Getting started
OS VectorMap District is a free mapping dataset designed for providing contextual mapping output on paper, PCs, hand-held devices or the internet.
Getting started guide (PDF)
This getting started guide covers both variants of the OS VectorMap District product. It is available as a raster and vector product offering.
Product guide (PDF)
The product guide gives guidelines and advice on how a customer might derive the maximum benefit from OS VectorMap District.
Simple guide (PDF)
This is a simple user guide for those with no previous knowledge of geographic information systems (GIS).
Simple guide (raster map) (PDF)
This is a simple user guide for the raster map aimed at those with no previous knowledge of geographic information systems (GIS).
Technical specification (PDF)
The OS VectorMap District technical specification contains detailed technical information and data format specification.
Full colour legend (PDF)
A full-style colour legend for OS VectorMap District.
Backdrop-style legend (PDF)
A backdrop-style legend for OS VectorMap District.
XML schema (XML)
XML schema for OS VectorMap District.
Specifications
| Key Features | What this product offers |
|---|---|
| Formats | ESRI Shapefile and GML 3.2 Simple Features (vector); GeoTIFF with LZW compression (raster – backdrop colour and full-colour options available) |
| Shape tile size | 100km x 100km |
| GML tile size | 20km x 20km |
| GeoTIFF tile size | 10km x 10km |
| Attributes | Thematic layers, including settlements, named places, roads, woodland and administrative boundaries (vector); pre-defined output (raster) |
| Scale | 1:15 000 to 1:30 000 |
| Update frequency | Twice a year, in May and November |
| Supply | Online download |
| Coverage | Great Britain |
