OS Places API
What OS Places API provides you with
Accurate geocoding
Perform accurate geocoding and reverse geocoding with our secure, scalable, and resilient address look-up web service.
Complete addresses
Search by postcode, UPRN, full or partial address and ensure you get the right address first time. Keep your records accurate to provide effective citizen services.
Instant answers
When an incident happens, control room staff need to know which properties are closest. The OS Places API GeoSearch tool gives instant answers. This helps create the common operating picture that’s vital for emergency services.
Capture and verify data
Improve efficiency – use OS Places API to verify the data you’re capturing against Ordnance Survey’s AddressBase® Premium and AddressBase Premium Islands dataset.
GeoSearch services
Make sure OS Places is driving your applications, and users will have access to some of the most sophisticated online GeoSearch services, such as drawing their own bounding boxes or defining a specific radius search area.
Enhanced data management
Edit partial details of residential and commercial properties in your own databases and add unique references to your properties for enhanced data management. You can add intuitive address search (geocoding) capabilities to your applications. Let a user search a full or partial address, a postcode or a UPRN and find the complete address including its location.
Use cases
- Validate and standardise address entries in CRM systems or online forms to reduce errors and improve delivery accuracy.
- Used by NHS Trusts and control rooms to locate properties quickly during incidents using GeoSearch and reverse geocoding.
- Identify all addresses within a defined area to notify residents about planning applications or local events.
Additional information
General area requirements
OS Places API won’t find general areas (such as ‘forest’). For this requirement we recommend you use OS Names API.