OS Open Basemaps

About the map

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 endeavours—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 labelling

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 colour

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 labelling. 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.

Modify data at smaller scales

Consider modifying data at smaller scales with generalisation.

Understand generalisation
Resolve congested labelling areas

Use Maplex labelling to ensure intelligent label placement.

Label with Maplex Label Engine
Make your map adaptive

Consider vector tile basemaps

Map for vector tile creation