OS NGD Explained

This page explains what the OS NGD is, how to access it and who can use it. Additional resources are provided with links to deeper technical content.

What is the OS NGD?

The OS National Geographic Database (OS NGD) is a structured database containing authoritative geospatial data for Great Britain. It provides the most current, comprehensive and richly attributed data describing Great Britain ever produced by OS in non-proprietary data formats that are easily integrated into a wide array of customer systems and workflows.

Short YouTube video explaining what the OS NGD is.

How do I access the OS NGD?

There are two access methods for OS NGD data:

• OS Select+Build (the download service)

• OS NGD APIs

Short YouTube video showing the OS NGD access methods of OS Select+Build and the OS NGD APIs.

Who can use the OS NGD?

The OS NGD is available to OS Partners and to public sector organisations who are members of the Public Sector Geospatial Agreement (PSGA). OS Select+Build and the OS NGD APIs can be accessed via the OS Data Hub on either the Premium Plan or Public Sector Plan.

What's the PSGA?

The PSGA (Public Sector Geospatial Agreement) sets out how Ordnance Survey (OS) provides world-leading location data and expertise to the public sector across Britain. It supports the delivery of critical infrastructure and services, as well as working to help protect our environment. 

Find out more about the PSGA by visiting the OS website, including the benefits of joining, instructions on how to access OS data, success stories, support, registration process information and instructions, and a PSGA Member finder tool to check if your organisation is already a member.

Data Exploration Licence

Alternatively, you can try out OS NGD collection data for free for three to six months by applying for a Data Exploration Licence. This licence is available for all collections apart from the Islands Address Collection.

The licence is primarily designed for organisations either considering becoming an OS Partner or who want to trial OS Premium data before working with an existing OS Partner.

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Discover OS NGD

Detailed documentation on OS NGD design and practical guides on how to apply OS NGD data:

✨ OS NGD Key Benefits to Customers

A list of the key benefits of OS NGD to customers.

▶️ Getting started

Our getting started guides will help you access, use and style OS NGD data.

You'll also find in-depth information on OS NGD design, tutorials, webinars, and case studies.

📖 OS NGD Fundamentals

OS NGD Fundamentals covers the core elements of OS NGD design, including data formats, ordering and currency, and coordinate reference systems amongst other topics.

Explore OS NGD

In-depth information on OS NGD data, including structure, applications and news:

🗃️ Data Structure

Data structure pages provide more detailed information about data available for OS NGD themes, collections and feature types.

📣 OS NGD News

Learn about new data enhancements and service updates released for the OS NGD.

Get OS NGD

Try out OS NGD sample data, download it via OS Select+Build or access it through the OS NGD APIs:

🗺️ OS NGD Sample Data

Try out OS NGD by downloading an area of sample data or visualising it online.

📥 OS Select+Build

Download OS NGD data using our bespoke download service, OS Select+Build.

📌 OS NGD APIs

Access OS NGD data using the OS NGD APIs to get started using OS NGD within desktop, web and mobile applications.