Jump to the following:

Ordnance Survey logo

Discover Ordnance Survey

Skip primary navigation
Site Search
Skip secondary navigation

What is the level of quality that Ordnance Survey has applied to its imagery?

Ordnance Survey has invested considerable resources and worked closely with its imagery suppliers to provide orthorectified imagery that achieves the consistently high quality demanded by our customers.

Unlike other data sources, such as topographic data, imagery can be very subjective. It is difficult to quantify specific tolerances for atmospheric conditions, such as haze. We ensure that our suppliers adhere to a detailed set of quality levels for the key aspects of imagery with an emphasis on data quality over image appearance alone. For instance priority is given to ensuring detail such as road markings can be seen within shadows and to positional accuracy.  These acceptable quality levels are summarised in the user guide and include: 

  • the photography and how it is captured; 
  • the standard of equipment used for scanning the imagery; 
  • the controls and height models used for orthorectification; and 
  • geometric fidelity (shape), absolute accuracy (position), radiometric accuracy (colour), image appearance (blemishes and obstructions) and mosaicking.

All suppliers are required to pass a detailed accreditation programme to ensure that they can consistently deliver to specification. As new imagery is flown it is rigorously tested against the acceptable quality levels to maintain standards throughout the production flowlines. Any imagery that does not meet the specification is rejected.

Skip supplementary navigation

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