Introduction to OS APIs

Explore API references, getting started guides and examples for developing with OS APIs.

Ordnance Survey (OS) APIs provide programmatic access to OS data and services. They offer a powerful gateway to rich geospatial data that empowers organisations and developers to integrate mapping information into their applications. You can use OS APIs to display a map, retrieve detailed location information for analysis and more.

OS APIs are grouped into: Maps, Features, Search and Utility.

The documentation on this site will help you to understand and utilise our APIs effectively, enabling you to create tailored solutions. Each API has its own overview page, technical specification, getting started guides and additional content relating to the specific API.

Benefits of OS APIs

Reduced overheads

No need to download, manage, store and serve the data.

Quick access

Connect directly to data that is ready to use.

Automation

Automate your workflows by integrating OS APIs.

Regular updates

No need to update the data yourself; you'll always have the latest view.

Flexibility

OS APIs can provide efficiencies and help you be more productive.

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Maps

OS Maps API

OS Maps API serves pre-rendered raster tiles in multiple styles to best suit your use case. Maps can be requested using the OGC WMTS standard or RESTful ZXY.

OS Vector Tiles API

OS Vector Tiles API offers a vector tile service providing detailed OS MasterMap data as a customisable basemap.

OS NGD API – Tiles

OS NGD API – Tiles offers a vector tile service powered by the National Geographic Database (OS NGD). It provides a detailed and customisable basemap based on the latest OGC API – Tiles.

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Features

OS Features API

The OS Features API allows you to filter Ordnance Survey data and receive exactly what you need, as and when you need it.

OS NGD API – Features

The OS NGD API – Features gives you simple access to the OS National Geographic Database () allowing you to filter by attribute, location and time to create your own customised data selections.

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Search

OS Names API

The OS Names API is a geographic directory containing basic information about identifiable places.

OS Linked Identifiers API

The OS Linked Identifiers API allows you to access the valuable relationships between properties, streets and OS MasterMap identifiers for free.

OS Places API

The OS Places API allows you to verify the address records you’re capturing against authoritative data from Ordnance Survey’s AddressBase Premium and AddressBase Premium Islands.

OS Match & Cleanse API

The OS Match & Cleanse API allows you to correct and validate addresses providing clean and up-to-date address records that you can have confidence in.

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Utility

OS Downloads API

The OS Downloads API allows you to automate the download of OS OpenData and OS Premium datasets

OAuth2 API

OAuth2 API provides an authentication mechanism for OS APIs to use time limited tokens for access to resources.