Frequently Asked Questions
What are OS MasterMap Aerial GIS Sections?
They are high-resolution, true-orthorectified aerial photography clipped to custom GIS-ready sections (100m × 100m up to 4 km × 4km), aligned precisely with the OS MasterMap Imagery Layer. Included in GeoTIFF format, complete with world files and XML metadata, ready for any GIS system
Which GIS formats are available?
OS MasterMap Aerial GIS are supplied as GeoTIFF tiles, each with an accompanying .tfw world file and XML metadata. These are fully georeferenced and ready to integrate into all major GIS platforms .
What are typical tile sizes
You can order custom sections from 100 m up to 4 km square. Imagery has a 25 cm ground resolution and has accuracy of ~1.1 m RMSE—ideal for mapping scales between 1:1250 and 1:10000
What is the usual delivery time?
Digital delivery is via email, typically within 30 minutes during operational hours (7 am–11 pm, daily), though larger areas may take longer
Can I overlay these aerial tiles with vector data?
Absolutely — these raster tiles are designed to seamlessly overlay OS MasterMap vector layers (Topography or CAD) in GIS or CAD environments like QGIS, ArcGIS, AutoCAD, and MicroStation
What are common use cases?
Ideal for risk management, asset monitoring, site planning, environmental analysis, agriculture, property development, and as a backdrop to vector mapping.
Is the imagery georeferenced and OS-licensed?
Yes — it includes georeferenced TIFFs, world files, and XML metadata. Delivered fully licensed under UK Map Centre’s OS agreement. Licencing information is included on the delivery e-mail
What coverage area is available?
Coverage spans all Great Britain (excluding Northern Ireland). You can clip custom sections anywhere, from small sites to large multi-kilometre areas
What is the starting price and licence term?
Sections start from £25.94 + VAT for 125m x 125m ground coverage and will increase with the size of the area selected and licence term selected (1, 2, 3 year or Perpetual)
Get Licenced Map Tiles, Fast. Order your OS Mastermap Aerial Sections from UK Map Centre.