As part of the Geospatial Commission’s Public Sector Geospatial Agreement, over 5,500 public sector organisations now have direct and immediate access to Ordnance Survey’s most detailed and trusted location data via a suite of APIs which will transform how geospatial data is used to support government policy and underpin public services.
Free at the point of use, the APIs are available via the OS Data Hub and provide a new way to access the most up-to-date OS data. The APIs will make it quicker and easier for users to work with OS data by connecting direct to a range of datasets as well as supplying the latest product updates on demand.
Chris Chambers, head of the public sector geospatial agreement, Ordnance Survey, said, “Over the last 10 months, we’ve seen location data play an important role in supporting the public sector’s response to coronavirus. The pandemic has highlighted how vital it is that high-quality geospatial data is easily and quickly accessible to all users.
“The APIs let users access the data they need when they need it. They deliver quick and easy access to detailed OS data and have been designed to save users time. By using the APIs, it means that OS is handling the complexities of spatial data management, allowing users to focus on creating even greater value from the data.”
The APIs provide access to a range of OS datasets including OS MasterMap, road network data, addressing information and 1:25 000 leisure mapping as well as unlimited free access to OS OpenData products.
Chambers said, “The OS Places API, for example, is a great tool to help users improve the accuracy of their address searches. It’s ideal for use in geocoding, automated form-filling and local area investigations. In addition, the APIs allow multiple geospatial data sets to be explored and linked together.”
