> 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/networks/os-open-rivers.md).

# OS Open Rivers

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

OS Open Rivers provides an open dataset of the high-level view of watercourses in Great Britain. OS Open Rivers GIS data contains over 144 000km of water bodies and watercourses map data. These include freshwater rivers, tidal estuaries and canals.

{% hint style="info" %}
**This product is updated every six months in April and October.**
{% endhint %}

<figure><img src="https://1897589978-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FcNpJpLP8RROUaWVQo5ea%2Fuploads%2F75rFDNzIAjVE28UG34O7%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=baf4dfdd-9976-466f-9696-c001ef75b46b" alt="OS Open rivers data showing a high level view of watercourses in Great Britain"><figcaption><p>OS Open Rivers dataset visualised</p></figcaption></figure>

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

#### **Solve challenges**

Model simple what-if scenarios. OS Open Rivers lets you answer questions such as:

* Which rivers would be affected by a toxic discharge from this site?

#### **Water quality data**

OS Open Rivers lets you tag information with the river IDs used by environment agencies so everybody can use it, ideal for sharing water quality data.

#### **Comprehensive map data**

OS Open Rivers GIS data contains over 144 000km of water bodies and watercourses map data. These include freshwater rivers, tidal estuaries and canals.
{% endtab %}

{% tab title="Summary" %}

* **Access:** Download
* **Category:** Networks
* **Data theme:** Water
* **Data structure:** Vector – Topologically structured link and node network
* **Coverage:** Great Britain
* **Scale:** 1:15 000 to 1:30 000
* **Format:** ESRI Shapefile, GeoPackage, GML 3.2.1, vector tiles
* **Ordering area:** All of Great Britain
* **Publication months:** April, October
* **OS Data Hub plan:** Energy & Infrastructure Plan, OS OpenData Plan (FREE), Premium Plan, Public Sector Plan
  {% endtab %}

{% tab title="Additional Information" %}

#### **River width requirements**

OS Open Rivers does not show the width of a river. For information like this, you will need to use [OS MasterMap Water Network Layer](/os-downloads/~/changes/AJZwzCsyrD9hiTbOxIbO/networks/os-mastermap-water-network-layer.md).
{% endtab %}
{% endtabs %}

## How to get this product

Access to this OS OpenData product is free through the [OS Data Hub](https://osdatahub.os.uk/downloads/open/OpenRivers).

## 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-cover data-type="files"></th><th data-hidden data-card-target data-type="content-ref"></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><h2>Overview</h2></td><td>The overview introduces OS Open Rivers and gives context for all users – highlighting key features, providing examples of uses, and listing details such as file sizes, supply formats, etc.</td><td></td><td><a href="https://1897589978-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FcNpJpLP8RROUaWVQo5ea%2Fuploads%2FHbbENWKH3TBfWZGcM1bD%2FOpen-Rivers-6.png?alt=media&amp;token=5395d58e-b94a-44ba-a0e6-33e9e1f242c9">Open-Rivers-6.png</a></td><td><a href="/os-downloads/~/changes/AJZwzCsyrD9hiTbOxIbO/networks/os-open-rivers/os-open-rivers-overview.md">OS Open Rivers Overview</a></td></tr><tr><td><h2>Technical Specification</h2></td><td>The technical specification provides detailed technical information about OS Open Rivers. It is targeted at technical users and software developers.</td><td></td><td><a href="https://1897589978-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FcNpJpLP8RROUaWVQo5ea%2Fuploads%2FYyusSmrMQI9vpM3Dj7Bg%2FOpen-Rivers-5.png?alt=media&amp;token=ed713bcb-dec9-47d4-9efb-695bff3b3751">Open-Rivers-5.png</a></td><td><a href="/os-downloads/~/changes/AJZwzCsyrD9hiTbOxIbO/networks/os-open-rivers/os-open-rivers-technical-specification.md">OS Open Rivers Technical Specification</a></td></tr><tr><td><h2>Downloads</h2></td><td><p>The downloads page provides links and resources to support the application of OS Open Rivers within your environment.</p><p> </p></td><td></td><td><a href="https://1897589978-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FcNpJpLP8RROUaWVQo5ea%2Fuploads%2FYGqi12crn1Swv8amxqn1%2FOpen-Rivers-1.png?alt=media&amp;token=6cb7f7f7-eb72-409e-b478-f7c0cc463216">Open-Rivers-1.png</a></td><td><a href="/os-downloads/~/changes/AJZwzCsyrD9hiTbOxIbO/networks/os-open-rivers/os-open-rivers-downloads.md">OS Open Rivers Downloads</a></td></tr></tbody></table>


---

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