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Re-use of public sector information

Information produced by public sector organisations constitutes a key resource for innovative products and services. The European Union has taken steps to facilitate the re-use of PSI through the Directive on Re-use of Public Sector Information (the PSI Directive). The Directive establishes a consistent framework of conditions governing re-use of public sector documents (including electronic documents) to ensure fair, proportionate and non-discriminatory conditions for re-use across the EU. It is implemented in the UK by:

Re-use of Public Sector Information Regulations 2005.

We are fully committed to fulfilling its obligations under the Regulations. We take a number of steps to make it easier to re-use our information in the spirit of the PSI regime. Here are just some of the ways in which we make information available, including via this website:

  • OS OpenData is a range of geographic datasets available under a licence that allows free re-use for commercial and non-commercial purposes.
  • OS OpenSpace is a free service that allows users to embed Ordnance Survey mapping into their own web sites.
  • The GeoVation initiative aims to help communities address their unmet needs through the application of geographic data, skills and expertise. GeoVation runs challenges to address specific needs within communities – examples can be found on the web site.
  • We work with over 200 business partners who license our data to provide products and services to industry, commerce and consumers.
  • We offer free samples of all our business products under the Discover Data Licence.
  • Our Evaluation Licence provides a free section of data to test, evaluate and demonstrate internally for 3 months.
  • The Developer Licence allows potential partners to develop, test and demonstrate our data to potential customers for up to 12 months.
  • We are members of The National Archives' Information Fair Trader Scheme which requires us to encourage the re-use of information and reach a standard of fairness and transparency. Our full accreditation under the scheme confirms our commitment to the IFTS principles and that that commitment has been independently verified by The National Archives.

In addition, as active supporters of the Freedom of Information Act 2000, (FOIA) we already make a wide range of additional reference information about us available, as part of our FOI Publication Scheme.

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For general enquiries, complaints, feedback or suggestions, email: customerservices@ordnancesurvey.co.uk or call us on 08456 05 05 05