Public sector FAQs - working with geographic data

The following information is provided to help address frequently asked questions on working with and using the data from Ordnance Survey public sector mapping products.

Please click on the questions below, to go to the relevant answer or additional resources.

Do I need specialist software to use Ordnance Survey mapping?

To fully utilise Ordnance Survey data you’ll need a Geographic Information System (GIS). Therefore, if you haven’t already done so you will need to consider what GIS is best for you and your organisation.

Where can I get specialist software (GIS) for digital mapping from?

Ordnance Survey does not provide GIS, so there are two options open to members

1) Obtain/purchase GIS software commercially

2) Download an OpenSource package.

There are many different providers of mapping software. You’ll need to think about what your organisations usage, not just functionality but number of users. Here you can see a list of our licensed partners who provide a variety of different services and solutions.

Find solution providers here

Find business partners here

What have other members achieved with Ordnance Survey mapping data?

Within the terms of the Mapping Agreements there are a vast amount of applications for our digital mapping, including improving public health services, flood risk mapping, land and asset management, transport planning. There are many examples on our Case Study Locator which demonstrate how members are using digital mapping to benefit their local areas and the general public.

What can I do if I want a printed map?

The Mapping Agreements do not directly supply members with paper maps, however it is still important to join if you want to utilise mapping as becoming part of a Mapping Agreement opens many doors to other options and you become part of the wider Public Sector community.

Members can order a digital mapping product to then print off for their core business. (Please see licensing FAQs regarding core business)

However, if you just want to buy a detailed, large scale plan of a particular area then you can contact a Walk-in outlet

What can geographic data help me with?

Ordnance Survey mapping data allows you to visualise questions regarding location, height, address and other variables and to use layers of information to solve a wide range of problems. If you need to display a transport route, analyse a boundary or represent a series of post-code locations on a map, these challenges can be solved using Ordnance Survey mapping data.

Learn more by watching the video on Analysis from Ordnance Survey data.

How do I order data?

If you are not already a member you will need to join a Mapping Agreement by applying. Once you have received your licence number and login details you can place orders through the members’ area.

How do I load data into my system?

Please review the 'loading data' video on the learning resources page which explains how you load our data into a Geographic Information System (GIS).

How else can I make use of or access the data, If I decide not to join a mapping agreement at this time?

If it is not appropriate for you to join either mapping agreement at this time, you can still make use of Ordnance Survey products. To find out about other ways to work with our products, please review the licence selector feature.

Where can I get more help?

If you need further assistance, please also visit our support page.

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