OS Open Basemaps

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Why we love it

A basemap’s job is to be an effective backdrop for your data. A good basemap provides critical reference information to enhance your map and lets overlain layers play the lead role in telling the story. This collection of basemaps does just that, using Ordnance Survey OpenData from Great Britain. We love the deliberate changes as you zoom into the map. Details adjust to map scale thereby avoiding clutter and ensuring minimal disruption.

Why it works

Instead of trying to make a single basemap that performs adequately in all situations, this mapmaker offers five unique basemaps. Each basemap can serve as a backdrop, depending on what story you want your data to tell. This basemap collection works because it suits many map endeavors—whether you need to highlight geography, present thematic data in bright colours, overlay critical content or present all raster map datasets. 

Important steps

  • Don’t clutter your map

    To make an effective basemap, be mindful of the map information included at each scale. Find a balance between detail and clutter.
    Author a multiscale map

  • Leave room for labeling

    Set scale ranges on label classes to avoid labelling congestion.
    Learn about label classes

  • Add aesthetic details

    Choose symbols and colours wisely.
    Read about symbols
    Read about color

  • Placeholder

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Requirements

  • Data and software

    The Carto, Background and Greyscale maps use OS Open Datasets: Strategi, Vector Map District and Open Map Local. The Raster map uses Miniscale, OS 250K, Vector Map District raster, and StreetView. Software used: ArcGIS Desktop.
    OS Open Datasets

  • Analysis

    OS Open Map Local data is shown at the two largest scales to provide greater detail and more accurate building footprints. Road and place names are well attributed to improving labeling. Place names in OS Open Map Local were replaced by the Vector Map District place names.

  • Time

    These basemaps as services have evolved over a number of years, beginning in 2010 as Server Services that Ordnance Survey provided to their customers. Over the years they’ve been added to and changed both the content and the way they are served to customers.
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Tips and tricks

  • Modify data at smaller scales

    Consider modifying data at smaller scales with generalisation.
    Understand generalization

  • Resolve congested labeling areas

    Use Maplex labeling to ensure intelligent label placement.
    Label with Maplex Label Engine

  • Make your map adaptive

    Consider vector tile basemaps
    Map for vector tile creation
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Resources

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