OS VectorMap Local Overview

This overview introduces OS VectorMap Local and gives context for all users – highlighting key features, examples of potential uses, and listing details such as file sizes, supply formats, etc.

OS VectorMap Local is a mapping dataset designed for providing contextual mapping output on paper, PCs, hand-held devices or the Internet. The vector format of the product consists of layers to enable you to customise and style the output to suit your needs.

The product is generated automatically from the OS Large-Scale Topographic Database with no manual cartographic input. This database is used to update other OS products, including OS MasterMap Topography Layer.

This Overview contains the basic information required to understand and use OS VectorMap Local. For a more detailed technical understanding, please refer to the product's Technical Specification.

Key features of the product

A national dataset available for backdrop raster mapping; the vector format lends itself to detailed data analysis and bespoke styling.
Automated output taken directly from the OS Large-Scale Topographic Database, giving improved currency and consistency that's in-line with the OS MasterMap Topography Layer product and other OS generalised mapping products.
Maintained feature-level identifiers and feature-level change-only updates (COUs) available (GML only).
Cleaner, clearer raster GeoTIFF (Geographic Tagged Image File Format) outputs, vector stylesheets and Styled Layer Descriptors (SLDs).
Improved generalised building geometries derived from large-scale data.
National connected road network with additional attribution for easier styling.
Features are not cut at tile edges; therefore, the topological relationships of features are maintained.
The nominal viewing scale is 1:10 000, with a recommended viewing scale range of 1:3 000 to 1:20 000.

Product applications

The purpose of OS VectorMap Local data is to support a wide range of customer applications that utilise geographic information. These applications may include the following:

Real-world analysis: Features are representations of real-world objects, including buildings, roads, railways, rivers and land areas, as well as non-topographic features, such as administrative and electoral boundaries, cartographic text and symbols, and height detail.
Backdrop web mapping: Data can be chosen selectively and customised to suit a range of online user requirements.
Detailed building analysis and assessment: Reduced building generalisation parameters in the product lets users gain a greater understanding of the proximity of natural and man-made risks, such other buildings or rivers with poor drainage.
Basic road routing: The connected road network with additional attribution in the product enables enhanced routing capabilities and cartographic styling for users.
Evaluating possible sites for new amenities: The level of detail provided in the product means that customers can use it to create shortlists for evaluating and planning new site locations without leaving the office.

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Key features of the product

A national dataset available for backdrop raster mapping; the vector format lends itself to detailed data analysis and bespoke styling.

Automated output taken directly from the OS Large-Scale Topographic Database, giving improved currency and consistency that's in-line with the OS MasterMap Topography Layer product and other OS generalised mapping products.

Maintained feature-level identifiers and feature-level change-only updates (COUs) available (GML only).

Cleaner, clearer raster GeoTIFF (Geographic Tagged Image File Format) outputs, vector stylesheets and Styled Layer Descriptors (SLDs).

Improved generalised building geometries derived from large-scale data.

National connected road network with additional attribution for easier styling.

Features are not cut at tile edges; therefore, the topological relationships of features are maintained.

The nominal viewing scale is 1:10 000, with a recommended viewing scale range of 1:3 000 to 1:20 000.

Product applications

The purpose of OS VectorMap Local data is to support a wide range of customer applications that utilise geographic information. These applications may include the following:

Real-world analysis: Features are representations of real-world objects, including buildings, roads, railways, rivers and land areas, as well as non-topographic features, such as administrative and electoral boundaries, cartographic text and symbols, and height detail.

Backdrop web mapping: Data can be chosen selectively and customised to suit a range of online user requirements.

Detailed building analysis and assessment: Reduced building generalisation parameters in the product lets users gain a greater understanding of the proximity of natural and man-made risks, such other buildings or rivers with poor drainage.

Basic road routing: The connected road network with additional attribution in the product enables enhanced routing capabilities and cartographic styling for users.

Evaluating possible sites for new amenities: The level of detail provided in the product means that customers can use it to create shortlists for evaluating and planning new site locations without leaving the office.