Using OS MRN with Esri Network Analyst

This guide outlines how to create a simple routable network dataset using Ordnance Survey’s Multi-modal Routing Network (OS MRN) data in conjunction with Esri ArcGIS Pro Network Analyst Tools. This has been prepared by following Esri’s online Create a Network Dataset tutorial. The structure of this document reflects the order of the different sections of Esri’s tutorial.

About this guide

ArcGIS Pro version 3.4 is used throughout this document.

The OS MRN data used in this document was downloaded from the OS Data Hub in September 2025.

Field names and attribute headings are represented in bold type.

Preparing the data

This guide assumes the Network Dataset has been created using the steps outlined on the Get the Data and Create the Network Dataset page. If other approaches have been taken to transform the OS MRN data from geopackage format to the required file geodatabase feature dataset format, then the attributes of the data may differ and alternative approaches may be required to set up Costs and other travel attributes.

Code snippets and Jupyter Notebook script

Additional resources such as code snippets and an automation script to enable you to create a network dataset using OS MRN data are available on the OS MRN Downloads page to accompany this guide.

Index

• Getting Started with Network Analyst

• Get the Data and Create the Network Dataset

• Add Costs

• Add Restrictions and Descriptors

• Add a Time Zone attribute

• Add a Hierarchy Attribute

• Add Travel Modes

• Update Costs – Turn Category Settings

• Build the Network

• Explore the Network

• Known issues

Further development

This guide outlines the approach to creating and building a simple network in Esri Network Analyst through following the Esri tutorial (Create a network dataset—ArcGIS Pro | Documentation). Further testing is required to see that the network behaves as expected in specific use cases such as routing and nearest neighbour analysis, etc.

The full multi-modal aspects of the OS MRN data have not yet been fully explored. For example, does Network Analyst enable routes to be identified that transfer from one mode of transport to another, such as bus to train or foot to ferry?

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