OS, GIS & CAD Maps for Architects
OS planning & design mapping for architects and developers — from 1:1250 Location Plans and 1:500 Site/Block Plans to OS MasterMap® CAD and GIS datasets. All data is current, fully licensed and delivered fast, ready for Building Warrants, planning and detailed design.
CAD Workflow (OS MasterMap® in DWG / DXF)
High-fidelity, layered vector mapping for detailed design, rights-of-light, setting-out and consultant coordination.
- MasterMap Topography (DWG/DXF) — buildings, boundaries, kerbs, surfaces, structures
- OS Height Data (DTM) — levels, cut/fill and massing (AutoCAD / Civil 3D / Revit-ready)
- Geo-referenced to OSGB36 / British National Grid for precise alignment
Accuracy & updates
OS MasterMap Topography typically achieves ≤ ~1 m planimetric accuracy at large scales and is continuously maintained.
Accuracy statement applies to MasterMap Topography only (not raster backdrops/aerial). Methodology & refresh cycles: OS MasterMap Accuracy (external).
GIS Datasets (SHP / GPKG / GeoTIFF)
Georeferenced layers for QGIS / ArcGIS — ideal for site appraisal, constraints, utilities and landscape design.
- MasterMap (SHP/GPKG) — rich feature attribution for analysis & theming
- OS Terrain 5 (AOI or 1 km tiles) + optional contours for 3D/visibility
- VectorMap Local (1:10k) & Aerial GeoTIFF for wider context
Typical architectural uses
- Context & constraints, catchments, rights-of-light / overshadowing
- Utilities & access planning; flood / SuDS & environmental analysis
- Baseline data for BIM, Revit, Civil 3D and GIS workflows
Not a CAD user? Start here — Basic Planning Extracts (PDF & Image)
If you don’t work in CAD/GIS, our Basic Extracts are the simplest route to a compliant plan for Building Warrants and planning.
- 1:1250 Location Plan & 1:500 Site/Block Plan — PDF/JPG/PNG/Word
- Each plan includes north arrow, scale bar and OS licence number
- Optional Aerial 1:1250 / 1:2500 for visual context
What is an OS / GIS / CAD Map?
An OS-derived dataset from the national mapping agency, supplied as layered vector (DWG/DXF, SHP/GPKG) or raster (TIFF/GeoTIFF). Each submission-ready extract carries an OS licence number, north arrow and scale bar for full compliance.
- OS MasterMap Topography® — buildings, boundaries, surfaces, paths, kerbs
- VectorMap Local (1:10k) — wider context for reports and feasibility
- OS Terrain 5 — 5 m DTM & contours for 3D, drainage and visibility studies
Product Specification
| Product | OS, GIS & CAD Maps for Architects |
|---|---|
| Base Mapping | OS MasterMap Topography Layer®, OS VectorMap Local, OS Terrain 5 |
| Scale | 1:100 – 1:10 000 (choose per project) |
| Coverage | Full Great Britain coverage (excludes Northern Ireland — see OSNI). Searchable by address/postcode. |
| Formats | PDF, TIFF, JPG, PNG • DWG, DXF • SHP, GPKG, GeoTIFF, GML |
| Delivery & Currency | Digital by email in ≈ 30 mins (7 am – 11 pm). Always the latest OS release. |
| Included | North arrow • Scale bar • OS licence number • Grid coordinates |
© Crown Copyright and Database Right. UK Map Centre LLP — Ordnance Survey Premium Partner (Licence AC0000848283)
OS, GIS & CAD Maps for Architects – Frequently Asked Questions
What are OS, GIS & CAD maps for architects?
These are digital mapping datasets supplied from Ordnance Survey, designed for architectural and planning workflows. They include OS MasterMap® Topography, OS VectorMap Local and OS Terrain 5, provided in CAD (DWG/DXF) and GIS (SHP/GPKG/GeoTIFF) formats for seamless use in AutoCAD, Revit, QGIS, and ArcGIS.
How accurate is OS MasterMap for architectural design?
OS MasterMap Topography provides survey-grade positional accuracy — typically within one metre of true ground location. This precision ensures site drawings, boundaries, and submissions align with national mapping standards.
Read more: OS MasterMap accuracy (external). Accuracy applies to MasterMap Topography only, not to raster or aerial products.
When should architects use OS maps?
- 1:1250 Location Plans for planning applications and building warrants
- 1:500 Site/Block Plans for detailed layouts and boundary submissions
- OS MasterMap CAD (DWG/DXF) for design, visibility and right-of-light assessments
- GIS Datasets for contextual analysis and landscape design
What’s included in OS MasterMap Topography?
It’s the most detailed vector dataset available from OS, showing buildings, boundaries, paths, fences, roads, and surface features. Each feature is stored as a polygon or line with geometry referenced to OSGB36 / EPSG:27700.
Do you provide height data for 3D or drainage modelling?
Yes — add OS Height Data (DTM) for CAD (AutoCAD, Revit, Civil 3D) or OS Terrain 5 (AOI) and OS Terrain 5m Grid & Contours (Tiles) for GIS analysis. These layers are ideal for 3D visualisation, drainage design and cut/fill analysis.
Are your maps suitable for planning applications?
Yes — every Basic Extract (PDF or image) includes a visible OS licence number, north arrow, and scale bar, making it fully compliant for submission through the UK Planning Portal or local building standards authorities.
Can I use CAD and GIS data in design software?
Absolutely. DWG/DXF files open in AutoCAD, Revit or MicroStation, and GIS datasets (SHP/GPKG/GeoTIFF) are ready for QGIS or ArcGIS. The data is georeferenced to OSGB36 / British National Grid for perfect alignment.
Which licence applies to OS data?
CAD/GIS data is supplied under the OS Data Licence – Internal Business Use (IBU) IBU details, allowing internal, project-specific use. Basic extracts (PDFs/images) are provided under the Printed Products Licence for planning submissions.
How often is OS mapping updated?
Ordnance Survey updates its data on a continuous cycle — urban areas are typically refreshed every few months, rural regions annually. We always deliver the latest available release at the time of order.
How quickly will I receive my maps?
Digital orders are usually delivered within 30 minutes (7 am – 11 pm, 7 days a week). Larger CAD/GIS extracts or multi-tile datasets may take a little longer depending on file size.
Do you cover all of Great Britain?
Yes — full coverage across England, Scotland and Wales. For Northern Ireland mapping, contact us for guidance via OSNI data.
Who can I contact for architectural mapping advice?
Our technical team can advise on the correct scale, format, and licence for your project. Call 0141 552 7722, email online@ukmapcentre.com, or visit the contact page for support.
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