OS MasterMap Commercial Licence Pricing Guide

OS MasterMap is the most detailed and accurate digital mapping database of Great Britain, maintained by Ordnance Survey (OS). Since its launch in November 2001, it has become the premier source for comprehensive geographical data, recording every fixed feature larger than a few meters across the entire country. For commercial applications, understanding the licensing structure and associated costs is crucial for businesses and organizations looking to incorporate this high-quality mapping data into their operations.

What is OS MasterMap?

OS MasterMap is a comprehensive digital database that provides:

• Detailed topographic information
• Building outlines and structures
• Road networks and transport infrastructure
• Natural features like rivers, forests, and terrain
• Administrative boundaries
• Land use classifications

The data is organized into themed “layers” such as roads, buildings, and natural features, each linked to unique Topographic Object Identifiers (TOIDs) that ensure data consistency and accuracy.

Commercial Licensing Overview

When using OS MasterMap data commercially, you will typically require a licence that sets out the relevant terms of use and helps protect you from liability. The type of licence needed depends on your intended use of the data.

Key Licensing Categories

1. Internal Use Licences

• For organizations using OS data within their own operations
• Staff access and internal business processes
• No redistribution or external sharing

2. External Use Licences

• For sharing, publishing, or distributing OS data to third parties
• Commercial products and services
• Public-facing applications and websites

3. Publishing Licences

• For incorporating OS mapping in print materials
• Online publications and websites
• Merchandise and promotional materials

4. Copying Licences

• For reproducing original OS mapping data
• Creating derivatives or modifications
• Archival and backup purposes

Pricing Factors

The cost of OS MasterMap commercial licences depends on several key factors:

Geographic Coverage

• Area Size: Pricing typically based on hectares or square kilometers
• Location: Urban vs. rural areas may have different pricing structures
• Boundary Definitions: Specific geographic boundaries of your license area

Data Layers Required

• Topography Layer: Core mapping features
• Buildings Layer: Detailed building outlines and classifications
• Address Layer: Property addresses and postal information
• Transport Layer: Road networks and transport infrastructure
• Water Layer: Rivers, lakes, and water features

Usage Type and Duration

• Licence Period: Annual, multi-year, or perpetual licenses
• Usage Scope: Internal use vs. external distribution
• User Numbers: How many individuals will access the data
• Commercial vs. Non-Commercial: Different pricing tiers

Technical Requirements

• Data Format: Vector, raster, or database formats
• Update Frequency: Regular updates vs. static datasets
• Integration Requirements: API access, bulk downloads, or streaming services

Current Market Pricing (2024-2025)

Based on available market information, here are typical pricing ranges from authorized suppliers:

Entry-Level Pricing

• Small Area Coverage (1 hectare): From £15.19 – £17.99
• Basic Topography Layer: Starting price point for small commercial projects
• Single-user internal use: Most cost-effective option

Mid-Range Commercial Licensing

• Medium Coverage Areas: £50 – £500 depending on size and layers
• Multi-user access: Additional costs for team access
• Annual licensing: Ongoing access with regular updates

Enterprise Solutions

• Large Geographic Coverage: £1,000 – £10,000+ annually
• Multiple data layers: Comprehensive access to all MasterMap products
• API integration: Real-time data access and updates
• Custom licensing terms: Negotiated based on specific requirements

Note: Prices vary significantly based on specific requirements and supplier. Contact suppliers directly for accurate quotes.

Licensed Suppliers and Pricing Sources

Official Ordnance Survey Channels

• OS Data Hub: https://osdatahub.os.uk/plans
• OS Licensing: https://www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/licensing
• OS Commercial Team: Direct licensing for large-scale requirements

Authorized Commercial Suppliers

Emapsite

• Starting from £17.99 for OS MasterMap
• Dedicated support included
• 25+ years of experience
• Website: https://www.emapsite.com/digital-maps-and-data/os-mastermap-products

MapServe

• £15.19 (professional account) or £15.99 (pay-as-you-go)
• 1-hectare MasterMap in CAD format
• Professional mapping services
• Website: https://www.mapserve.co.uk/

UK Map Centre

• Specialized in GIS and CAD mapping data
• Fast delivery and technical support
• Custom data extracts available
• Website: https://ukmapcentre.com/gis-os-mastermap/

Europa Technologies

• Comprehensive mapping solutions
• Integration services available
• Enterprise-level support
• Website: https://www.europa.uk.com/map-data/uk/os/mastermap/

Promap

• Regular pricing updates (increased by £1.01 in April 2024)
• Flexible licensing options
• Industry-specific solutions

Free and Open Data Alternatives

OS OpenData

• Completely free under Open Government Licence (OGL)
• Less detailed than MasterMap
• Suitable for basic mapping needs
• No commercial restrictions under OGL terms

Groundsure Insights

• View up to 300 hectares of OS MasterMap free of charge
• Limited to viewing only (no download or commercial use)
• Useful for preliminary site assessment

Licence Selection Guide

For Small Businesses

Recommended: Single-area internal use licence

• Cost: £15-50 for small coverage areas
• Suitable for: Site planning, local area analysis
• Limitations: Internal use only

For Consultancies and Professional Services

Recommended: Multi-user external use licence

• Cost: £100-1,000+ depending on scope
• Suitable for: Client presentations, reports, planning applications
• Benefits: Client sharing permissions

For Software Companies and App Developers

Recommended: API or redistribution licence

• Cost: £1,000-10,000+ annually
• Suitable for: Commercial applications, web services
• Benefits: Real-time data access, customer redistribution rights

For Public Sector Organizations

Special Considerations: Public Sector Mapping Agreement (PSMA)

• Often pre-negotiated terms
• Bulk pricing for government entities
• Extended usage rights for public benefit

Licensing Process and Considerations

Steps to Obtain a Commercial Licence

1. Define Your Requirements
   • Geographic coverage needed
   • Data layers required
   • Usage type (internal/external)
   • Number of users
   • Licence duration
2. Contact Suppliers
   • Get quotes from multiple authorized suppliers
   • Compare pricing and terms
   • Consider ongoing support and updates
3. Review Licence Terms
   • Usage restrictions and permissions
   • Data sharing limitations
   • Update and maintenance terms
   • Liability and warranty provisions
4. Implementation Planning
   • Data delivery format and timeline
   • Integration requirements
   • Staff training needs
   • Compliance monitoring

Important Licensing Considerations

Data Currency and Updates

• MasterMap data is continuously updated
• Consider whether you need regular updates
• Subscription vs. one-time purchase implications

Usage Compliance

• Ensure all users understand licence restrictions
• Implement internal compliance monitoring
• Regular reviews of usage patterns

Scalability

• Plan for future expansion needs
• Consider flexible licensing terms
• Budget for additional users or coverage

Recent Pricing Trends and Updates

2024 Price Changes

• Some suppliers have implemented modest price increases
• Promap reported a £1.01 increase per hectare in April 2024
• Market competition has kept entry-level pricing relatively stable

Technology Integration Costs

• API access often includes additional fees
• Real-time data streaming services command premium pricing
• Custom integration services typically charged separately

Volume Discounts

• Significant discounts available for large geographic areas
• Multi-year agreements often reduce annual costs
• Enterprise customers can negotiate custom terms

Cost Optimization Strategies

Minimize Geographic Coverage

• Define precise boundaries to avoid unnecessary area charges
• Consider phased implementation for large projects
• Use buffer zones efficiently

Layer Selection

• Only license required data layers
• Start with basic topography and add layers as needed
• Regularly review layer usage to optimize costs

Supplier Comparison

• Obtain quotes from multiple authorized suppliers
• Compare not just pricing but also support and services
• Consider long-term partnership potential

Usage Planning

• Accurately estimate user numbers and access patterns
• Plan for growth but avoid over-licensing initially
• Monitor actual usage to optimize future renewals

Legal and Compliance Aspects

Intellectual Property Rights

• OS retains copyright of all MasterMap data
• Licence grants specific usage rights only
• Respect attribution requirements

Data Protection and Security

• Implement appropriate data security measures
• Consider data backup and recovery requirements
• Ensure compliance with relevant data protection laws

Audit and Compliance

• Maintain records of data usage
• Prepare for potential licence audits
• Ensure all users comply with licence terms

Future Considerations

Technology Evolution

• Cloud-based services becoming more prevalent
• API-first approach for data access
• Integration with emerging technologies (AI, IoT)

Pricing Evolution

• Trend toward subscription-based models
• Increased focus on usage-based pricing
• Premium services for real-time data access

Market Competition

• Growing number of authorized suppliers
• Competitive pricing pressure
• Enhanced service offerings

OS MasterMap commercial licensing offers flexible options for businesses and organizations requiring high-quality geographic data. With pricing starting from around £15 for small areas and scaling to enterprise-level solutions costing thousands annually, the key to cost-effective licensing lies in accurately defining your requirements and selecting the appropriate licence type and supplier.

The investment in OS MasterMap licensing can provide significant value through improved decision-making, enhanced customer services, and competitive advantage in location-based applications. By understanding the pricing structure, comparing suppliers, and planning for future needs, organizations can optimize their investment in this premium geographic data resource.

For the most current pricing and terms, always contact authorized suppliers directly, as prices can vary based on specific requirements, market conditions, and individual negotiations.

Key Resources and Links

• OS Licensing Hub: https://www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/licensing
• OS Data Hub: https://osdatahub.os.uk/plans
• Licensing Guidance: https://www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/licensing/licence-guide
• MasterMap Product Information: https://www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/products/os-mastermap-topography-layer
• Public Sector Licensing: https://www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/customers/public-sector
• Open Data Portal: https://osdatahub.os.uk/
• Support and Documentation: https://support.anthropic.com (for general licensing inquiries)