Accessing OS NGD data with OS NGD API – Tiles via QGIS
QGIS is an open GIS (Geospatial Information System) desktop application that allows you to display, interrogate, visualise and create geospatial information including from geo-centric APIs (for example, a Vector Tiles Service).
The instructions that follow demonstrate how to connect to OS NGD API – Tiles using QGIS.
QGIS (version 3.22.0 or later).
OS NGD API – Tiles added to an API project in the OS Data Hub with an API Key. See for more information.
In the Data Source Manager | Vector Tile dialog:
Click New
Select New Generic Connection...
In the Data Source Manager | Vector Tile dialog:
Name: Provide a name for the connection.
URL: Input the Retrieve Tile request URL for the OS NGD API – Tiles collection.
Min. and Max. Zoom Levels: Set these as follows based on your preferred projection:
Web Mercator (EPSG: 3857): Min Zoom = 6; Max Zoom = 19
British National Grid (BNG: EPSG: 27700): Min Zoom = 0; Max Zoom = 15
Style URL: Input the Retrieve Style request URL for the OS NGD API – Tiles collection.
Authentication: Leave these settings at their defaults.
Other: Leave all other settings at their defaults.
Click OK.
To retrieve tiles and style them appropriately, you will need two URLs. The URLs have slight variations based on the collection ID and projection.
Here are some example URLs to retrieve the basemap (ngd-base) in Web Mercator (EPSG: 3857):
https://api.os.uk/maps/vector/ngd/ota/v1/collections/ngd-base/styles/3857?key={INSERT_YOUR_API_KEY}
To learn more about the available collections in OS NGD API – Tiles, you can view what data is available .
Please note: You will need to replace the /{tileMatrix}/{tileRow}/{tileCol} used in the default 'retrieve tile' URL with /{z}/{y}/{x} to be able to connect to OS NGD API – Tiles.
Accessing OS NGD data with OS NGD API – Tiles via Cadcorp SIS
The Cadcorp Spatial Information System® (Cadcorp SIS®) is an integrated family of geospatial products comprising desktop, web, and developer applications.
Cadcorp SIS Desktop connects directly to the OS Data Hub through dedicated wizards.
Cadcorp SIS (version SIS 9.1 or later).
OS NGD API – Tiles added to an API project in the OS Data Hub with an API Key. See for more information.
These instructions are based on Cadcorp SIS Desktop version 9.1.2109.64.
In the Overlay Types dialog:
Select Ordnance Survey (GB) > OS (GB) Data Hub, and then click Next.
In the OS (GB) Data Hub dialog:
Select OS National Geographic Database (NGD) API – Tiles.
API Key: Enter your API key.
Premium/Public Sector Plan: Select this option if you have this plan.
Save in the UI settings database (encrypted): Select this option.
Click Next.
The following sub-sections provide step-by-step instructions on how to access OS NGD data via OS NGD API – Tiles in various GIS software packages:
