Ordnance Survey – Great Britain's national mapping agency
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Keyword search
Search for a location in Great Britain
In the box below, enter the any place name from England, Scotland or Wales, other than county names. If you would like to search for a postcode or grid reference, please use Get-a-Map.
- a post code (Enter full post code eg SE1 7PB, including spaces)
- a National Grid Reference (eg TQ305799) with no spaces
Find the right product
Follow a few simple steps to pin-point the right product for your needs.
Accessibility
Learn about access keys and other measures we have implemented to help disabled users navigate through our site.
Saving image files (photos)
To save an image file to a folder such as My Pictures:
- Right-click on the image.
- Choose Save target as... (Internet Explorer) or Save image as... (Firefox/Netscape), browse to the folder where you wish to store it and click on Save when the contents of this folder is displayed.
Geo facts
Lots of things you never knew about the geography of Great Britain!
Glossary
A comprehensive A to Z of Ordnance Survey mapping terms.
National grid references
How to read and give a grid reference.
If you can't find the right information, do contact us
Social bookmarking and sharing
Social bookmarking and sharing are a means of storing, sharing and managing bookmarks to website pages on the internet.
Once registered, with a bookmarking or sharing website (this is free), you can bookmark and share your bookmarks with others, add keywords and make them available to the public. Bookmarking also makes your bookmarks available to you regardless of the computer you are using or it's location. By adding additional information, such as keywords, to your bookmarks (social tagging) you enable others with similar interests to search for your bookmarks.
Your top ten questions answered
1. What is a Geographical Information System (GIS) and how does it use digital mapping?
A Geographical Information System (GIS) comprises digital map data and software able to display manipulate and combine it with other information. The GIS files tell you much more.
2. How do I give a grid reference?
We have prepared a Macromedia Shockwave presentation, also available as a PDF file, that tells you how.
3. How do I buy paper maps online?
You can purchase reliably and securely a wide variety of maps and related products from the shop on this site.
4. Am I allowed to copy Ordnance Survey maps for business use?
Since Ordnance Survey maps are subject to Crown Copyright, you will need to pay an annual licence fee. We are, however, keen to maximise the use of our maps and make it easier for you to do business with us. For more information, please see our Copyright pages.
5. What is OS MasterMap®
OS MasterMap is a definitive and accurate digital map of Great Britain and a totally innovative concept – a complete reference system for British geographical data.
6. Where can I obtain old maps?
You can order historical mapping at a scale of one inch to one mile from us. Larger scale mapping (more detail of a smaller area) is now available from some of our Partners. Learn more.
7. Where can I find out more about the Global positioning system (GPS)?
We operate a web site on behalf of the National GPS Network, where you can find out more it and, if you register, download real-time GPS data free of charge.
8. Where is my nearest stockist?
Use our online locator to find the nearest stockist to your home town or village.
9. Where can I buy aerial photography?
Aerial photography is available from Ordnance Survey Mapping and Data Centres.
10. Do you offer a list of map symbols?
A glossary of symbols used on Landranger and Explorer maps respectively is available on our Understanding Mapping page.