Resources and information
Explore our free resources to help you use OS maps, understand property boundaries and discover historical maps.
Map reading
Delve into our free resources to help you stay on track when you're out and about. They can help if you're studying geography, too.
How to read maps
All about map reading - our #GetOutside website is packed full of guides and top tips to help you navigate around Great Britain. It includes how to use a compass and measure distance on a map.
Watch videos from wildlife TV presenter, Steve Backshall, as he gives some top tips on how to use OS maps.
Finding North - learn about Grid North, Magnetic North and True North.
Map reading for beginners to advanced level (PDF)
Map reading made easy, for younger readers (PDF)
Map legends / keys
Our legends tell you the meaning of each map symbol and abbreviation. The keys include roads, land features and tourist information.
Plan adventures
OS Maps online lets you plan and share routes instantly.
OS Locate app - use this digital compass alongside your OS map. It relies on GPS so you don't need a phone signal to find your way.
National Grid references
A beginner's guide to grid references
Convert coordinates (eastings, northings, longitude, latitude)
Outline maps
These free outline maps are great for colouring in and pinning to your wall.
Map of the United Kingdom (PDF)
Education resources
We've got free resources for everyone - whether you want to learn geography, teach it or get inspiration for your outdoor adventures.
Children (ages 5-11) including MapZone, our interactive games and quizzes site.
Land & property information
Find out how to get hold of maps for planning applications and get information about boundaries in Great Britain.
Planning application maps
You can get maps for planning applications from OS Partners and outlets around the country.
Get planning application maps
Property boundaries
Land Registry uses OS data to identify property boundaries. They can help with any boundary disputes.
Boundary information & FAQs
Election maps
Use our maps to find election boundaries, constituencies, district wards, borough wards and more.
Access OS election maps
Historical map resources
Our mapping began back in the 1700s. Learn all about OS history and how to get hold of historical resources.
Historical map archives
Buy a selection of historical maps from us and our partners, or visit special historical map deposit libraries.
Find historical maps
Origins of place names
Place names usually come from from landscape features, the nature of the settlement or the people who live there. Learn about the origins of place names in Scotland and Wales.
History of place names
Map of GB's historical counties
View our map of Great Britain's historical counties and compare them to today's counties.
Go to historical counties map