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Copyright Publishing Frequently Asked Questions

I would like to print Ordnance Survey mapping in a book, what do I need to do?

You need to complete the publishing licence application form prior to printing taking place.  We will then process your application and issue a licence for each publication and an invoice for the amount due. The licence fee will depend on the amount of mapping used, but the minimum licence fee is £47.50 plus VAT.
Further details are in the Publishing licensing leaflet (PDF 812 Kb), to apply download the application form (PDF  84 Kb).

What is the cost of a publishing licence?

The licence fee depends on the total amount of mapping reproduced and the number of copies printed; you can estimate the amount by using the tables below. If reproducing more than 1 extract of mapping you will need to add together all the mapping used to estimate the mapping charge. For example if 4 x A5 extracts are used the total area is A3, also if 3 x A4 extracts are used the total area will fall into the Up to A2 banding.

Reproduction
charge

Up to
A5

Up to
A4

Up to
A3

Up to
A2

Up to
A1

Up to
A0

Up to
2AO

Up to
3AO

Facsimile
mapping 

5p

9p

18p

30p

42p

60p

75p

91p

Redrawn
mapping 

1p

3p

5p

8p

11p

15p

19p

23p

1. Reproduce an A4 extract of OS Landranger Mapping in a book with a print run of 5 000.
9p per copy x 5 000 = £450.00 plus VAT
2. Reproduce an A3 extract of redrawn mapping on a CD-ROM with a print run of 1 250.
5p per copy x 1 250 = £62.50 plus VAT
3. Reproduce an A5 extract of OS Explorer Mapping with a print run of 35 000.
5p per copy x 35 000 – 10% discount = £1575.00 plus VAT.

Please note the minimum licence fee is £47.50 plus VAT.

What are the size restrictions for publishing your mapping?

Publishing size restrictions on facsimile mapping are in place to protect our map sales. We are consistent in the amount of information we allow to be published, but we also need to keep it simple. A large-scale map (for example, 1:2500 scale plan) does not show significant land area therefore the limit is A3. A small-scale map (for example, 1:50 000) would show a vast land area, we therefore limit the size of small-scale maps to A4.  

Where the Ordnance Survey mapping is less than 45% of the total content (which includes both text and pictorial content) of your publication and no individual map extract is larger than A3 in size, you may exceed the size restrictions stated above.

If I use a map extract showing exactly the same geographical area, at the same scale, more than once in my publication, will I be charged twice for its use?

You will only be charged again if the original map scale is different.  

Can I use Ordnance Survey aerial photography in my publication?

Aerial photographs can be reproduced and are charged in the same way as a map copy.

What is the difference between facsimile and redrawn mapping?

Facsimile mapping is a copy of any Ordnance Survey mapping within a publication that is the same or similar in style and appearance to an original Ordnance Survey map.

Redrawn mapping is defined as maps that have been substantially or entirely redrawn and are not recognisable in style or appearance to an original Ordnance Survey product.  

Please note customers who want to reproduce redrawn mapping in a publication must submit a copy of the mapping with their application form.

Are there any discounts available?

We give a 50% discount where the facsimile or redrawn mapping totals less than 10% of the total content (including both text and pictorial content) of the publication. Please note discounts are not given when the size restrictions are exceeded for facsimile mapping.

We apply a volume discount based on the number of copies printed:

  • Between 10 000 and 49 999 - 10%
  • Between 50 000 and 99 999 - 20%
  • 100 000 and above - 30%

Please note registered charities are entitled to a 20% discount on our charges in addition to any other discount that may apply.

We are a registered charity, are we entitled to any discount on our publication?

Registered charities will receive a 20% discount on each publication in addition to any other discounts that may apply.

How long is the licence valid for?

The licence is only valid for a single publication.

I would like to reprint a publication I have already received a licence for; can I use the same licence?

The licence is only valid for the original application; if you reprint this you need to apply for another licence.

I am designing a publication on behalf of a client. Who applies for the licence?

The client will need to complete and sign the application form.

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