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OS OpenSpace [logo]

1 Getting started

1.1 What is OS OpenSpace?

OS OpenSpace is a free service from Ordnance Survey that allows you to embed Ordnance Survey maps, covering the whole of Great Britain, into your web applications. OS OpenSpace uses our JavaScript application programming interface (API).

1.2 What is the OS OpenSpace API?

The OS OpenSpace API is a piece of software code you can embed in your web application. It provides you with all the necessary functionality to interact with a map, such as panning, zooming in and out, and adding markers and polygons.

The advantage of using an API is that you don't need any knowledge of geographical information systems (GIS). You just need basic knowledge of HTML and JavaScript; however, if you don't have this you can use the tutorials and sample code to guide you.

1.3 I'm not a developer - how else can I get access to Ordnance Survey mapping?

Get a Map™ is a free at-the-point-of-use service that allows you to locate a place and copy a static image to show on a web page. Terms and conditions apply.

The Outdoor exploration Portal is a free-to-access community site that lets you plot routes on Ordnance Survey maps and share them with other users.

1.4 What can I do with OS OpenSpace?

We want developers and entrepreneurs to be able to create exciting web applications and for individuals and groups to enhance their own websites with Ordnance Survey mapping.

You can create applications for your own websites using Ordnance Survey mapping as the backdrop, as long as it complies with the OS OpenSpace Developer Agreement. The OS OpenSpace API allows you to place any kind of information that has a geographic reference (such as National Grid reference or latitude/longitude) on top of Ordnance Survey maps.

1.5 How do I start using OS OpenSpace?

It is very simple. All you need to do is register to receive your own API key and start using OS OpenSpace on your website. Registration will require you to click accept the terms of the OS OpenSpace Developer Agreement.

Take a look at the examples and documentation in the support area to see how to start building your first application and to get the most out of it.

1.6 What is an API key?

An API key is a unique alphanumeric code that we will send you when you register. You will need to include this code in your web application when using the API.

This key will only work with the URL you provide when you register.

1.7 Do I need an API key to use OS OpenSpace?

Yes, if you want to use the OS OpenSpace API to display maps in your web application you will need a key. A unique key will be sent to you once you have registered and click accepted the terms of the OS OpenSpace Developer Agreement.

1.8 Who can access the OS OpenSpace forum?

Any registered developer can access the forum. The forum has been set up as a place for the OS OpenSpace community to meet, share, discuss and help each other.

If you have not registered and would like to be part of this community, register to get your own API key.

1.9 Which browsers are supported?

At the moment OS OpenSpace supports IE6+, Firefox 1.5+, Safari 2+ Opera 8+ and Google Chrome 1+.

2 Understanding terms of use

2.1 I am using OS OpenSpace to create a database of location based information. Does Ordnance Survey own this?

Yes.

When you use OS OpenSpace to geocode data by adding locations or attributes to it that have been directly accessed from and/or made available by Ordnance Survey mapping data, then the resulting data is 'derived data', because it is derived from Ordnance Survey data.

Ordnance Survey would own such 'derived data', but we grant you a non-exclusive, personal licence to use it within your web application. Please refer to the definition of 'Derived Data' and Clause 5.4 of the OS OpenSpace Developer Agreement.

2.2 I have some data that I have already geocoded. If I plot this using OS OpenSpace, does Ordnance Survey own it?

No.

When you are simply using OS OpenSpace to display data that you have geocoded yourself, by other means, your geocoded data remains your own. Provided that any data you create is not derived in any way from, and does not contain any elements of, Ordnance Survey data, then it amounts to what we call 'your data', and we do not claim ownership of any copyright or other intellectual property rights in such data. We do, however, ask you to grant us a non-exclusive licence to display such data within your web application to enable us to provide the basic service to you and your end-users. Please refer to the definition of 'Your Data' and Clause 5.5 of the OS OpenSpace Developer Agreement.

2.3 Can I access the map images directly?

No, all the data in OS OpenSpace is only accessible with a valid API key and must be used within a publicly accessible application.

2.4 Who can I contact if I need more information?

Send us an email at openspace@ordnancesurvey.co.uk

3 Features

3.1 What data is available with OS OpenSpace?

Mapping layers

A range of Ordnance Survey raster products are displayed at each zoom level:

Look-up services

  • Boundary Look-Up
  • Postcode look-up
  • Place name look-up
3.2 How much data am I allowed to use?

A single API key may access data up to the following daily usage limits:

  • 40 000 tiles of mapping data in a 24-hour period.
  • 1 000 Place name look-ups (Gazetteer service) in a 24-hour period
  • 1 000 Postcode look-ups in a 24-hour period
  • 1 000 Boundary Look-Ups in a 24 hour period

If at any point your application becomes so popular that these limits are not enough, please contact us.

3.3 What is a map tile?

A tile of data is a square of a digital map with a size between 200 and 256 square pixels. Each OS OpenSpace map is displayed on your screen by joining multiple adjacent tiles.

Example map displaying map tiles
3.4 What if I exceed the daily allowance?

Your web application users may see a white tile displaying an appropriate message.

3.5 Is aerial imagery included with OS OpenSpace?

Imagery is not available within OS OpenSpace.

3.6 What can I use to present information on top of the maps?

The OS OpenSpace API has a variety of functions to display different data on top of the maps. You can use markers (OS OpenSpace standard marker or your own), lines, polygons and pop-up boxes with the content or media you wish.

Check the documentation if you need more information.

3.7 Can I have OS OpenSpace maps in more than one page on my website?

Yes, you can use the OS OpenSpace API on more than one page of the publicly available URL folder you register when you sign up. The available data per day will be for all pages at the registered URL folder.

4 Use of OS OpenSpace

4.1 I have built an application and now I want to get some revenue from it. What can I do?

You are permitted to display paid-for advertising and sponsorship advertising for which you can obtain revenue. Community, social or volunteer group websites can collect donations to sustain their web applications. Not for profit and charity websites can collect end user donations via their URL.

The OS OpenSpace Developer Agreement does not allow any financial gain to be derived directly from accessing the Ordnance Survey data from your application. For example, you may not charge the end-user for the use of your application. For details, refer to the definition of 'Financial Gain', 'Purpose' and Section 6 of the OS OpenSpace Developer Agreement

4.2 My site gets a lot of traffic and runs out of my daily usage limits. What can I do?

Contact us to talk about the different possibilities we may be able to offer you. If you are interested in commercialising your application, you may want to consider OS OpenSpace Pro and our Licensed Partner Programme to help develop your idea further.

For more information, please contact us.

4.3 Can I have adverts like Google Ads on my website?

Yes, you are allowed to put ads on your website.

4.4 Can I build an application for Facebook, MySpace or any other social networking or commercial website?

Yes, provided that the OS OpenSpace application that you create is publicly available.

4.5 Can I use my application on a private network or password protect it?

No, the URL folder you register and the application you build must be publicly accessible and not behind a password, internal network or other form of restriction.

4.6 Can users of my application create their own location information using OS OpenSpace?

Yes, the OS OpenSpace API provides a range of functionality that lets your end-users create different data and location information in your web application. They can also display information they have collected from elsewhere. Provided that any data your end-users create is not derived in any way from, and does not contain any elements of, Ordnance Survey Data, then it amounts to what we call 'end-user's data' and we do not claim ownership of any copyright or other intellectual property rights in such data. Ordnance Survey does, however, ask for a non-exclusive licence to display such data within your web application, to enable us to provide the basic service to you and end-users. Any data created by your end-users that is derived directly, or indirectly, from Ordnance Survey mapping amounts to what we call 'derived data'. Please refer to the definitions of 'Derived Data', 'Your Data' and 'End User's Data' in the OS OpenSpace Developer Agreement and End User Licence Agreement, along with Clauses 5.6 and 2.4 respectively, which set out the position on ownership of these three types of data.

4.7 Can I build an application for a local government, central government or other public-sector organisation using OS OpenSpace?

Yes, organisations in the public sector can use OS OpenSpace provided that the website is publicly accessible and meets the terms and conditions of the OS OpenSpace Developer Agreement, including the daily usage limits.

Register now

OS OPENSPACE, ORDNANCE SURVEY and the OS Symbol are registered trade marks of Ordnance Survey, the national mapping agency of Great Britain. All third party trade marks are hereby acknowledged.