Ordnance Survey (OS) is the United Kingdom’s national topography agency, responsible for creating detailed maps of Great Britain since the late 18th century. With its roots in military cartography and its evolution into a leader in geospatial data, the Ordnance Survey has become synonymous with precision, innovation, and accessibility. This article delves into the history, functionality, and modern uses of OS cartography, exploring their significance for professionals, hobbyists, and everyday users.

The History of Ordnance Survey
The Ordnance Survey was established in 1791 under the Board of Ordnance, primarily to map the Scottish Highlands for military purposes after the Jacobite uprisings. Over time, its focus expanded to include civilian uses, covering the whole of Great Britain with increasingly detailed topography. Early cartographic efforts were monumental, with series such as the six-inch maps and 25 inches to the mile offering unparalleled detail. By the mid-19th century, OS maps became invaluable tools for urban planning, land ownership, and local governance.
The introduction of the national grid in the 1930s revolutionized cartography by standardizing coordinates, making it easier to locate specific place names. The Landranger and Explorer map series, featuring scales of 1:50,000 and 1:25,000 respectively, became essential for outdoor enthusiasts, offering clarity and precision for navigation and exploration.
Modern Mapping Innovations
Today, Ordnance Survey has embraced innovation and technology, making its geographic data available in both physical and digital formats. The OS Maps app and OS Maps online platform allow users to access detailed maps of Great Britain on smartphones, tablets, and computers. These platforms provide features such as georeferenced maps, route planning, and integration with GPS, making it easier than ever to explore the UK.
The OS OpenData initiative has further democratized access to geographic information by providing free data for developers, researchers, and organizations. These datasets include boundary information, road networks, and environmental data, enabling the creation of new applications and services.
For those interested in historical cartography, the National Library of Scotland hosts a rich collection of old Ordnance Survey maps, including the first edition one-inch maps and the county series maps. These resources offer insights into how the landscape of England, Scotland, and Wales has changed over centuries.
OS Maps: Digimap Features and Accessibility
Ordnance Survey maps remain essential for a wide range of applications. Key map series include:
- Landranger Series: Designed for long-distance travel and outdoor activities, these maps cover large areas at a scale of 1:50,000, providing clear detail for walkers, cyclists, and motorists.
- Explorer Maps: Focused on leisure activities, these maps offer a scale of 1:25,000, ideal for hiking, birdwatching, and detailed navigation.
- Historic Maps: Available through archives like the British Library and the National Library of Scotland, these maps provide an invaluable record of Britain’s past.
The OS Maps online login feature enables registered users to customize their mapping experience, save routes, and download offline maps. The platform also provides layers for geospatial analysis, catering to both professionals and casual users.
Applications of OS Data
Ordnance Survey maps and data have applications in diverse fields, from urban planning and environmental science to tourism and education. The organization’s geospatial expertise supports projects ranging from infrastructure development to disaster response.
One noteworthy example is the integration of OS geographic data with HM Land Registry records, helping streamline property transactions. The use of opendata by developers has also led to innovative topography tools and apps that enhance accessibility and usability.
How Ordnance Survey Gathers User Feedback to Improve Services
Ordnance Survey (OS), the national topography agency of Great Britain, regularly seeks input from its users to assess satisfaction and collect suggestions for enhancing its products and services. This process reflects the organization’s dedication to maintaining its leadership in cartography and geospatial innovation.
How to Provide Feedback to Ordnance Survey
Opportunities to share feedback are open to a wide range of users, including outdoor enthusiasts, professionals who rely on OS maps, and individuals using digital platforms such as OS Maps online or the mobile app. Information about these initiatives is typically shared via the official Ordnance Survey website, social media platforms, newsletters, and email notifications sent to registered users.

Steps to participate:
- Access forms or questionnaires online through links provided by Ordnance Survey in their announcements or emails.
- Anyone familiar with OS products—whether printed maps like the Landranger or Explorer series, or digital tools—is welcome to contribute. You don’t need technical expertise, as feedback from all types of users is valuable.
- Responses are usually gathered online, making it simple and convenient to participate.

Screenshot of www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/contact-us: Access forms or questionnaires online

Screenshot of www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/contact-us: provide feedback
The Benefits of Contributing
Sharing your experience with Ordnance Survey products offers several advantages:
- You can influence the development of tools and services. For example, user input has shaped updates to the OS Maps app, including features like enhanced route planning and real-time geographic layers.
- Your observations help improve the quality and usability of existing products, whether they are physical atlases or digital platforms.
- Insights provided by users drive innovation, such as better georeferencing, more detailed digital historic maps, and improved integration of systems like the National Grid Reference.
Share Your Feedback and Win a £100 Voucher
Ordnance Survey values user feedback and encourages visitors to participate in their ongoing surveys. By sharing your thoughts, you contribute to improving OS services and shaping future innovations. As a token of appreciation, participants have the chance to enter a monthly prize draw to win a £100 Love2Shop voucher. To qualify, you must be a UK resident aged 18 or over. Simply complete the survey after your visit to the Ordnance Survey website, and follow the provided link to view the full terms and conditions.

Screenshot of www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk: complete the survey, step 1

Screenshot of www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk: complete the survey, step 2

Screenshot of www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk: complete the survey, step 3
Summary of Rules for the Kantar Ordnance Survey Monthly Draw
The Kantar Ordnance Survey Monthly Draw is open to UK residents aged 18 or over who complete the survey on the Ordnance Survey website and opt into the draw. Employees of Kantar, Ordnance Survey, their agents, or immediate family members are not eligible. Entry is free, with one entry allowed per person per month. The draw closes at 11:59 p.m. on the last day of each calendar month, with the final draw in August 2025. Winners are selected randomly and notified by email within seven days, with a £100 Love2Shop voucher as the prize. Winners must confirm their address within two weeks or forfeit the prize. The prize is non-transferable, and no cash alternative is available. Full details and terms are governed by English law, and the Promoter reserves the right to amend or cancel the draw if necessary.
How Your Feedback is Used
Ordnance Survey analyzes input to identify trends and areas that need attention. This information helps guide decisions about new developments and updates to current tools. For instance, ideas gathered from users have contributed to the digitization of old map series, such as the first edition six-inch maps, as well as the enhancement of features on the OS Maps app.
Where to Start
If you’d like to get involved, stay informed by signing up for updates on the Ordnance Survey website, following the organization on social media, or subscribing to their newsletters. Registered users of platforms like OS Maps online can also receive invitations to share their perspectives. Participating is a simple way to ensure your voice is heard while helping Ordnance Survey refine its topography and geospatial services for all users.
Challenges and Future Prospects
Despite its longstanding reputation, Ordnance Survey faces challenges in adapting to the rapid pace of technological advancement. Efforts to digitize historic maps, such as the six-inch and 25-inch series, have been met with enthusiasm but also raise questions about licensing and accessibility. Collaboration with institutions like the Charles Close Society and the Department for Science ensures that the OS continues to innovate while preserving its cartographic heritage. Initiatives to digitise early map series, including the first edition county series and 25 inches to the mile maps, are vital for maintaining access to Britain’s national mapping history while making these resources more widely available to researchers and the public.
Additionally, addressing the demand for modern mapping solutions requires incorporating a variety of scales and georeferenced maps to meet the needs of professionals and hobbyists alike. Projects aimed at covering the whole of Great Britain with detailed and accurate geographic data must also balance the preservation of historic resources, such as mid-19th century folded maps, with the development of interactive platforms like Digimap and opendata services. The challenge lies in ensuring that efforts to digitise map images and sheetlines maintain the integrity of original cartographic work while integrating it into modern, user-friendly formats.
As the need for accurate geographic data grows, OS is likely to play a central role in addressing global challenges, from climate change to urbanization. Its tools, such as national grid reference systems and large-scale mapping for urban and rural areas, will remain critical for projects involving land use, infrastructure planning, and environmental monitoring. OS’s commitment to innovation is evident in its collaboration with the National Library of Scotland and the digitisation of iconic resources like the county series and 6 inches to the mile maps. These efforts ensure that both historic and modern geographic data are accessible for educational, professional, and leisure purposes.
Moreover, as urbanization and environmental issues become more pressing, Ordnance Survey’s ability to provide a variety of geographic tools, from landranger series maps to high-resolution map data, positions it as a cornerstone of national and international geographic initiatives. Balancing technological advancements with the preservation of historic data, such as map room archives and early inch maps, ensures OS continues to meet the evolving needs of its diverse users while maintaining its legacy as Britain’s trusted source for cartographic and geographic innovation.
Conclusion
The Ordnance Survey has evolved from a military-focused organization to a national mapping agency that serves diverse audiences. Whether you’re exploring the Isle of Man with an Explorer map, researching historic maps of Cambridgeshire, or accessing geographic data for a scientific project, OS offers a wealth of resources to cover the whole of Great Britain. Its legacy as Britain’s national cartography agency remains firmly rooted in innovation, accuracy, and accessibility, ensuring that its maps continue to guide and inspire generations to come.