survey is committed to operating its pricing and licensing policy in a fair, open and transparent way. We provide a wide range of licenses that focus on how our customers wish to use our data and the rights we grant for those users. We have a series of Framework licenses covering the supply of Ordnance Survey data directly from Ordnance Survey for use within our customers’ business and for those wishing to operate as a commercial partner.

A number of our partners license information - including map sheet line graphics for their own onward use. The release of the Shapefiles (which take Ordnance Survey significant time to accurately produce) would undermine our partners licence agreements, impact Ordnance Surveys licensing revenue and are likely to harm our commercial position as the Shapefiles would enable the recipient to undertake a detailed analysis of Ordnance Survey products coverage, and, inform on how to best target competitive products.

The information you are requesting: does impact on commercial activity; that commercial activity is conducted in a competitive environment; the commercial interests of Ordnance Survey and our partners are likely to be affected; the information is commercially sensitive and there is a likelihood of prejudice being caused, therefore we will not be releasing this information to you.

To the extent that the Public interest test applies (section 17 FOIA), we have determined that there is public interest in ensuring businesses are able to operate competitively and compete fairly.  We have also determined that as Ordnance Survey operates as a commercial entity, the release of this information would impact our business reputation, confidence and revenue. Subsequently, the greater public interest lies in withholding this information.

Your enquiry has been processed according to the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) 2000. If you are unhappy with our response, you may raise an appeal to our Appeals Officer at:

FOI Appeals Officer
Customer Service Centre
Ordnance Survey
Adanac Drive
SOUTHAMPTON
SO16 0AS

Please include the reference number below. The Appeals Officer will ensure that the process has been followed correctly, questioning any decisions taken regarding the original response and recommending disclosure of additional information if appropriate.

Thank you for your enquiry.

Reference number: FOI11246/December 2011