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UKMap

What is UKMap?

UKMap is a brand new, highly detailed and feature rich mapping layer. Based on 1:1,000 scale topographic mapping, it accurately locates buildings, garages, property boundaries, roads, trees and a multitude of other features. It comprises of addresses and a retail database including above ground usage, as well as providing building height information and an aerial photography layer.

How has this new database been created?

The GeoInformation Group created UKMap. This process began by capturing the latest high resolution (10cm) aerial photography which were ortho-rectified using GPS and then combined with a detailed terrain model to generate a stereo aerial photo database from which the mapping was digitised.

The features digitised were then validated by sample GPS to confirm the accuracy. These were then printed and sent out to field survey teams who walk every street to capture all the additional information accessible within Promap (using the Site Information Tool). This information includes house numbers, street names, shop names, locality information and office names.

What is the accuracy of the mapping?

The stated accuracy of the mapping is + or - 1m Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) to a 98.5% confidence level.

Why do some buildings in UKMap look different when compared with Ordnance Survey mapping?

Both datasets are captured using a combination of aerial and ground surveys. However, the actual capture methods vary, so there are differences between datasets (despite the fact that both are accurate to within similar tolerances). Aerial imagery can be overlaid onto mapping using the Hybrid function, this allows users to compare and contrast the detail and features provided.

How often are the maps updated?

There is a 3 level maintenance approach:
  1. 3 year full re-survey based on new aerial photography (every 2 years for London but this is subject to weather and air traffic restrictions)
  2. Annual update of High Street / Point of Interest information
  3. Quarterly update mapping change (from change partners)
As a registered 'change partner', Promap will feedback any suggested changes/updates from our customers. Please email customerservice@promap.co.uk including the Unique Feature Ref.

How can I find out when the map was last updated?

The new 'Site Info' tool in Promap will show a last updated date for each individual mapping feature.

If the map is out of date can I highlight this to the data provider?

These can be reported to our customer services team and we will pass this directly onto the data provider for future amendments. When reporting this please quote the 'Unique Feature Ref' which can be identified by using the Site Info tool to select the feature in question.

When will the rest of the UK be covered?

The launch of this new mapping initially sees data covering the majority of Greater London, however, the programme is due to continue with a 3 year completion plan. This aims to deliver 568 town, cities and urban areas across the UK, covering 24,000 km2 and 55 percent of the UK population. This may extend to rural areas in the future but this is to be confirmed.

Can I use this mapping for Planning Applications?

UKMap is valid for the purpose of planning applications. Local Authorities require 1:200, 1:500, 1:1,250 and 1:2,500 scale mapping, not specifically Ordnance Survey mapping. This mapping meets the criteria set out within the Local Authorities guidelines. In addition the Land Registry have been consulted with during this project and the data also meets their requirements. For more information please click here.

How much does it cost to View and Roam in this mapping layer?

There is an initial 6 month promotional period where viewing and roaming of UKMap is free of charge. This is due to end in August 2010 where charges will then apply (details provided in the near future).

How much does it cost to Print or Export this mapping?

Prior to purchase full site specific pricing will be provided on screen.

Please see the Promap Price List for further details.

What does the Site Info tool provide?

The Site Info tool provides the ability to query the following information for any map feature:
  • Grid reference
  • Last updated (date)
  • Land use (e.g. retail, commercial)
  • Retail Names
  • Point of Interest
  • Nearest address
  • Building Heights


Will the drawing and measuring tools still work?

All the usual Promap drawing and measuring functionality is available in the mapping layer. This includes snap to point and lock to background.

Can I customise the look of this mapping?

By selecting the 'Map Style' drop down list found in the left hand context panel when using Promap, you can select between 5 different mapping styles:
  1. Colour
  2. Colour and trees
  3. Black & White
  4. Hybrid
  5. Building Use
In addition, by using the newly improved Promap Legend, you are able to fully customise your own mapping look. There is also functionality to create and save colour schemes and print templates.

What does the Building Use map style provide?

This is a colour mapping style highlighting the additional 'Building Use' information obtained during the data capture process, detailing: Residential, Retail, Commercial, Community, Agricultural.

What does the Hybrid map style provide?

The ability to overlay map data with UKMap aerial imagery, which can be useful for site analysis, as well providing reassurance of data quality/accuracy.

How can I view trees?

The Tree Canopy layer is unique to UKMap and is collected during the data capture process. The layer can be turned on by selecting 'Colour & Trees' from the Map Style drop down list found in the left hand context panel. This layer will also be included in all mapping exports.

Why is the mapping based on 1:1,000 scale?

The mapping was originally captured at 1:250 scale but resolved to a published scale of 1:1,000 as per expected standards. Being a vector mapping dataset it can be scaled up and down to suit any scale desired.

What are the licensing implications?

UKMap offers simple licensing included within the purchase costs. Customers have the ability to share data with partners and sub-contractors, ongoing archiving rights and printed output is licensed for 'general business use' e.g. inclusion within marketing literature/brochures.

For detailed terms and conditions please see Promap Standard Terms & Conditions for printing and UKMap Export Terms & Conditions for exporting

Do I require an additional licence to submit this mapping for a Planning Application?

No additional licence is required for this purpose.

What features are included in my Export?

Your DWG/DXF export will include the topological features of the map i.e. roads, buildings, tree canopies and other physical boundaries. Building Heights and Retail information are not available within these exports however Buildings can be split out by their ‘building use’ when data is taken as a Colour DWG (DWG 2004). We will be providing a richer ‘full data’ package in the near future which will include building heights and other UKMap data.