QGIS

Accessing OS Maps API via QGIS

QGIS is an open GIS (Geospatial Information System) desktop application that allows you to display, interrogate, visualise and create geospatial information including from geo-centric APIs (for example, a Service).

What you need

• OS Maps API added to an API project in the OS Data Hub with an API Key. See Getting started with an API project for more information.

• QGIS version 3.22.0 or later

Instructions

1

Set up a new connection

Once a new project with a base map map has been set up, select Layer > Add Layer > Add WMS / WMTS Layer.

2

Create a new connection

In the Data Source Manager | WMS/WMTS dialog:

• Click New.

In the Create a New WMS/WMTS Connection dialog:

• Name: Provide a name for the API.

• URL: Copy your OS Maps API WMTS endpoint address from the OS Data Hub and paste it into this field. Your API Key is automatically added to the URL in the key parameter.

• Authentication: You can ignore these options. It is not necessary to enter your username and password to use the service as as all authentication is done through your Project key.

• Other fields: Leave the rest of the fields as they are.

• Click OK.

QGIS Create a New WMS/WMTS dialog

3

Add Layer

In the Data Source Manager | WMS/WMTS dialog,

• Select your new connection in the dropdown.

• Click Connect.

• Select your preferred tileset.

• Click Add and then Close to close the dialog.

QGIS Data Source Manager | WMS/WMTS dialog showing list of OS Maps API tilesets

The layer will then display in the Layers panel and the data will display on the map:

QGIS UI showing OS Maps API in map area