Definition

1. Proper noun:
   • The national mapping agency of Great Britain: "Ordnance Survey" is the official organization responsible for creating and publishing detailed, accurate maps and geographic data for Great Britain. It is a non-ministerial government department.

Usage Examples

• Proper noun:
  • We used an Ordnance Survey map to navigate the hiking trails in the Lake District.
  • The data is sourced from the latest Ordnance Survey database.
  • Ordnance Survey has been producing maps for over two centuries.

Advanced Usage

• "Ordnance Survey map": A specific, highly detailed topographic map produced by the agency, often used for outdoor activities like hiking and cycling.

  • Always carry an Ordnance Survey map when walking in remote areas.

• "Ordnance Survey data": Refers to the digital geographic information and datasets maintained by the agency.

  • The urban planning project relies on accurate Ordnance Survey data.

Variants and Related Words

• OS (abbreviation): A common abbreviation for Ordnance Survey.

  • The path is marked clearly on the OS map.

• Ordnance Survey International (historical): A former division that provided mapping services overseas.

Synonyms

• National mapping agency: The generic term for a country's official cartographic institution.
• Cartographic office: A formal term for an organization specializing in map-making.

Notes on Meaning

• The term "ordnance" in the name originates from the organization's founding in 1791 under the Board of Ordnance, a military department responsible for supplies and surveying. It does not refer to weapons in the modern context of the agency's work.
• "Ordnance Survey" is always capitalized as it is a proper noun, the official name of the organization. It is not used as a common noun to describe surveying in general.

Noun

1. the official cartography agency of the British government