General Questions

What is OS MasterMap Imagery Layer? OS MasterMap Imagery Layer is Ordnance Survey's official aerial photography product, providing high-resolution, up-to-date imagery coverage for the whole of Great Britain. It's aligned precisely to OS MasterMap for accurate spatial referencing.

How long has ukmapcentre.com been supplying OS aerial photography? Ukmapcentre.com has over 20 years of experience supplying official Ordnance Survey aerial photography products.

How quickly can I receive aerial photography? Aerial photography is delivered with fast turnaround straight to your inbox, available 7 days a week.

What makes OS aerial photography different from other aerial imagery? OS aerial photography is officially licensed, true-orthorectified (geometrically corrected), and precisely aligned to Ordnance Survey's coordinate system, ensuring accuracy for professional measurement and analysis.

Choosing the Right Product

What's the difference between 1:1250 and 1:2500 aerial extracts? 1:1250 scale provides more detailed, zoomed-in coverage ideal for detailed site analysis - it's the most popular option. 1:2500 scale covers a wider area with slightly less detail, suitable when you need more context around your site.

Which scale should I choose for planning applications? 1:1250 scale is the most popular choice for planning applications as it provides detailed imagery showing site features, boundaries, and context clearly.

What's the difference between Aerial Extracts and Imagery Layer Tiles/Sections? Aerial Extracts (1:1250 and 1:2500) are ready-to-use image files ideal for reports and planning documents. Imagery Layer Tiles and Sections are GIS-ready georeferenced files (GeoTIFF) designed for professional GIS workflows and software.

Should I choose Tiles or Sections for GIS work? Choose Tiles (1 km × 1 km) for standardized coverage or larger areas. Choose Sections when you need a custom bespoke area - you can select your exact area of interest instead of purchasing full tiles.

What format are the different products delivered in? Aerial Extracts (1:1250 and 1:2500) are typically delivered as image files (JPG, PDF). Imagery Layer Tiles and Sections are delivered as georeferenced GeoTIFF files for GIS software.

Technical Questions

What does "true-orthorectified" mean? True-orthorectified imagery has been geometrically corrected to remove distortion from camera angle, terrain elevation, and building lean, providing a consistent top-down view with accurate measurements.

What is "building lean removal"? Building lean removal eliminates the displacement effect where tall buildings appear to "lean" outward in aerial photos. This creates a true vertical view, ensuring buildings align perfectly with map data.

Can I make accurate measurements from OS aerial photography? Yes, because the imagery is orthorectified and aligned to OS coordinate systems, you can make accurate distance and area measurements, especially in GIS software.

What does "aligned to OS MasterMap Topography Layer" mean? The aerial imagery is precisely georeferenced to match OS MasterMap vector data, allowing you to overlay photography with mapping features for verification and analysis.

Usage & Applications

What can I use OS aerial photography for? Common uses include planning applications, site surveys, environmental assessments, land use analysis, boundary verification, engineering projects, landscape design, asset management, and reducing the need for multiple site visits.

How does aerial photography reduce site visits? Up-to-date aerial imagery allows you to analyze site features, access routes, boundaries, and surrounding context remotely before visiting, making site visits more efficient and targeted.

Is OS aerial photography suitable for planning applications? Yes, it's widely used by professionals for planning applications, providing visual context and evidence of existing site conditions.

Can I use aerial photography for boundary identification? Yes, when combined with OS MasterMap data, aerial photography helps identify and verify boundaries, fences, hedgerows, and physical features on site.

Who uses OS aerial photography? Engineers, surveyors, planners, architects, environmental consultants, property professionals, local authorities, and organizations across the UK rely on OS aerial photography.

GIS & Professional Use

What GIS software can I use with Imagery Layer products? GeoTIFF files work with all major GIS platforms including ArcGIS, QGIS, MapInfo, and other software supporting georeferenced raster data.

Can I overlay aerial imagery with vector mapping? Yes, OS aerial imagery is specifically designed to align perfectly with OS MasterMap and other OS vector products for seamless overlay and analysis.

Do I need CAD data instead of aerial photography? If you need editable vector mapping for design work, OS MasterMap in DWG/DXF format is more suitable. Aerial photography is best for visual analysis and context. Many professionals use both together.

How current is the aerial photography? OS regularly updates their aerial photography coverage. Contact ukmapcentre.com for information about the latest imagery available for your specific area.

Is the aerial photography licensed for commercial use? Yes, all OS products come with appropriate licensing. Contact ukmapcentre.com for specific licensing details based on your intended use.