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Ordnance Survey's OS MasterMap® is one of the most detailed and accurate digital mapping datasets available in Great Britain. As a critical resource for various sectors, including government, planning, utilities, and transport, understanding when and how often it is updated is essential for ensuring that users have access to the most current geographical information.
Frequency of Updates
OS MasterMap® is continuously updated to reflect changes in the landscape. However, the exact frequency of updates can vary depending on the layer of the MasterMap® you're using. Ordnance Survey makes revisions to ensure that everything from new building developments to infrastructure changes is captured as accurately as possible.
For most urban areas, where development and changes occur more frequently, updates are typically available within six weeks to three months of a change happening on the ground. Rural areas, where alterations are less common, may be updated less frequently, often within a six-month cycle.
The updates are released on a rolling basis, meaning there is no single update date for the entire dataset. Instead, different areas of the map are refreshed regularly as changes are identified and verified by Ordnance Survey.
How Updates Are Made
Updating OS MasterMap® involves a combination of remote sensing technologies, including aerial imagery, and on-the-ground surveys conducted by Ordnance Survey’s field teams. Aerial surveys allow for the capture of large-scale changes across the country, while field surveyors are essential for verifying smaller or more intricate changes, such as new street furniture, footpaths, or even individual properties.
Once changes are detected, they undergo a verification process to ensure accuracy before being incorporated into the OS MasterMap® dataset. These updates then become available to users through various channels, including GIS (Geographic Information System) platforms and direct data downloads.
Keeping Your Data Current
For businesses, organisations, or individuals relying on OS MasterMap®, it's crucial to stay informed about when updates occur for the areas of interest to you. Ordnance Survey provides a notification service that alerts users when updates are made available in their region, ensuring that you're always working with the most up-to-date information.
In addition, many GIS platforms that integrate OS MasterMap® data offer automatic updates, so you may not need to manually download new versions of the data. However, it’s always worth checking with your data provider to understand how frequently updates are pushed through.
Conclusion
OS MasterMap® is a dynamic and regularly updated resource, providing vital, up-to-date geographical data for a wide range of applications. By understanding the frequency and methods behind its updates, users can ensure they are making the most informed decisions based on the latest available information. Whether you’re working in urban planning, environmental management, or any other field that relies on precise mapping data, keeping your OS MasterMap® current is key to maintaining accuracy in your projects.
OS MasterMap® is the premium product of the Ordnance Survey.