1 Find the product you want to buy
If you already know what you want to buy, the easiest way to find it is to type the name of the product in any of the search boxes around the website. For more information see below.
1.1 Search using the search boxes
Use the search boxes on most pages of the website to find the area or the product you are looking for by typing in:
- the name of the product or series (eg Explorer);
- an ISBN number (10 or 13 digit) with no spaces;
- a post code (Enter full post code eg SE1 7PB) including spaces;
- a National Grid Reference (eg TQ305799) with no spaces; or
- a place of interest (eg London Eye).
1.2 Search using ‘browse products’
It is possible to go directly to a publisher or product category using the 'browse products' link. Each publisher, including Ordnance Survey, has their entire product range listed. Navigate through this section to learn more about the publishers and the wide range of products available.
1.3 Search using the map
Use the map provided to select the area you are interested in. With the map you can:
- Click on anywhere to see a map of the area
- Use plus or minus buttons to zoom in or out, then click on the "Update product list" button to refresh the product results giving relevant products for the new zoom scale
- Use the compass rose to shift the map to the north, east, south or west and then click on the "Update product list" button to refresh the product results.
1.4 Find the right product from the search results
The search facility (map and text box) will provide you with a selection of place name options relating to what you have typed in the search box. Choose the option most relevant for you to find out which products we suggest.
The product results area to the right of the mapping tool displays all the products that ‘intersect’ the map area (displayed in the mapping tool to the left).
The order of the list is produced on a ranking formula based on how close the product matches the mapping in scale, coverage and location to the centre of the map.
If you would like to view all other results that are relevant to your search, scroll through the list by using the ‘next’ button. You can narrow the search further by selecting a specific category of product using the drop down box. Here you can choose historical or digital map products.
If you want to start from the beginning, the ‘leisure home’ link will take you to the leisure home page.
2 Placing Your Order
Find what you want to buy and then add it to your Shopping Basket. You will then be given instructions on the Checkout Procedure
3 Ordering and Payment
3.1 Add your products to your Shopping Basket
The Shopping Basket is where you store items you intend to buy. You can always delete items from the Shopping Basket or save them for later if you change your mind. When you find what you want (or what you might want) click the "Add to Basket" button on the item's product information page.
To start filling in the order form, click the "checkout" button.
3.2 Sign in
If you are a previous customer then enter your username and password. This will save you time when entering address details.
If you are a new customer then press the 'continue to checkout' button.
3.3 Enter a delivery address
Please tell us where you'd like us to send your order.
Check the section on Delivery times and rates for further information about how and when your order will be delivered.
The delivery charge for your order will be displayed on the order summary page just before you submit your order.
3.4 Provide a password and method of payment
Choose a password for your account. Ordnance Survey will not provide the password for you. You'll be able to use your e-mail address and password to make changes to your account information any time you like, so make sure you remember which e-mail address and password you used.
3.5 Review and submit your order
Check the information you've provided and when you're ready, click the "place order" button to submit your order. We'll then send you a confirmation e-mail message.
3.6 I can't enter my credit or debit card details
If, when you click "place order" after entering your card details, you see an error message asking you to enter further details, it may be that your browser window is too small for you to see all the mandatory boxes.
Either use the scroll bar at the bottom of the window to scroll to the right, bringing the box into view, or maximize the browser window by clicking the button in the top right-hand corner of the window next to the x.
3.7 Help with credit cards
Payment can be made by most major credit or debit cards in accordance with the payment methods section. Payment will be debited from your account upon purchase.
3.8 What is a CV2 Security Code?
The card security code is a unique three or four-digit number printed on your debit/credit card. This number is not embossed on the card and hence not printed on receipts - making it difficult for anyone other than the genuine cardholder, to know it.
4 Dispatch and delivery
4.1 Delivery times & rates
Products are dispatched by the Royal Mail or, for certain products where indicated on the Website, by courier service and for UK deliveries will usually arrive within 6 days of your order.
Overseas orders will take approximately ten (10) working days. We regret that we are unable to supply courier delivered products other than to an address within the United Kingdom (excluding the Channel Islands). We will deliver the products ordered by you to the address you give us for delivery at the time you make your order.
Courier deliveries must be signed for and are made Monday to Friday (excluding bank and public holidays), normally between the hours of 8 am and 5 pm. The precise timing of a delivery cannot be specified.
Delivery charges are as follows: £2.50 for Great Britain and Northern Ireland customers only (excludes Republic of Ireland) £6.95 for overseas
When ordering Historical Mapping via the Historical Mapping ordering service, postage and packaging will be charged at £3.95 for standard rate deliveries and £5.95 for express deliveries to addresses within the UK, and £6.95 for overseas deliveries.
5 Contacting Ordnance Survey
You can ask any questions or find out the status of your order by calling the Ordnance Survey Customer Service centre on 0845 456 0420 or emailing : customerservices@ordnancesurvey.co.uk.
Please note: Your order may take up to 6 working days for delivery. Please bear this in mind before calling the Customer Service Centre.