Basic Functions - Looking at the Ordnance Survey Map

This article is part of the Basic Functions Tutorial. It explains how to view, explore, and customise the Ordnance Survey (OS) map within GGP, using either MasterMap or LandLine data.

🗺️ Viewing the Ordnance Survey Map

Once you have opened an existing script or started a new one (e.g. using Standard View), the OS map of your local area will be displayed.

Zooming In

• If the view shows the whole district, use the zoom toolbar buttons or:

  • Go to Zoom > Scale

  • Choose a scale such as 1:2500 for a standard map display

At this scale, the map will resemble the familiar MasterMap display.

Navigating

• Use the zoom and scroll toolbar buttons to move around the map area.

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🔎 Examining OS Map Data

If you're using MasterMap:

1. Go to Edit > OS MasterMap > Inspect Feature

2. Click on a map object (e.g. house, road, building)

3. The selected object will highlight, making it easy to:

   • Identify map features

   • Measure areas (e.g. polygon area)

Object Details by Layer

• The left pane lists map objects by layer.

• Click a layer to:

  • View its properties in the right pane

  • Highlight the item on the map

Geometry Information

• Expand the tree or right-click > Inspect Elements for detailed geometry:

  • Area

  • Boundary length

If you're using LandLine:

• Use Edit > OS LandLine > Inspect OS Feature

• Note: LandLine provides less detailed data than MasterMap.

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🎨 Customizing the Map Display

To modify how the map appears:

Current Script Display Settings

• Go to Options > Current Script Settings > Display

• You’ll find similar settings for:

  • New Scripts

  • Printer Settings

General Settings Tab

• Toggle grid visibility

• Choose the default Basemap

• Set layering preferences (e.g. overlay above/below)

MasterMap Thresholds Tab

• Choose which features or layers to show/hide (e.g. buildings, Topographic Areas)

• Set scale thresholds for when features appear as you zoom in

LandLine and Raster Data Settings

• For LandLine, configure under the Generic Features tab

• For Raster data (e.g. 1:10,000 OS maps), go to Options > Raster

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🚀 Tip: Improve Performance with Layer Thresholds

By setting feature visibility by scale, you:

• Enhance map clarity while zooming

• Reduce processing load for larger scale maps

This allows seamless transitions from district-level overviews down to detailed MasterMap data.

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