Can I choose which layers are included in OS CAD maps?

Yes. Our OS CAD maps provide selectable features including structures, administrative boundaries, roads, water features, access points, and optional contour lines. Each feature is supplied as a separate vector layer, offering full control within your CAD software.

What is the difference between DXF and DWG formats?

DWG is Autodesk’s proprietary binary format, optimized for AutoCAD and Revit, providing maximum compatibility within Autodesk environments. DXF is a universal, text-based CAD format widely compatible with most CAD and GIS software, including AutoCAD, Revit, QGIS, ArcGIS, and Civil 3D.

Can I reuse the same CAD map for multiple planning applications?

Yes. Our extended licence allows you to produce unlimited outputs from the same CAD map during your licence period. This flexibility makes our maps ideal for ongoing development projects, site revisions, and submitting updated architectural plans to local authorities.

How do OS MasterMap DXF/DWG formats differ from GIS formats?

The DXF and DWG formats provided are simplified versions of OS MasterMap, specifically designed for direct, straightforward use in CAD software. Unlike GIS formats (such as GeoPackage, GML, or Shapefile), DXF/DWG files generally exclude complex GIS attributes, detailed metadata, and advanced styling options. This makes them ideal for clear CAD visualisation, basic mapping tasks, and site planning, while GIS formats support detailed spatial analysis and advanced GIS workflows.

OS Mastermap GIS | CAD Data

Address

Placename

Grid

W3Words

Jump below map to Select Size

Ordnance Survey CAD Data in DXF or DWG — © Crown copyright and database rights 2025 OS AC0000848283

Ordnance Survey MasterMap Topography Layer® Vector Format in DWG / DXF / SHP / GML and GeoPackage for CAD and GIS systems

Get licensed CAD maps with OS MasterMap® Topography Layer data in DWG, DXF, SHP, GML or GeoPackage format. Designed for use in leading CAD and GIS software, these maps are trusted by architects, urban planners and surveyors across the UK for accurate property analysis.

WHAT IS AN OS MASTERMAP FOR CAD & GIS?

The OS MasterMap Topography Layer® is the most detailed, current and comprehensive dataset of Great Britain in a CAD-compatible format:

Designed for use with CAD or GIS software
Layered vector format showing detailed topography, buildings, structures and natural features
Fully compatible with Official Autodesk® Software — no errors when opening in AutoCAD
Fully georeferenced to the UK National Grid
Optional height layers: contour lines and digital terrain model (OS Terrain 5)
Flexible licence terms: 1, 2 or 3 years
Unlimited outputs for internal use at any scale during your licence term
OS MasterMap is updated every six weeks, ensuring accurate and current mapping data
OS MasterMap is the approved mapping for planning applications and land registration

Alternative Products:

CAD Software Compatibility

AutoCAD by Autodesk
Draftsight
LibraCAD
SolidWorks
Inventor
Revit
Civil 3D
MicroStation
CATIA
Creo
Adobe Illustrator
... all CAD and GIS Packages

OS DXF, DWG Samples

PRODUCT SPECIFICATION

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 CAD
Coverage	Full Great Britain coverage, located by postcode or selected area (excludes Northern Ireland - see OSNI)
Format	CAD: DXF or DWG or GIS: GeoPackage \| GML \| GeoTiff
Software Required	CAD Autocad (or equivalent) or GIS
Product Price	From: £22.37 + VAT
Delivery Method	Digitally via email
Turnaround Time	Delivery within 30 minutes (7 days a week, 7 am to 11 pm). Larger files may take longer to generate.
Currency	Current - Latest available direct from Ordnance Survey
Samples	Click here to download a sample \| DWG Click here to download a sample \| DXF Click here to download a sample - Mastermap with Contours & DTM \| DXF Click here to download a sample \| DWG Colour Click here to download a sample \| GeoPackage Click here to download a sample \| GML Click here to download a sample \| GML-MapInfo Click here to download a sample \| Esri-shp Click here to download a sample \| GeoTiff
Key Features	DXF \| DWG: North arrow, Scale bar, Licence number, National grid coordinates
Uses	Designed for planning applications, architectural drawings and site analysis. The OS MasterMap® Topography Layer is supplied in DXF or DWG for use in CAD. Includes optional contour lines and digital terrain (OS Terrain™ 5). Ideal for various professionals in construction, including architects, planners and developers. Extended licence terms are now available.
Number of Printouts	Unlimited outputs from CAD during your licence term (1, 2 or 3 years)
Options Info	Contours are generated from OS Terrain® 5 using a third-party application. These are intended as 2D visual guidelines and are not subject to OS accuracy standards. For 3D modelling, DTM data with Z-values should be used.
Licence Term	Please see the Licence tab below for full terms.
OS Terrain (Height)Accuracy	OS Statement: OS Terrain 5 has been measured against GPS data across sample areas to determine the root mean square error (RMSE) of height points in different zones: urban areas, major communication routes, rural locations and mountain or 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