One of the key advantages of GIS is the ability to see your data. Tabular data can be difficult to interpret at a glance, maps are excellent at conveying information quickly and intuitively. Whilst your data is the focus of the exercise, you need to have backdrop mapping to provide the frame of reference against which your data is set.

If you choose to use an online service, the data is typically part of that service although you can add your own custom layers if required. If you are using desktop GIS or your own web mapping solution then you need to license appropriate backdrop mapping.

In the UK, we are very fortunate to have some of the most detailed mapping in the world. The Ordnance Survey, the government agency with responsibility for mapping data, has an eviable catalogue of content from the whole of the UK down to individual gardens and buildings. To acquire mapping data for your own purposes generally means choosing the scales and products your require and paying a license fee.

We have been working with geographic data for many years and have a firm grasp of whats available, the license restrictions involved and where to get it at the best prices. Dependeing on your end use, you may be able to access freely available data and avoid the expense of licensing government or commercial data.

Please contact us to find out more about how we can help.