Basemaps - what do we mean?
A basemap is a map layer on which other data can be overlaid and referenced against. It provides orientation and context at a geographical level.
Basemaps are available in many different formats ranging from OS MasterMap Topography data (GML, GeoPackage and Vector Tile formats), to the more dynamic Web Map Tile Services (WMTS) such as the OS Maps API.
When considering what source or type to use it is prudent to first ask your software supplier what basemap data / mechanism they are able to support.
Which basemap may be best for you?
The basemap you will be able to use in your software will depend on a series of factors. These will be based on the format that the software can consume.
The ultimate goal is to be able to consume a basemap which is available through an API (Application Programming Interface) format or "web service".
When software is configured to use an API or web service, it will pull in real-time the latest version of the mapping data directly from your data supplier's server (typically Ordnance Survey) and present this in your software ready to use or reference.
Compared to using file-based methods, APIs and web services reduce the burden and manual effort required to download basemap data from your provider at regular intervals (e.g. every 6 weeks), transform it, store it and finally load it into the software you are using.
What basemaps are available?
There are many different Basemap layers available.
The following data products produced by Ordnance Survey (OS) are freely available to you under the Public Sector Geospatial Agreement (PSGA).
Click on the name of a product below to find out more.
Data product name | Format | Update frequency |
|---|---|---|
File-based (multiple formats) | 6-weekly | |
(Raster) Web Mapping Service (WMS) | 6-weekly | |
(Vector) Web mapping Vector Tile Service (WMTS) | Weekly | |
The below are Web Feature Services (WFS) which are not used to provide visual basemap functionality, but rather work in tandem with basemaps, allowing you to interact with features (e.g. clicking on a building) returning its attribution as well as conducting spatial queries. | ||
Web Feature Service (WFS) | Dependent on the product being referenced | |
Web Feature Service (WFS) | Up to daily | |
Additional OS data products can also be used as basemaps, these can be viewed here: