OS Mastermap for GIS Users

Address

Placename

Grid

W3Words

Ordnance Survey GIS Data in QGIS — © Crown copyright and database rights 2025 OS AC0000848283

OS MasterMap Topography Layer® - GIS Maps (GML / GeoPackage / SHP / GeoTiff) CAD format Vector (DWG / DXF)

Q: What’s the difference between GIS formats like GeoPackage, GML, Shapefile, and GeoTIFF?

Different GIS map formats serve unique purposes depending on your system and project. GeoPackage is a modern, open-source format ideal for advanced GIS analysis and spatial databases. GML is XML-based and useful for detailed data exchange and interoperability. Shapefile (SHP) is widely supported for standard workflows and spatial queries. GeoTIFF is a raster format used for visualisation and basic GIS compatibility.

Q: Can you provide OS data clipped specifically to my Shapefile boundary?

Yes, we can supply OS data clipped to your Shapefile boundary. This is ideal for large-scale or targeted projects. However, due to OS pricing structures, it may be more cost-effective to select a slightly larger standard coverage area.

Q: How often is OS MasterMap updated?

OS MasterMap is updated continuously and in cycles. Updates are delivered about every six weeks. New developments such as roads or buildings are typically captured within six months, while natural features follow regular update cycles.

Q: What level of accuracy can I expect from OS MasterMap?

OS MasterMap offers high positional accuracy—approximately 1 metre in urban areas and up to ±2.5 metres in rural or moorland regions. It meets national standards for geographic precision in GIS applications.

The OS MasterMap Topography® Layer is a digital mapping dataset representing over 500 million real-world features across Great Britain. Each feature includes roads, buildings, parks and waterways, each uniquely identified and maintained by Ordnance Survey in one of the world’s largest spatial databases. Built using Ordnance Survey data, it’s ideal for GIS mapping and CAD-based projects that require precise spatial referencing.

Select map areas as small as 100m² to avoid unnecessary data and reduce cost. A custom rotation tool allows even tighter fitting around irregular project boundaries.

Order GIS maps online with fast delivery, flexible formats, and precision you can trust. UK Map Centre provides licensed OS MasterMap® data tailored to your area.

WHAT IS A GIS MAP?

A GIS map is a type of digital map used in a geographic information system (GIS) to link location data with descriptive information. These maps use vector layers to visualise spatial features, enabling users to analyse data, identify patterns, and extract actionable insights.

With tools like ArcGIS and QGIS, professionals use GIS mapping in the UK to support spatial analysis, manage assets, and plan land use. Ordnance Survey MasterMap data is ideal for detailed geographic information across multiple categories, helping users make better decisions with reliable mapping.

Key Benefits:

Combines GIS technology with real-world data sources
Includes attributes for filtering, styling, and querying
Supports visualisation of spatial relationships, lines, and polygons
Helps create custom maps tailored to specific locations
Enables fast access to licensed Ordnance Survey GIS data
Ideal for building topographic site plans, modelling terrain, and tracing routes

Some experience with GIS software is recommended for styling GML and GeoPackage formats. GeoTIFF, DWG and DXF files are ready to use out of the box.

WHEN DO I NEED A GIS MAP?

GIS maps are used when you need to analyse data linked to location, visualise the geography, or explore patterns across a space. They guide decision-making by combining descriptive information with accurate layers of features.

These maps are essential for professionals who rely on GIS technology and spatial analysis tools to assess risk, plan infrastructure, or manage assets.

Typical Users Include:

Local authorities using geographic information system tools for planning
Utility companies managing location data and routes
Surveyors and engineers producing custom GIS maps
Environmental teams modelling land use and relationships
GIS consultants presenting data for development or policy decisions

Alternative Products:

Ordnance Survey Mastermap Data in GIS - QGIS — © Crown copyright and database rights 2024 OS AC0000848283

OS Mastermap Samples:

Styling for GPKG | GML only:

Videos:

QGIS Supporter:

Product:	OS MasterMap® Topography Layer - GIS & CAD Formats
Base Mapping	OS MasterMap Topography Layer®
Scale	Variable, scalable in GIS and CAD
Coverage	Full Great Britain coverage (excludes Northern Ireland - see OSNI)
Format	GIS: GeoPackage, GML, GeoTiff and CAD: DWG, DXF
Software Required	QGIS, ArcGIS, or AutoCAD, Revit, or similar GIS tools
Product Price	From: £22.00 + vat
Delivery Method	Digital delivery by email
Turnaround Time	Email: Target time of 20 mins (7 days a week 7am to 11pm) - Larger files may take longer to generate
Currency	Current - Latest available direct from Ordnance Survey
Samples	Click here to download sample \| GeoPackage Click here to download sample \| GML Click here to download sample \| GML-MapInfo Click here to download sample \| Esri-shp Click here to download sample \| GeoTiff Click here to download sample \| DWG Colour Click here to download sample \| DWG Click here to download sample \| DXF Click here to download sample - Mastermap with Contours & DTM \| DXF
Key Features	Includes North arrow, Scale bar, Licence number, National grid coordinates
Uses	Designed for GIS software, the OS MasterMap® Topography Layer is delivered in layered vector formats, enabling professionals to produce accurate maps and run spatial analysis. Available in multiple formats with optional elevation data (contours or DTM). The formats available support land planning, infrastructure design, and terrain modelling. Extended licence terms are available from 1 to 3 years.
Number of Printouts	Unlimited use across GIS or CAD for the duration of your licence (1, 2 or 3 years).
Options Info	Contours are derived from the OS Terrain® 5 and are not subject to Ordnance Surveys accuracy/specifications and are designed to provide a 2 dimensional guideline only. For 3D modeling use the DTM points as they have a Z(height) value attached to them
Licence Term	Please go to the Licence tab below
OS Terrain (Height)Accuracy	OS Statement: OS Terrain® has been measured against with GPS points in a range of sample areas to provide a root mean square error (RMSE) value for the height points in each geographic area; urban and major communication routes, rural, and mountain and moorland. Urban and major communication routes = 1.5 metres RMSE* Rural = 2.5 metres RMSE Mountain and moorland = 2.5 metres RMSE * Root mean square error. This is the average of the mean heights collected in a sample area. The contours are generated from the OS Terrain® 5 using a third party application. They are not subject to Ordnance Surveys accuracy / specifications and are designed to provide a 2 dimensional guideline only.
OS Terrain (Height Option): Further Reading	OS Terrain 5 User Guide \| OS Doc

Item	Permitted	Alternative Product / Notes
Digital submission to any online planning portal		Export at required scales, e.g. 1:500, 1:1250, 1:200, from a single purchased file.
Add basic content to this Product -i.e. outline a property in red for purposes of planning permission.		Within a GIS setup or CAD package
GIS Use		Data is already georeferenced
Ready for CAD		Data is already georeferenced
Printing Extra Copies		Unlimited outputs or scales via your software within the license term.
Permit your Contractors to use the purchased Licensed Data		Submit Contractor Form. Select the number of users or terminals before purchase for compliance - see Contractor Form .docx below.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What’s the difference between GIS formats like GeoPackage, GML, Shapefile, and GeoTIFF?

Different GIS map formats each serve unique purposes depending on your system and project.

GeoPackage: A modern, open-source format ideal for advanced GIS analysis, spatial databases, and mobile mapping.

GML: An XML-based format designed for detailed data exchange and interoperability between various GIS applications.

Shapefile (SHP): A widely supported vector format suitable for standard GIS workflows, mapping, and spatial queries.

GeoTIFF: A simple raster image format ideal for basic visualisation, elevation display, and easy compatibility across GIS viewers and software.

Can I access GIS map services online for my area?

Yes. You can search by postcode, boundary, or county to order Ordnance Survey MasterMap data online. Our website provides fast access to licensed map services, with layered data ready for use in your preferred program.

Can you provide OS data clipped specifically to my Shapefile boundary?

Yes, we can supply OS data precisely clipped to your provided Shapefile boundary, beneficial for large-scale or specific-area projects. However, due to Ordnance Survey pricing structures, it can often be just as cost-effective to select a slightly larger standard coverage area.

How often is OS MasterMap updated?

Ordnance Survey’s MasterMap Topography Layer is maintained through continuous and cyclic revision, with updates delivered every six weeks on average. Continuous revision captures new infrastructure developments (e.g. buildings and roads) within six months, while natural features are updated in regular cycles.

This ensures your GIS mapping system remains current for spatial analysis, planning and accurate geographic information.

What level of accuracy can I expect from OS MasterMap?

OS MasterMap is exceptionally accurate for a national-scale dataset. GIS features are recorded to within ~1 m relative accuracy in urban areas and up to ±2.5 m in rural or moorland regions, meeting high standards of positional precision.

Need help selecting the right GIS maps for your project? Contact us for expert assistance and fast access to licensed OS data, built to support your plans now and in the future.