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Need help using MapsDirect? Telephone, fax or email our technical support group using these contact details.
ESRI (UK) Technical Support
Telephone 01296 745 616
Fax 01296 745 577
Do you have an enquiry about subscribing to MapsDirect for Schools? Telephone, fax or email our Order Processing group using these contact details.
ESRI (UK) Order Processing
Telephone 01296 745 605
Fax 01296 745 585
Email:
Looking for help, advice or other resources? Try the Resources section.
Introducing MapsDirect for Schools
For some time there have been a variety ways that schools can get hold of digital map data, but it is not always easy. Also, although a variety of Geographic Information System (GIS) software packages exists, it can be a complex and time consuming process for teachers to load the data, learn the software, and start using it in the classroom.
Maps Direct for Schools provides an alternative and easier way for schools to access digital map data and start using GIS in projects, exercises and field trips.
MapsDirect for Schools is a partnership between Ordnance Survey and ESRI (UK) Ltd.
Digital Maps and the Curriculum
Digital mapping has much to offer schools and teachers in support of the National Curriculum, As well as providing a high interest and innovative use of ICT, digital map data can be used right across the curriculum. A few examples of subjects where digital maps have been used include diversity projects in biology, developing a database of historic building in history, and looking at retail patterns in economic, as well as in geography of course.
Access and Cost Choices
At its initial release, MapsDirect for Schools provides access to the very detailed, large scale digital map data available from Ordnance Survey.
Make Maps – MapsDirect for Schools ‘Make Maps’ is a subscription service which provides access to Ordnance Survey’s newest large scale data called OS MasterMap®. This data is in full colour which makes it easy for pupils to identify features on the map and seamless coverage of all of England, Scotland and Wales is available.
Using the web browser, schools can instantly find map data covering their area of interest by typing in a postcode or place name for example and the maps can be printed out, or copied into documents for school work. Some basic drawing and measurement tools are included and some entry level GIS facilities will be added over time, according to feedback. This service is ideally suited to schools who would like to begin using digital map data but who do not immediately feel confident in managing a GIS and OS digital data. It also provides easy access to large-scale data anywhere in GB, which makes it an ideal whole school resource. Other data layers, functions and services will be added over time
To find out the costs for the Make Maps service click here.
Buy Maps – MapsDirect for Schools ‘Buy Maps’ is a service which allows schools to obtain segments of Ordnance Survey Land-Line® digital map data for use in locally installed software. Land-Line provides monochrome point and line representation of real world features.
This data is supplied on CD, in a structure known as NTF and in ‘tiles’ of 500m2 on the ground for urban areas and 1000m2 on the ground in rural areas. Schools require a GIS to use this data and will need to check with the software supplier that it can read NTF.
To find out the cost of the map tiles through the Buy Maps service click here.
Restrictions on Use
The data provided by MapsDirect for Schools is covered by Crown Copyright. Teachers using the service are advised to fully familiarise themselves with the detailed license agreement which must be agreed to prior to ordering or using the map data.
Other facilities
Visit the Projects and Resources sections to find out more about MapsDirect for Schools, Ordnance Survey, digital mapping and GIS.
Alternative Data Supply Options
Ordnance Survey already supplies map data to every local authority. Schools funded by local authorities are deemed to be Departments of their local authority and may therefore use Ordnance Survey data free of further charge by OS.
Some local authorities are in a position to make this data available directly to schools either on CD or through some sort of web service. They may provide this service at no cost, others may need cover administrative costs. Information about supply of map data for schools is available from an Ordnance Survey Liaison Officer (OSLO) in each local authority. To find the name of your local contact phone the Ordnance Survey Customer Helpline on 08456 05 05 05.
Some Local Authorities are not easily able to supply map data to their schools, or to supply data of other parts of the country. Maps Direct for Schools provides an alternative and easier way for schools to access the data.
Independent schools have had no mechanism for accessing Ordnance Survey large scale data. MapsDirect for Schools is the best option.
MapsDirect for Schools is a new service launched by Ordnance Survey and ESRI (UK) to provide easy access for schools to large-scale detailed Ordnance Survey maps.
The service comprises two key facilities: one is a facility to order Ordnance Survey Land-Line tiles for use in desktop GIS products and to also provide a subscription-based service allowing schools to access via the internet the latest national OS MasterMap data.
The online service provides access to the following data sets:
- OS MasterMap
- 1:50,000 mapping
The online sign-up facility requires a valid URN number as provided by the DfES. If you are an inspector or teacher trainer and don't belong to a specific education establishment you may request access to the site by sending an email with your details to .
OS MasterMap is an intelligent digital map designed by Ordnance Survey for use with geographical information systems (GIS) and databases.
Based on the National Grid, it includes topographic information on every landscape feature – buildings, roads, phone boxes, postboxes, landmarks – and represents a significant evolution from traditional cartography.
OS MasterMap depicts the real world digitally and presents this comprehensive, advanced information as themes in a series of layers, each layer carrying millions of features.
Yes, MapsDirect for Schools can provide teachers with trial logins to allow evaluation of the service. Please complete the form under ‘Signup’ and select the 'Free Trial' option. This will give you unlimited access for 30 days from the date of signing up.
There is no facility to download the OS MasterMap data but you can purchase Land-Line tiles online via the ‘Buy Maps’ option. This allows a school to purchase up to 100 tiles, which are delivered in the Ordnance Survey National Transfer Format (NTF).
Land-Line is a comprehensive data set depicting man-made and natural features, ranging from houses, factories, roads and rivers to marshland and administrative boundaries. There are almost 229,000 Land-Line tiles covering Great Britain, surveyed and digitised at three different scales according to location:
- 1:1250 scale in urban areas;
- 1:2500 scale in rural areas; and
- 1:10 000 scale for remote areas such as mountains and moorland.
This data will be supplied by MapsDirect for Schools in the National Transfer Format which can be imported into most leading GIS software packages commonly being used in UK schools.
Yes, MapsDirect for Schools provides an option to print out the map currently being viewed using the ‘Print Map’ option.
The MapsDirect for Schools service allows schools to order a maximum of 100 tiles of Land-Line data.
There is no limit on the amount of OS MasterMap data that can be viewed within MapsDirect for Schools. The entire national data set is available for use.
Yes, the maps that are printed out can only be used for educational purposes within schools that have subscribed to the MapsDirect for Schools service. Further details on the use of the maps can be found in the Ordnance Survey terms and conditions.
It is possible to purchase online the Ordnance Survey Land-Line data through the ‘Purchase Maps’ option.
It is also possible to access the OS MasterMap data as a web service using ESRI’s ArcGIS software, which is included as part of the ESRI (UK) Schools bundle.
Ordnance Survey update the OS MasterMap data every night. MapsDirect for Schools is regularly updated as we receive changes from Ordnance Survey. MapsDirect for Schools aim to apply these updates every week.
The key focus of MapsDirect for Schools is to provide national access to the large-scale Ordnance Survey data. To maximize the use of this data it is recognized that teachers will need to have a collaboration facility to allow them to share lesson plans and ideas on how to best use the data. An elementary tool is provided in MapsDirect for Schools under the ‘Projects’ section. This will be enhanced as we get more feedback from teachers regarding the actual collaboration requirements.
There are several useful resources available for educational use of GIS from Ordnance Survey, ESRI and other organizations. Links to useful websites are included in the ‘Resources’ section of MapsDirect for Schools.
At present, the focus for MapsDirect for Schools is to get as many schools working with large-scale Ordnance Survey data. It is widely recognized that other data sets would provide tremendous educational value and we are investigating which data sets would be useful. Options for future data sets could include: Census data, Geology and Soils, Landuse and Aerial Photography. If you have particular requirements that you would be interested in please complete our feedback form.
It is not possible within the current service to download the OS MasterMap data from within the web browser. However, it is possible to access the web service using ESRI’s ArcGIS software, which is available as part of ESRI (UK) Schools Bundle.
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©ESRI(UK) 2004.
ESRI is a registered trademark of Environmental Systems Research Institute Inc. MapsDirect is a trademark of ESRI (UK).
Ordnance Survey, the OS Symbol, Land-Line and OS MasterMap are registered trademarks of Ordnance Survey, the national mapping agency of Great Britain. |