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Location Plans show where a site is situated within its wider area, including surrounding roads, buildings and key features. They are typically required as part of planning applications to provide context and identify the site clearly.
Location Plans are usually supplied at smaller scales than Site Plans, allowing planning authorities to understand how a site relates to its surroundings and access routes. They are typically produced at 1:1250 or 1:2500 scale, show north, fit on A4 or A3, and clearly identify the application site boundary in relation to nearby roads, buildings and land.
MapServe supplies Location Plans derived from OS MasterMap®, providing accurate, compliant mapping for use in planning submissions and professional workflows.
| Sector | Need | Why it's used | Typical format |
|---|---|---|---|
| Architects | Planning submissions | Show the site location clearly | PDF, PNG |
| Planning consultants | Validation documents | Support planning application requirements | PDF, PNG |
| Homeowners | Householder applications | Provide a required planning document | PDF, PNG |
| Developers | Site identification | Show application land and adjoining ownership | PDF, PNG |
| Surveyors | Site reference | Support property and land documentation | PDF, PNG |
| Map product | Best used for | Key limitations |
|---|---|---|
| Location Plans (OS MasterMap® based) | Showing site location within a wider area for planning applications | Limited detail for site layout or design work |
| Site Plans | Detailed site layout and immediate surroundings | Does not show wider context clearly |
| Measured topographic survey | Accurate site levels and physical features | Not required for location context; more detailed and costly |
| Title plans / Land Registry documents | Legal ownership and boundary definition | Not suitable for planning drawings or mapping context |
Location Plans are derived from OS MasterMap® data and provide a clear overview of site location, but they should not be used where detailed site information is required.
They do not show precise site layout, levels or physical detail, and should not replace Site Plans or measured surveys for design and construction work. Location Plans also do not define legal ownership or boundaries and must not be used in place of title plans or Land Registry documents.
For planning, design and construction, Location Plans should be used alongside Site Plans and other supporting information.
| Attribute | Description |
|---|---|
| Typical scales | 1:1250 or 1:2500 |
| Formats | PDF, PNG with optional CAD formats (DWG / DXF) |
| Data source | Ordnance Survey OS MasterMap® |
| Coordinate system | British National Grid (OSGB36) |
| Features included | Buildings, roads, paths and contextual mapping |
| Compliance | Suitable for UK planning applications |
| Best used for | Planning applications and site identification |
| Delivery | Within seconds of ordering |
A location plan shows the application site in relation to its surrounding roads, buildings and land.
Location plans are typically 1:1250 or 1:2500 for larger sites.
No. A location plan identifies the site location. A site plan or block plan normally shows the site in more detail.
Yes. MapServe Location Plans are derived from OS MasterMap® data.
They are mainly used for planning context. Site Plans or CAD data are more suitable for design work.
Location Plans can usually be produced quickly once site details are confirmed.
