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FAQs about Digimap and OS MasterMap

Listed here are some questions we have been asked frequently about the introduction of OS MasterMap to Digimap. They will be updated as more questions arise.

1. When will OS MasterMap be available to me?
   OS MasterMap will be available to all individually registered Digimap users from September 2007.
2. How will I be able to download OS MasterMap data?
   The data will be available through a new facility called MasterMap Download. This does NOT replace the existing Data Download facility; it will be available alongside the existing facility which only offers "traditional" Ordnance Survey data products.
3. If I use just the maps and not the data, how will the arrival of OS MasterMap affect me?
   All Detailed View maps in Classic will look different. They are currently created using Land-Line data, but from September 2007 will be created using OS MasterMap Topographic Layer data. This means that they will look different but will contain almost identical content. You may wish to print maps using a colour printer, rather than black and white, in order to make the most of the symbolisation on the new maps.
   Carto will contain both Land-Line and OS MasterMap Topographic Layer between September 2007 and August 2008, whereupon the Land-Line data will be withdrawn. During this period you will be able to combine Land-Line maps with some other data products (as at present) but you will not be able to combine the OS MasterMap data with other products (including Land-Line). This is not possible for technical reasons.
4. Will OS MasterMap be available as tiles?
   No. OS MasterMap (both Topographic and ITN Layers) are seamless datasets covering the UK. They will not be available as tiles. You will be able to select the area you require as a rectangular box.
5. Where can I get MapManager from?
   MapManager is a piece of software owned and distributed by ESRI. If you have a CHEST site licence for ESRI's ArcGIS software, you should be able to obtain MapManager under that, at no additional charge. You need to ask the ESRI Technical Contact in your institution to obtain it for you from the CHEST website, since access is password protected. Note that the latest version of MapManager comes as part of ESRI's Productivity Suite. Note also that MapManager versions 6.1 and 6.2 will NOT convert OS MasterMap data.
6. Should we cancel our subscription to Digimap's Ordnance Survey Collection is we can't make the right software available for use with OS MasterMap?
   NO! OS MasterMap is only one new dataset. All existing Digimap facilities remain as they are. You do not need any additional software to continue using Digimap online, or to use the existing OS data products. You will only need to make additional software available if your users wish to use OS MasterMap data in a GIS environment.
7. What should I do if I can't make the right software available for use with OS MasterMap?
   Don't cancel your subscription! First you should check whether your users are actually downloading data. You can do this by asking your site representative to check the usage statistics for your institution. This can be done by going to the Site Representative's Support Area (link on the left hand side of the Digimap OS Collection home page - log in first). Go to Local Information >>> Usage Statistics and select the appropriate statistics from the drop-down lists. Please bear in mind that these figures are generated when you request them so you need a little patience with them.
   Secondly, remember that your users will continue to have access to Land-Line data until August 2008, so you have until then to make the right versions of software available.