> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.os.uk/os-downloads/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.os.uk/os-downloads/products/maps-and-imagery-portfolio/os-open-zoomstack/os-open-zoomstack-getting-started-guide.md).

# OS Open Zoomstack Getting Started Guide

OS Open Zoomstack is designed to make OS map data more accessible, customisable and easier to use. It’s a one-file-fits-all product that has reduced the time to install detailed maps by an order of magnitude, saving valuable time and effort.

The instructions contained in this document show you how to produce a feature-rich map that allows users to zoom in and out while being served high-quality, fast-rendering results.

Zoomstack is supplied in GeoPackage and Vector Tiles formats. For demonstrative purposes, this document focuses on the implementation of Zoomstack, using each of the formats in various GIS (Geographic Information System) software applications. It is important to note that many other GIS software applications can be used with the Zoomstack product.

Using the GeoPackage or Vector Tiles format in any of the GIS software products will produce a similar result. You could either work through this guide from beginning to end or you could navigate directly to the Zoomstack format relevant to you:

* [Zoomstack Vector Tiles Format](/os-downloads/products/maps-and-imagery-portfolio/os-open-zoomstack/os-open-zoomstack-getting-started-guide/zoomstack-vector-tiles.md)
* [Zoomstack GeoPackage Format](/os-downloads/products/maps-and-imagery-portfolio/os-open-zoomstack/os-open-zoomstack-getting-started-guide/zoomstack-geopackage-format.md)

Once you've produced the map, it is advisable to apply styles to give it that extra visual appeal. The instructions for doing so are also contained in this document.

## Purpose

The purpose of this document is to instruct users about how to produce quality maps using Ordnance Survey's (OS) Zoomstack product. It provides:

* An overview of the formats in which Zoomstack is supplied, specifically the Vector Tiles and GeoPackage formats.
* Instructions on how to implement Zoomstack Vector Tiles in GIS software applications.
* Instructions on how to implement Zoomstack GeoPackage in GIS software applications.

## Target Audience

This document is intended for:

* Users with no technical knowledge in GIS but are comfortable navigating the internet.
* Users with technical knowledge in GIS.

## Manually Applying Styles <a href="#id-4-manually-applying-styles" id="id-4-manually-applying-styles"></a>

Not all GIS software allows for a stylesheet to be applied directly to your data, so you may be required to manually input the cartographic styles. For this purpose, we have supplied the colour values for each of our four house styles; Outdoor, Road, Light and Night.

You can view the OS Open Zoomstack stylesheets on the [Ordnance Survery GitHub repository](https://github.com/OrdnanceSurvey/OS-Open-Zoomstack-Stylesheets).


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