Ordnance Survey 1:25,000 Colour Explorer Scale Digital Map Extracts

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What scale are OS Explorer Maps, and how detailed are they?

The iconic orange OS Explorer maps display a wide range of references, including car parks, pubs, parish boundaries, museums, and tourist information centres. This level of detail is valuable for tourism planning, environmental studies, and educational fieldwork where exact location names must be shown.

What features are included in OS Explorer 1:25,000 maps?

The iconic orange OS Explorer maps display essential features clearly, including footpaths, bridleways, open-access land, contour lines, vegetation areas, car parks, pubs, and campsites. This level of detail supports precise navigation for walkers, cyclists, horse riders, and outdoor enthusiasts.

How much area does an OS Explorer map cover?

The fold out orange OS Explorer map typically covers an area of 20km × 20km at a 1:25,000 scale and users often had to buy multiple sheets - When using our digital service you can site centre your extract as required and pick portrait or landscape options for best fit - the classic 20km x 20km size is still available by selecting 90cm x 90cm coverage.

What formats are OS Explorer maps available in?

OS Explorer maps can be purchased digitally in high-resolution formats such as PDF, TIFF, JPG, PNG, and BMP. They're suitable for clear printing from A4 up to A0 paper sizes or for digital use on tablets and smartphones via mapping apps.

What are common uses for OS Explorer 1:25,000 maps?

OS Explorer 1:25,000 maps are commonly used for:

• Micro-navigation
• Hiking and mountain navigation
• Rural exploration
• Outdoor recreation requiring precise detail, exceeding what's available on less detailed 1:50,000 Landranger Maps.

How are OS Explorer Maps different from OS Landranger Maps?

Explorer Maps use the 1:25,000 map scale, showing four times the detail of 1:50,000 Landranger Maps. They include rights of way, field boundaries, and tourist symbols, making them better for local navigation, walking, and environmental studies. Landranger is more suited to road journeys and wider-area planning.

I'm a GIS user—can I use OS Explorer 1:25,000 print maps in my GIS projects?

No, OS Explorer maps at the 1:25,000 scale available here are specifically designed for basic printing, personal navigation, or general reference. They are not licensed or optimised for professional GIS use. For GIS-compatible data suitable for integration into GIS software and analysis, please visit our specialised 25k Raster 10km Tiles or 25k GeoTIFF data product pages.

Can I use OS Explorer Maps in a planning application?

OS Explorer Maps at the 1:25,000 scale are not accepted for planning submissions; they are designed for leisure and background context. Local authorities require larger-scale mapping, typically 1:1250 Location Plans or OS MasterMap extracts, which provide the precision needed for property boundaries, buildings, and site plans.

Do I need an OS licence to use OS Explorer maps from UK Map Centre?

No, you don't need your own OS licence for personal use or general reference. UK Map Centre provides OS Explorer maps with an appropriate Ordnance Survey licence included clearly on the maps. However, this licence only covers personal reference, navigation, and basic print use. For professional applications, planning submissions, or integration into GIS/CAD systems, you'll require specific OS products and licences, which are available on our dedicated professional GIS/CAD data pages.

Buy OS Explorer Maps now with UK Map Centre. Access clear 1:25,000 OS maps and expert support from a Premium OS Partner.