If you use OS data to create a derived dataset, there are times when you’ll want to publish this. Discover how
Derived data is new information or datasets that are created from existing data. It’s the data you create for your organisation using OS data as a source.
You can use most OS data licensed to you under the Public Sector Geospatial Agreement (PSGA) to create new geographic datasets of your own.
There are two routes by which public sector members may be able to publish Ordnance Survey (OS) derived data under the Open Government Licence (OGL).
If you’re using OS OpenData supplied under the PSGA to make the dataset this is covered by Open Government Licence, meaning you can publish anything created from this. All we ask is you acknowledge your use of OS OpenData.
For our other PSGA data, your public sector Member Licence lets you publish your derived data under Open Government Licence if you meet our presumption to publish criteria. Read the criteria and tell OS about your dataset.
If your derived dataset does not meet our publishing criteria, you may still be able to publish it under the Open Government Licence in accordance with our exemptions process.
Below are common categories of derived datasets published using our presumption to publish criteria. Even if your derived dataset is not covered in the categories below, it still may be covered under presumption to publish. Alternatively, you can request an exemption.
Animated examples are shown below, alongside text descriptions.
Safe walks to schools, mapped against OSMM Topography Layer
In this example a section of OS MasterMap Topography Layer shows different routes marked to access a school. There are differently styled lines to show the routes on path next to traffic or not next to traffic, or for cycle lanes. There are symbols representing roadworks, bus stops and school crossing patrol. The OSMM Topography layer fades in the background until just the styled lines and symbols remain.
Extents of local housing plans mapped against OS VectorMap Local
In this example roads of an area of OS VectorMap Local are marked with pink lines. Areas are marked with an opaque overlay of blue to mark a flood risk zone, or yellow to show a conservation area. The underlying OS VectorMap Local fades, to leave just the areas marked with colour.
Derived data showing sites of special scientific interest using OS MasterMap Topography Layer
In this example an area of map has been overlaid with OSMM Topography layer. On top of this are opaque polygons of red, green and yellow indicating different areas next to each other. The map fades to leave the areas marked in red, and names are added to identify them.
Property extent boundary: Single, domestic property
In this example an area of mapping showing roads and property polygons is shown. A pink line is added to indicate the boundary of a single property. The background map is then removed so just the pink line remains, showing the shape of the boundary.
Property extent boundary: University
In this example an area of mapping showing roads and property polygons is shown with a large area in the middle showing a much larger building groups of buildings, a university. A pink line is added to indicate the boundary of the university. The background map is then removed so just the pink line remains, showing the shape of the boundary.
Property extent boundary: Farm dwellings
In this example an area of mapping showing a few buildings, surrounded by green areas indicating fields and areas containing a woodland symbol. A pink line is added to indicate the boundary of the buildings and the associated fields. The background map is then removed so just the pink line remains, showing the shape of the boundary.
These derived data examples are not exhaustive for this category. You may have many of your own.
Read explanations of various categories covering presumption to publish criteria.
Presumption to publish data includes the following types of information in local plans:
Various planning application data captured by Local Authorities also fall within the presumption to publish, as follows:
Note that a polygon depicting the extent of the original building (i.e. the building to which an extension is being added), or a polygon depicting the extent of the altered building (e.g. a house as extended/altered), do not fall within the presumption to publish.
Polygons and/or co-ordinates depicting areas where planning permission has been requested or granted for the following large-scale housing, employment or mixed-use developments, where you’re the authority responsible for granting planning permission:
The address, and/or co-ordinate depicting the location, and/or the polygon representing the extent of i) public sector assets and ii) facilities that serve or support the public. Examples include libraries, school catchment areas, advice agencies, health and well-being centres, sports centres, litter bins, dog waste bins, polling stations and listed building curtilage extent polygon including depicting the extent of a single property boundary. Note that a polygon depicting the extent of a building does not fall within the presumption to publish, except to the extent that the building extent itself represents the extent of the listed building curtilage.
Polygons and/or co-ordinates relating to your operational boundaries. An example includes your area of jurisdiction.
Polygons and/or co-ordinates depicting Parliamentary and local boundaries.
Co-ordinate depicting the location, and/or the polygon representing the extent/location of heritage and archaeological sites. Examples include ancient burial sites and tumuli and listed buildings.
Co-ordinate depicting the location, and/or the polygon representing the extent/location about facilities that protect the public. Examples include CCTV cameras and life ring stands.
Co-ordinates and/or polygons depicting locations or areas relating to disease control and food inspections. Examples include food hygiene inspections on livestock farms.
Co-ordinates and/or polygons depicting locations connected to the environment and green policies. Examples include nature reserves, wetlands and air quality monitoring devices.
Co-ordinates and/or polygons depicting defined routes and locations and things that facilitate travel. Examples include gritting routes, bus stops, and bridleways.
Well-established presumption to publish data includes public rights of way – where the dataset was created by you in your capacity as the highway authority and surveying authority and you have a legal obligation to maintain the definitive map and statement of public rights of way (PRoW) for the area covered.
Many OS products have data from third parties, like Royal Mail, and they own its intellectual property. You'll also need permission from these third parties to use their data.
Products with third-party data include:
(Address data can be made available under various terms under the PSGA, for instance the End User Licence or using the licensee's obligations for public viewing).
Various planning application data captured by Local Authorities also fall within the presumption to publish, as follows:
Planning application data that falls within the presumption to publish
In this example a map of a property, the boundary and the surrounding roads is shown. A red asterisk is shown inside the property with a label for the co-ordinate of the planning application. A polygon styled with a pink line demonstrates the extent of the feature which is planned to be built (i.e. the extension). Then the polygon changes to depict the extent of the entire property. The polygon changes again to show the extent of the original building.
Note that a polygon depicting the extent of the original building (i.e. the building to which an extension is being added), or a polygon depicting the extent of the altered building (e.g. a house as extended/altered), do not fall within the presumption to publish.