> 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/~/changes/AJZwzCsyrD9hiTbOxIbO/height-and-imagery/os-terrain-5.md).

# OS Terrain 5

{% embed url="<https://www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/products/os-terrain-5>" %}

OS Terrain 5 is a detailed digital terrain model (DTM) of Great Britain, available as a grid of heighted points and contours, both at five-metre intervals.&#x20;

Both OS Terrain 5 and OS Terrain 50, provide detailed three-dimensional digital terrain models (DTMs) of Great Britain. A DTM primarily defines the ground surface, having removed all protruding features (such as buildings and trees) elevated above the bare earth.

{% hint style="info" %}
**This product is updated quarterly in January, April, July and October.**
{% endhint %}

<figure><img src="https://1897589978-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FcNpJpLP8RROUaWVQo5ea%2Fuploads%2FF1MBkFUfIab4iutAXpce%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=d5ed3406-8205-46d8-ac96-7b1f688f18a5" alt="A representation of OS Terrain 5 data showing detailed terrain data of mountainous area in Great Britain"><figcaption><p>A representation of OS Terrain 5 data showing detailed terrain data</p></figcaption></figure>

OS Terrain 5 is published as both grid and contour data, each in a variety of formats. Both data types are created from the same source data and are supplied as 5km-by-5km tiles.

{% tabs %}
{% tab title="Features" %}

#### **Ideal for 3D visualisations**

OS Terrain 5 is ideal for 3D visualisations. It models significant landscape features including roads, railways, slopes, quarries and lakes – offering a typical accuracy level greater than 2m RMSE.

#### **A true virtual landscape**

OS Terrain 5 provides the height data needed to model construction projects within the wider landscape. This helps give planners an accurate virtual view of plans and the steps you’re taking to minimise their visual impact on the surrounding area.

#### **Reduce the need for site visits**

You can quickly understand the impact of flash floods on roads, homes and other major infrastructure. You're able to assess the lie of the land on-screen, reducing the need for time-consuming site visits.

#### **Harness the elements**

OS Terrain 5 helps you to analyse wind speed and signal propagation. This is important when siting wind turbines, best located in exposed upland areas to maximise their power output, and mobile phone masts, which serve ever more data-hungry users.
{% endtab %}

{% tab title="Summary" %}

* **Access**: Download
* **Data theme:** Height
* **Data structure:** Vector – DTM grid, Contour lines
* **Coverage:** Great Britain
* **Scale:** 1:10 000
* **Format:** ASCII (DTM grid), ESRI Shapefile, GML 3.2 Simple Features
* **Ordering area:** All of Great Britain or customisable area (5km² tiles)
* **Publication months:** January, April, July, October
* **OS Data Hub plan:** Premium Plan, Energy & Infrastructure Plan
  {% endtab %}

{% tab title="Additional Information" %}

#### **Reduce the need for site visits**

You can quickly understand the impact of flash floods on roads, homes and other major infrastructure. You're able to assess the lie of the land on-screen, reducing the need for time-consuming site visits.

#### **Harness the elements**

OS Terrain 5 helps you analyse wind speed and signal propagation. This is important when siting wind turbines, best located in exposed upland areas to maximise their power output, and mobile phone masts, which serve ever more data-hungry users.
{% endtab %}
{% endtabs %}

## How to get this product

You can try out a sample of OS Terrain 5 data for evaluation and testing through the [product page on the OS website](https://www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/products/os-terrain-5#get). Alternatively, you can try out the full product by applying for [a Data Exploration license](https://www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/licensing/data-exploration-licence).

## Visualise OS Terrain 5 data online

This product is available to try out online using one of our three sets of sample data (Exeter, Newport and Inverness) through the OS MasterMap Product Viewer:

<table data-view="cards" data-full-width="false"><thead><tr><th></th><th></th><th data-hidden></th><th data-hidden data-card-cover data-type="files"></th><th data-hidden data-card-target data-type="content-ref"></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>OS MasterMap Product Viewer</strong></td><td>Interactive demonstrator of <mark style="color:purple;">OS MasterMap Generation</mark> data</td><td></td><td><a href="https://1897589978-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FcNpJpLP8RROUaWVQo5ea%2Fuploads%2Fuld7V42IKrB8ovpC1JXB%2FVectorMap-Local-1.png?alt=media&amp;token=cb3e8ae9-d669-4bc9-b7a7-5f479d780447">VectorMap-Local-1.png</a></td><td><a href="https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/20981dabcb14402687dccb437a4a78fb/">https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/20981dabcb14402687dccb437a4a78fb/</a></td></tr></tbody></table>

## What's next?

To access additional documentation and resources relating to this product, please refer to the following:

<table data-view="cards"><thead><tr><th></th><th></th><th></th><th data-hidden data-card-target data-type="content-ref"></th><th data-hidden data-card-cover data-type="files"></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><h2>Overview</h2></td><td>The overview introduces OS Terrain 5 and gives context for all users – highlighting key features, providing examples of uses, and listing details such as product accuracy, supply formats, etc.</td><td></td><td><a href="/os-downloads/~/changes/AJZwzCsyrD9hiTbOxIbO/height-and-imagery/os-terrain-5/os-terrain-5-overview.md">OS Terrain 5 Overview</a></td><td><a href="https://1897589978-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FcNpJpLP8RROUaWVQo5ea%2Fuploads%2FWSczU0IoVBwazFGSKbIv%2FTerrain-5-3.png?alt=media&amp;token=60ad2e68-d02f-44f9-9d4e-b7a908c63c5a">Terrain-5-3.png</a></td></tr><tr><td><h2>Technical Specification</h2></td><td>The technical specification provides detailed technical information about OS Terrain 5. It is targeted at technical users and software developers.</td><td></td><td><a href="/os-downloads/~/changes/AJZwzCsyrD9hiTbOxIbO/height-and-imagery/os-terrain-5/os-terrain-5-technical-specification.md">OS Terrain 5 Technical Specification</a></td><td><a href="https://1897589978-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FcNpJpLP8RROUaWVQo5ea%2Fuploads%2FW0kwg7GoEsLLoZBFY1b4%2FTerrain-5-5.png?alt=media&amp;token=079f315c-0d8a-432c-9e74-c16da8687e17">Terrain-5-5.png</a></td></tr></tbody></table>

{% hint style="info" %}
New users should start with the Overview to gain high-level insight into the product. The Technical Specification contains detailed technical insights.
{% endhint %}


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