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 format (GML / GeoPackage / SHP / GeoTiff) CAD format Vector (DWG / DXF)

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

GIS formats each serve different purposes: GeoPackage is a modern, open-source format ideal for advanced GIS analysis, spatial databases, and mobile mapping; GML is an XML-based format designed for detailed data exchange and interoperability; Shapefile (SHP) is a widely supported vector format suitable for standard GIS workflows, mapping, and spatial queries; GeoTIFF is a simple raster image format ideal for basic visualisation, elevation display, and easy compatibility across GIS viewers and software.

Q: Does OS MasterMap GIS data require styling within GIS software?

Yes, OS MasterMap GIS data provided in vector formats (GML, GeoPackage, or Shapefile) comes without built-in styling. You'll need to apply your own symbology, colours, and styling using GIS software such as QGIS or ArcGIS. For consistent, professional results, Ordnance Survey provides official styling guidelines in their OS MasterMap Topography Layer Getting Started Guide (PDF): https://www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/documents/product-support/getting-started/osmm-topography-layer-getting-started-guide-v1.0.pdf. If you prefer pre-styled OS MasterMap data ready for direct CAD use, consider our OS MasterMap CAD formats (DWG/DXF), which include built-in styling.

Q: What's the difference between OS MasterMap DXF/DWG formats and GIS formats?

OS MasterMap DXF/DWG formats are simplified versions designed specifically for easy use in CAD software. They typically exclude detailed GIS attributes, metadata, or advanced styling options, making them ideal for straightforward CAD visualisation, site planning, and general mapping tasks. GIS formats (GeoPackage, GML, Shapefile) include richer spatial attributes and metadata, suitable for detailed spatial analysis, data manipulation, and advanced GIS projects.

Ordnance Survey MasterMap Topography Layer® - GIS | CAD - Overview

The OS MasterMap Topography layer is presented seamlessly with more than 500 Million real world objects – all uniquely identified - including roads, buildings, parks and waterways all managed and maintained by Ordnance Survey within one of the world’s largest spatial databases.

OS standard tiles are a huge 5km x 5km (and rather expensive) but on this page you can select an area as small as 100m x 100m - both saving £££s and not paying for data that is not required - we also have a function to rotate your area to save even more £££s.

Designed for use with:

GIS Software - GML | GeoPackage | GeoTiff
CAD Software - DWG or DXF

An optional Contour Layer is available | DXF format will be supplied

Some GIS experience is required for styling the GML and GeoPackage within a GIS package - The DXF and DWG formats for CAD and the GeoTiff are ready out of the box.

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:	Ordnance Survey Large Scale for GIS - OS MASTERMAP® Topography Layer with optional DTM & contours available
Base Mapping	OS MasterMap Topography Layer®
Scale	Any within GIS - Ideal
Coverage	Full Great Britain coverage (sorry this excludes Northern Ireland - try OSNI)
Format	GIS: GeoPackage \| GML \| GeoTiff - - CAD: DWG \| DXF
Software Required	GIS or CAD Autocad (or equivalent)
Product Price	From: £22.00 + vat
Delivery Method	Email - Download Link
Turnaround Time	Email: Target time of 30 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	DXF \| DWG: North arrow, Scale bar, Licence number, National grid coordinates
Uses	Designed for use with GIS software. OS MasterMap® Topography Layer in a layered vector format. Available in various formats for GIS use with an Optional height layer (contours and/or digital terrain model - utilising OS TerrainTM 5). The formats available are used by many different professionals who have the required software installed - especially exploration and enhancement of Land Management . Extended licence terms are available from 1 to 3 years.
Number of Printouts	Unlimited outputs from CAD within the selected licence term (1, 2 or 3 years)
Options Info	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. For 3D modeling it is best practice to use the DTM points rather 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 5 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		Create as many outputs/scales as required - e.g. 1:500, 1:1250, 1:200 from the one 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 already Georeferenced
Ready for CAD		Data already Georeferenced
Printing Extra Copies		Unlimited outputs/scales from your software within the licence term
Permit your Contractors to use the purchased Licensed Data		Contractor Form Below - Best Practice: Make sure you select the relevant number of users/terminals if using a contractor before purchase

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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

GIS formats each serve different purposes:

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.

Does OS MasterMap GIS data require styling within GIS software?

Yes, OS MasterMap GIS data provided in vector formats (GML, GeoPackage, or Shapefile) comes without built-in styling. You'll need to apply your own symbology, colours, and styling using GIS software such as QGIS or ArcGIS.

For consistent, professional results, Ordnance Survey provides official styling guidelines in their OS MasterMap Topography Layer Getting Started Guide (PDF).

If you prefer pre-styled OS MasterMap data ready for direct CAD use, consider our OS MasterMap CAD formats (DWG/DXF), which include built-in styling.

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.

To discuss your specific project needs and get a tailored quote, please contact us directly via our contact form, and we'll assist you promptly offline.

What's the difference between OS MasterMap DXF/DWG formats and GIS formats?

OS MasterMap DXF/DWG formats are simplified versions designed specifically for easy use in CAD software. They typically exclude detailed GIS attributes, metadata, or advanced styling options, making them ideal for straightforward CAD visualisation, site planning, and general mapping tasks.

GIS formats (GeoPackage, GML, Shapefile) include richer spatial attributes and metadata, suitable for detailed spatial analysis, data manipulation, and advanced GIS projects.

High-Quality GIS Background Mapping from a Trusted OS Partner.