Created: 31 October 2023 Updated: 17 November 2023The Defra Data Services Platform (DSP) is a collection of web-based services that enable Defra bodies to share their datasets with the public and/or with colleagues, contractors and partners. It can be accessed at <a class="external-link" href="https://environment.data.gov.uk/" rel="nofollow">Defra Data Services Platform</a>.<h2 id="AbouttheDefraDataServicesPlatform(DSP)-WhatisavailableontheDSP?">What is available on the DSP?</h2><a class="external-link" href="https://environment.data.gov.uk/apiportal" rel="nofollow">APIs</a> - <a class="external-link" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Application_programming_interface" rel="nofollow">Application Programming Interfaces</a> (APIs) provide IT Developers with an easy way of accessing and using data within their software applications.<a class="external-link" href="https://environment.data.gov.uk/appgallery" rel="nofollow">APP Gallery</a> - Some of our data is used and displayed in a wide range of Defra and third party applications.<a class="external-link" href="https://environment.data.gov.uk/DefraDataDownload/?Mode=survey" rel="nofollow">Surveys</a> - This offers a direct link to the Geomatics survey data (Lidar, aerial photography, etc.). It opens as map download tool including all tools necessary to select and download LIDAR data. <a class="external-link" href="https://environment.data.gov.uk/support" rel="nofollow">Support</a> – A range of <a class="external-link" href="https://environment.data.gov.uk/support/faqs" rel="nofollow">knowledge articles</a> and <a class="external-link" href="https://environment.data.gov.uk/support/announcements" rel="nofollow">guidance</a> to support the use of the DSP. This space can be used to <a class="external-link" href="https://environment.data.gov.uk/support/question" rel="nofollow">ask a question</a> about the data or services, request <a class="external-link" href="https://environment.data.gov.uk/support/datadownload" rel="nofollow">offline datasets</a> and let us know about any <a class="external-link" href="https://environment.data.gov.uk/support/problem" rel="nofollow">problems</a> encountered or any <a class="external-link" href="https://environment.data.gov.uk/support/feedback" rel="nofollow">feedback</a> you may have.Please note that we will not be able to respond to any FOI requests – information on how to raise an FOI request can be found here: <a class="external-link" href="https://environment-test.data.gov.uk/betasupport/faqs/275810040/275810140" rel="nofollow">How Do I Submit A Freedom Of Information Or Subject Access Request?</a>

About the Defra Data Services Platform (DSP)

Created: 31 October 2023 Updated: 17 November 2023<h2 id="Registering:WhocanregisterontheDefraDataServicesPlatform(DSP)-DoIneedtocreateanaccounttoaccessdataontheDSP?">Do I need to create an account to access data on the DSP?</h2>Most datasets published through the Defra Data Services Platform (DSP) are publicly available and can be accessed by any user, without the need for a registered account. Most are published under the terms and conditions of the Open Government Licence (OGL), some have specific licence conditions which are provided with each dataset. A small number of datasets is restricted and can only be accessed by approved, registered users. <h2 id="Registering:WhocanregisterontheDefraDataServicesPlatform(DSP)-So,whocancreateaDSPpartneruseraccount?">So, who can create a DSP partner user account?</h2>You can create a DSP account, and access restricted data, if you/your organisation falls one of the following categories: <div class="table-wrap"><table data-table-width="760" data-layout="wide" data-local-id="e282cb70-3061-4778-aad0-d5071d7a6756" class="confluenceTable"><colgroup><col style="width: 207.0px;"/><col style="width: 553.0px;"/></colgroup><tbody><tr><td class="confluenceTd">Defra-body Staff</td><td class="confluenceTd">Employees of the Department for Environment, Food &amp; Rural Affairs, its executive agencies, and the following non-departmental public bodies: APHA, Cefas, Defra core, Environment Agency, Forestry Commission, JNCC, Marine Management Organisation, Natural England, RPA, etc.</td></tr><tr><td class="confluenceTd">Defra-body Contractor</td><td class="confluenceTd">Organisations that are contracted to one of the above Defra bodies. Contractors will only be able to access restricted data for use in a specific Defra body funded projects, following approval by the Defra project manager.</td></tr><tr><td class="confluenceTd">PSGA Member</td><td class="confluenceTd">Organisations that are members of the Ordnance Survey’s Public Sector Geospatial Agreement (excluding the above Defra bodies). This includes local authorities and government departments. To check if an organisation is eligible, see <a class="external-link" href="https://www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/customers/public-sector/psga-member-finder" rel="nofollow">here</a>.</td></tr><tr><td class="confluenceTd">WFD/CaBA/IDB</td><td class="confluenceTd">Partner organisations that are helping the Defra bodies to deliver the Water Framework Directive or Catchment Based Approach projects, and Internal Drainage Boards. This will include rivers trusts, wildlife trusts, and water companies.</td></tr></tbody></table></div><h2 id="Registering:WhocanregisterontheDefraDataServicesPlatform(DSP)-DefraContractorusers">Defra Contractor users</h2>If you are a contractor then you should only register if you are working directly for one of the Defra bodies.  You will not be able to see or access restricted data without approval from the Defra Project Manager you are working with. If you are contracted to another organisation, such as a local authority, then we will not be able to approve any of your data orders.  The contracting organisation would need to download the data, which they can sublicense to you as their contractor, if the licence conditions provided allow.  Unfortunately, third-party licence conditions prevent us from sharing data directly with someone else’s contractor.

Registering: Who can register on the Defra Data Services Platform (DSP)

Created: 31 October 2023 Updated: 17 November 2023To create an account on the Defra Data Services Platform (DSP) click <a class="external-link" href="https://environment.data.gov.uk/register" rel="nofollow">here</a>. Any content with ‘*’ is mandatory and must be completed to submit a form.Operational area can be selected from the predefined list available to each user group or can be uploaded as a bespoke outline. If the Operational Area needs to be a bespoke polygon, select ‘Other’ in the Operational area selection drop down and add a custom Shapefile. This option is not applicable to the Defra Contractor user type – for these users the operational area is always set to full extent of Great Britain.Before submitting your application, please take time to read the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy information. <h2 id="Registering:HowtocreateanaccountonDefraDataServicesPlatform(DSP)-I’vesubmittedtheform,what’snext?">I’ve submitted the form, what’s next?</h2><h3 id="Registering:HowtocreateanaccountonDefraDataServicesPlatform(DSP)-Confirmyouremailaddress">Confirm your email address</h3>You will receive an email asking you to confirm that the email address you used while registering is correct. You will need to log in to the service to complete this step. <h3 id="Registering:HowtocreateanaccountonDefraDataServicesPlatform(DSP)-DefraStaffandDefraContractorregistrations">Defra Staff and Defra Contractor registrations </h3>Once you confirm your email address, your account is fully set up. You are now provided with appropriate user permissions. You can start using the service immediately. <h3 id="Registering:HowtocreateanaccountonDefraDataServicesPlatform(DSP)-PSGAandWFD/CaBA/IDBusers">PSGA and WFD/CaBA/IDB users</h3>Once you confirm your email address, your registration will be flagged to the System Administrators for approval. While we review your registration, you will be placed in a ‘Awaiting approval’ user group - this will mean that you will be able to log in to the service immediately after confirming your email, but will not yet have access to the restricted data. Once your registration is approved, System Administrator will send you an invitation to the relevant user group. Accepting this invitation will provide you with access to partner data relevant to your user type. If you experience any problem creating or logging into your DSP account please use our Support pages to <a class="external-link" href="https://environment.data.gov.uk/support/problem" rel="nofollow">Report a Problem</a>.

Registering: How to create an account on Defra Data Services Platform (DSP)

Created: 31 October 2023 Updated: 08 May 2024There are two ways to search on the Defra Data Services Platform: <ul><li>Data Search: This searches the records for data on the DSP. </li><li>Full Site Search: This searches across all DSP site content. </li></ul><h2 id="SearchingforDataontheDefraDataServicesPlatform(DSP)-DataSearch">Data Search</h2>The DSP contains records for data held by the Animal and Plant Health Agency, CEFAS, core Defra, the Environment Agency, the Forestry Commission, Marine Management Organisation, Natural England and the Rural Payments Agency*. To search from the <a class="external-link" href="https://environment.data.gov.uk/" rel="nofollow">DSP homepage</a> simply enter a search term in the main Search box and press the Enter key or click on the green magnifying glass icon for a basic search. Alternatively, click on ‘Advanced Search’ to access additional search functionality immediately. *Please note for best results, Defra users should <a class="external-link" href="https://environment.data.gov.uk/register" rel="nofollow">register </a>for an account and log in on the Defra DSP.<img class="confluence-embedded-image confluence-content-image-border image-left" alt="1.JPG" width="622" loading="lazy" src="https://dsp-support.atlassian.net/wiki/download/thumbnails/275809020/1.JPG?version=2&amp;modificationDate=1717428992337&amp;cacheVersion=1&amp;api=v2&amp;width=530&amp;height=487" data-image-src="https://dsp-support.atlassian.net/wiki/download/attachments/275809020/1.JPG?version=2&amp;modificationDate=1717428992337&amp;cacheVersion=1&amp;api=v2" data-height="487" data-width="530" data-unresolved-comment-count="0" data-linked-resource-id="325484545" data-linked-resource-version="2" data-linked-resource-type="attachment" data-linked-resource-default-alias="1.JPG" data-base-url="https://dsp-support.atlassian.net/wiki" data-linked-resource-content-type="image/jpeg" data-linked-resource-container-id="275809020" data-linked-resource-container-version="6" data-media-id="e9237180-93d4-4be9-9dc2-c056cd741753" data-media-type="file" srcset="https://dsp-support.atlassian.net/wiki/download/thumbnails/275809020/1.JPG?version=2&amp;modificationDate=1717428992337&amp;cacheVersion=1&amp;api=v2&amp;width=530&amp;height=487 2x, https://dsp-support.atlassian.net/wiki/download/thumbnails/275809020/1.JPG?version=2&amp;modificationDate=1717428992337&amp;cacheVersion=1&amp;api=v2&amp;width=530&amp;height=487 1x">Once you have submitted a search you will see the results displayed as per the screen shot below: <img class="confluence-embedded-image confluence-content-image-border image-left" alt="image-20240508-135402.png" width="613" loading="lazy" src="https://dsp-support.atlassian.net/wiki/download/thumbnails/275809020/image-20240508-135402.png?version=1&amp;modificationDate=1717428813335&amp;cacheVersion=1&amp;api=v2&amp;width=613&amp;height=714" data-image-src="https://dsp-support.atlassian.net/wiki/download/attachments/275809020/image-20240508-135402.png?version=1&amp;modificationDate=1717428813335&amp;cacheVersion=1&amp;api=v2" data-height="526" data-width="451" data-unresolved-comment-count="0" data-linked-resource-id="325484552" data-linked-resource-version="1" data-linked-resource-type="attachment" data-linked-resource-default-alias="image-20240508-135402.png" data-base-url="https://dsp-support.atlassian.net/wiki" data-linked-resource-content-type="image/png" data-linked-resource-container-id="275809020" data-linked-resource-container-version="6" data-media-id="e458a0a0-4592-4617-af0f-2dc45a9c0d5a" data-media-type="file" srcset="https://dsp-support.atlassian.net/wiki/download/thumbnails/275809020/image-20240508-135402.png?version=1&amp;modificationDate=1717428813335&amp;cacheVersion=1&amp;api=v2&amp;width=940&amp;height=1095 2x, https://dsp-support.atlassian.net/wiki/download/thumbnails/275809020/image-20240508-135402.png?version=1&amp;modificationDate=1717428813335&amp;cacheVersion=1&amp;api=v2&amp;width=613&amp;height=714 1x">You can optionally filter and sort the returned results to help find what you are looking for. The filters are on the left-hand side and currently include: ●     Organisation: The organisation which publishes the dataset, for example:  APHA, Defra, etc.●     Search Type: This allows you to search either ‘All’ which will parse the whole metadata record or ‘Title’ to search solely by dataset title.●     Data Type: This allows you to choose between ‘Spatial’ and ‘Non-spatial’ datasets.●     Service Type: This allows you to filter for datasets which have a specific data service or resource type available e.g. File Download, WMS or REST API.●     Data format: This allows you to filter for datasets which have a resource available in a specific data format e.g. CSV file or Shapefile.●     Licence: This allows you to search for specific wording within the ‘Licence’ section of the metadata. This can be used to search for data available under a specific licence e.g. ‘Open Government Licence’ or for data which has specific attribution or third-party rights e.g. ‘Ordnance Survey’. Once you have written your search term please select it from the dropdown list. ●     Keywords: This allows you to refine your initial search by specifying one or more additional keywords to apply – only matches from the ‘keyword’ section of the metadata record will be returned. Once you have applied your filters you can re-run your search to get the refined results by clicking on ‘Filter results’ or ‘Refresh’. You can also sort your results in various ways and select how many results you would like to see returned on the page. Sorts currently available are:●     Best match (default)●     Title (A-Z)●     Title (Z-A)●     Data Updated (Revision Date)●     Metadata Updated (which indicates when the metadata was last updated). Additionally, an option is provided to ‘Include Retired &amp; Archived Records’. Selecting this option will ensure that datasets that have been Retired (No longer Available) or Archived (No Longer Updated) are also added to your results.You can open a record to find out more information about the dataset by clicking on the record title. You will then be presented with the dataset metadata view: <img class="confluence-embedded-image confluence-content-image-border image-left" alt="image-20240508-135610.png" width="570" loading="lazy" src="https://dsp-support.atlassian.net/wiki/download/thumbnails/275809020/image-20240508-135610.png?version=1&amp;modificationDate=1717428813343&amp;cacheVersion=1&amp;api=v2&amp;width=570&amp;height=659" data-image-src="https://dsp-support.atlassian.net/wiki/download/attachments/275809020/image-20240508-135610.png?version=1&amp;modificationDate=1717428813343&amp;cacheVersion=1&amp;api=v2" data-height="500" data-width="432" data-unresolved-comment-count="0" data-linked-resource-id="325484558" data-linked-resource-version="1" data-linked-resource-type="attachment" data-linked-resource-default-alias="image-20240508-135610.png" data-base-url="https://dsp-support.atlassian.net/wiki" data-linked-resource-content-type="image/png" data-linked-resource-container-id="275809020" data-linked-resource-container-version="6" data-media-id="aa2b412b-ea80-4a8c-9c02-064a56493978" data-media-type="file" srcset="https://dsp-support.atlassian.net/wiki/download/thumbnails/275809020/image-20240508-135610.png?version=1&amp;modificationDate=1717428813343&amp;cacheVersion=1&amp;api=v2&amp;width=901&amp;height=1042 2x, https://dsp-support.atlassian.net/wiki/download/thumbnails/275809020/image-20240508-135610.png?version=1&amp;modificationDate=1717428813343&amp;cacheVersion=1&amp;api=v2&amp;width=570&amp;height=659 1x">Note that this screen also suggests ‘Related datasets’ to the dataset which you are currently viewing.To understand the information shown against datasets on the DSP please see our <a class="external-link" href="https://environment.data.gov.uk/support/faqs/275808874/275809095" rel="nofollow">dataset metadata guidance</a>.<h2 id="SearchingforDataontheDefraDataServicesPlatform(DSP)-FullSiteSearch">Full Site Search</h2>To search across all site content on the Defra Data Services Platform click on the magnifying glass icon at the right-hand end of the top page banner. <img class="confluence-embedded-image confluence-content-image-border image-left" alt="image-20240508-135729.png" width="552" loading="lazy" src="https://dsp-support.atlassian.net/wiki/download/thumbnails/275809020/image-20240508-135729.png?version=1&amp;modificationDate=1717428813352&amp;cacheVersion=1&amp;api=v2&amp;width=552&amp;height=449" data-image-src="https://dsp-support.atlassian.net/wiki/download/attachments/275809020/image-20240508-135729.png?version=1&amp;modificationDate=1717428813352&amp;cacheVersion=1&amp;api=v2" data-height="368" data-width="451" data-unresolved-comment-count="0" data-linked-resource-id="325484564" data-linked-resource-version="1" data-linked-resource-type="attachment" data-linked-resource-default-alias="image-20240508-135729.png" data-base-url="https://dsp-support.atlassian.net/wiki" data-linked-resource-content-type="image/png" data-linked-resource-container-id="275809020" data-linked-resource-container-version="6" data-media-id="2a954f24-9874-4aa3-a3b9-1632d7fad108" data-media-type="file" srcset="https://dsp-support.atlassian.net/wiki/download/thumbnails/275809020/image-20240508-135729.png?version=1&amp;modificationDate=1717428813352&amp;cacheVersion=1&amp;api=v2&amp;width=940&amp;height=766 2x, https://dsp-support.atlassian.net/wiki/download/thumbnails/275809020/image-20240508-135729.png?version=1&amp;modificationDate=1717428813352&amp;cacheVersion=1&amp;api=v2&amp;width=552&amp;height=449 1x">The full site search allows you to search all types of content on the Defra Data Services Platform site including Announcements, FAQs, Datasets, Apps and APIs. Your search results can be filtered by content type: <img class="confluence-embedded-image confluence-content-image-border image-left" alt="image-20240508-135746.png" width="564" loading="lazy" src="https://dsp-support.atlassian.net/wiki/download/thumbnails/275809020/image-20240508-135746.png?version=1&amp;modificationDate=1717428813361&amp;cacheVersion=1&amp;api=v2&amp;width=564&amp;height=519" data-image-src="https://dsp-support.atlassian.net/wiki/download/attachments/275809020/image-20240508-135746.png?version=1&amp;modificationDate=1717428813361&amp;cacheVersion=1&amp;api=v2" data-height="416" data-width="451" data-unresolved-comment-count="0" data-linked-resource-id="325484570" data-linked-resource-version="1" data-linked-resource-type="attachment" data-linked-resource-default-alias="image-20240508-135746.png" data-base-url="https://dsp-support.atlassian.net/wiki" data-linked-resource-content-type="image/png" data-linked-resource-container-id="275809020" data-linked-resource-container-version="6" data-media-id="43aeffba-d4a3-4ba9-adb4-4448cd36f559" data-media-type="file" srcset="https://dsp-support.atlassian.net/wiki/download/thumbnails/275809020/image-20240508-135746.png?version=1&amp;modificationDate=1717428813361&amp;cacheVersion=1&amp;api=v2&amp;width=940&amp;height=866 2x, https://dsp-support.atlassian.net/wiki/download/thumbnails/275809020/image-20240508-135746.png?version=1&amp;modificationDate=1717428813361&amp;cacheVersion=1&amp;api=v2&amp;width=564&amp;height=519 1x">

Searching for Data on the Defra Data Services Platform (DSP)

Created: 30 January 2024Searches on the Defra Data Services Platform (DSP) take more time to return results if they match a large number of records. For example, searching for a broad term like ‘Environment’ can take a long time to run as we have many records that mention ‘Environment’ or that include ‘Environment’ as a category or theme.A more narrow or refined search term will return a smaller number of records and so will display the results more quickly.

Searching: Why is my search taking a long time to return results?

Created: 31 October 2023 Updated: 17 November 2023Every dataset published on the DSP is provided to our users with accompanying metadata record. Metadata means information about data. It’s a set of attributes that describe data, help users understand what data is about, how it should be used and whether there are any limitations to what it can be used for. The purpose of metadata is to to help you better understand the dataset and its uses. DSP metadata is provided as the following attributes:<div class="table-wrap"><table data-table-width="760" data-layout="default" data-local-id="01e7586e-4932-4633-b05f-a48723d78396" class="confluenceTable"><colgroup><col style="width: 219.0px;"/><col style="width: 539.0px;"/></colgroup><tbody><tr><td class="confluenceTd">Summary</td><td class="confluenceTd">Description of the data including any information that has be excluded and any known data quality issues.</td></tr><tr><td class="confluenceTd">Categories</td><td class="confluenceTd">These are used as a way of classifying a dataset and making it easier to find. </td></tr><tr><td class="confluenceTd">Keywords</td><td class="confluenceTd">These descriptive words are used to used make the dataset easier to find.</td></tr><tr><td class="confluenceTd">Use Limitation Statement</td><td class="confluenceTd">Statement outlining any use limitations relevant for the specific data.</td></tr><tr><td class="confluenceTd">Licence</td><td class="confluenceTd">Name of the relevant data licence, usually represented as a link to detailed description of the licence used. The provided link allows access to an online version of the data sharing licence (where applicable).</td></tr><tr><td class="confluenceTd">Attribution Statement</td><td class="confluenceTd">Any copyright or third-party attribution statements for the data.</td></tr><tr><td class="confluenceTd">Use Constraints</td><td class="confluenceTd">Use constraints field outlines any specific conditions applying to the access and reuse of data where appropriate. </td></tr><tr><td class="confluenceTd">Technical Information</td><td class="confluenceTd">Update frequency: indication how often the dataset is updated.Lineage: how the dataset was created and any third party data referenced/used.</td></tr><tr><td class="confluenceTd">Spatial Information</td><td class="confluenceTd">Coordinate reference system; spatial reference system used, where applicable.Geographic extent of the data.</td></tr><tr><td class="confluenceTd">Metadata Information</td><td class="confluenceTd">Language of the metadata Metadata identifier</td></tr><tr><td class="confluenceTd">Data and Supporting Information</td><td class="confluenceTd">Data services and download by area of interestThis section displays links to the Download by area of interest functionality and to the data services available for the specific dataset (e.g. WMS (Web Map Service) or WFS (Web Feature Service)). Using the ‘Copy link’ will copy the underlying WMS or WFS link which can then be used within a relevant GIS application/software (e.g. ArcMap or QGIS). Please note: WMS/WFS links will not work if opened directly in a web browser (they will display an error in the browser).  Full downloads and supporting documentationFor majority of datasets, this section will provide access to full extent downloads of the selected dataset. This is also where users can access any supporting information relevant to the published dataset, etc. </td></tr><tr><td class="confluenceTd">Published by</td><td class="confluenceTd">Published by section outlines which organisation is responsible for the given dataset. It also provides relevant contact details which can be used to enquire further about the dataset. </td></tr><tr><td class="confluenceTd">Dataset References</td><td class="confluenceTd">Creation Date: The date when the data was first created. Publication Date: The date the dataset was published for the first time.Revision Date: The date the data was most recently updated. Period The beginning and end date which the data is relevant for. </td></tr></tbody></table></div>

Metadata: Understanding information provided with each Defra Data Services Platform (DSP) dataset

Created: 23 September 2020 Updated: 01 April 2021<h2 id="Metadata:UnderstandingthemetadatadatesdisplayedfordatasetsontheDefraDataServicesPlatform(DSP)andData.Gov.Uk-DataServicesPlatform:">Data Services Platform:</h2><h3 id="Metadata:UnderstandingthemetadatadatesdisplayedfordatasetsontheDefraDataServicesPlatform(DSP)andData.Gov.Uk-MetadatarecordexplanationontheDSP:">Metadata record explanation on the DSP:</h3>Creation Date: This represents the date the dataset was first created. The dataset may contain data collected/created prior to this date but the creation date represents the date the dataset was first created as a product.Revision Date: This date represents the date the data was last updated. However, it should be noted that this value is updated manually in the metadata record for the dataset so may not always be 100% reliable, particularly for datasets which are updated frequently (see Update Frequency).Publication Date: This represents the date the dataset was first published by the publishing organisation.Update Frequency: This indicates how often the data is updated. For datasets which are updated regularly e.g. daily, continually, weekly, fortnightly or monthly this may be a better indicator of the currency of a dataset than the Revision Date. Update Frequency is a mandatory data field so will always have a value that indicates how often the data is updated.Please Note: Creation, Revision and Publication dates are all optional (as opposed to mandatory) data fields and are currently updated manually in all instances. As such there may be inaccuracies in the date displayed. We are working to improve the accuracy of the dates displayed against our datasets.Last Updated date on <a class="external-link" data-card-appearance="inline" href="http://data.gov.uk" rel="nofollow">http://data.gov.uk</a>:This site displays an additional “Last Updated” date. The date shown indicates when the contents of the metadata record displayed on <a class="external-link" data-card-appearance="inline" href="http://data.gov.uk" rel="nofollow">http://data.gov.uk</a> was last updated. The “Last Updated” date does not describe the currency of the data, only its metadata. For example, if <a class="external-link" data-card-appearance="inline" href="http://data.gov.uk" rel="nofollow">http://data.gov.uk</a> picks up a change in the metadata record provided by a publisher (e.g. a change in the summary, or licensing information), the “Last Updated” date is updated, even if the underlying dataset which is accessed from the record has not changed. This issue has been raised with <a class="external-link" data-card-appearance="inline" href="http://data.gov.uk" rel="nofollow">http://data.gov.uk</a> and will be addressed in future releases.<a class="external-link" data-card-appearance="inline" href="http://Data.gov.uk" rel="nofollow">http://Data.gov.uk</a> displays the dates shown above (Creation, Revision, Publication) and the Update Frequency, in the “View additional metadata” section.Revision Date is a more reliable indicator of the latest update date for a dataset than the “Last Updated” date shown on <a class="external-link" data-card-appearance="inline" href="http://data.gov.uk" rel="nofollow">http://data.gov.uk</a>.

Metadata: Understanding the metadata dates displayed for datasets on the Defra Data Services Platform (DSP) and Data.Gov.Uk

Created: 8 September 2025The Defra Data Services Platform (DSP) offers access to 1000s of datasets. The majority of this data can be downloaded directly through the DSP Data Catalogue browser. However, some spatial datasets may need to be requested, due to their size and complexity.Once you find the dataset you are looking for, scroll down to the ‘Data and Supporting Information' section of the dataset page.Where possible, a cached copy of the full dataset will be provided in a variety of formats under the ‘Full downloads and supporting documentation’ sub-heading.If you prefer to download data for an area of interest, click the link for ‘Download data by area of interest and format’. This will open the map preview page.Preview the dataTo preview the data, you can click the layers icon  <img class="confluence-embedded-image confluence-content-image-inline" alt="image-20250908-171504.png" loading="lazy" src="https://dsp-support.atlassian.net/wiki/download/attachments/275809165/image-20250908-171504.png?version=1&amp;modificationDate=1757351706398&amp;cacheVersion=1&amp;api=v2" data-image-src="https://dsp-support.atlassian.net/wiki/download/attachments/275809165/image-20250908-171504.png?version=1&amp;modificationDate=1757351706398&amp;cacheVersion=1&amp;api=v2" data-height="13" data-width="34" data-unresolved-comment-count="0" data-linked-resource-id="996638729" data-linked-resource-version="1" data-linked-resource-type="attachment" data-linked-resource-default-alias="image-20250908-171504.png" data-base-url="https://dsp-support.atlassian.net/wiki" data-linked-resource-content-type="image/png" data-linked-resource-container-id="275809165" data-linked-resource-container-version="24" data-media-id="a27ea48b-cec1-4f3a-bd0a-23104308f1f9" data-media-type="file"> and toggle the layer(s) on. NB You may need to zoom in, if the data does not initially display. You can search for a location by postcode, town or latitude and longitude. Latitude and longitude can be entered in: decimal degrees (e.g. 51.507858, -0.087702), or degrees minutes seconds (e.g. 51° 30′ 28.40″ N, 0° 5′ 16.21″ W)Download boxClick <img class="confluence-embedded-image confluence-content-image-inline" alt="image-20250908-171707.png" loading="lazy" src="https://dsp-support.atlassian.net/wiki/download/attachments/275809165/image-20250908-171707.png?version=1&amp;modificationDate=1757351828926&amp;cacheVersion=1&amp;api=v2" data-image-src="https://dsp-support.atlassian.net/wiki/download/attachments/275809165/image-20250908-171707.png?version=1&amp;modificationDate=1757351828926&amp;cacheVersion=1&amp;api=v2" data-height="13" data-width="48" data-unresolved-comment-count="0" data-linked-resource-id="996671492" data-linked-resource-version="1" data-linked-resource-type="attachment" data-linked-resource-default-alias="image-20250908-171707.png" data-base-url="https://dsp-support.atlassian.net/wiki" data-linked-resource-content-type="image/png" data-linked-resource-container-id="275809165" data-linked-resource-container-version="24" data-media-id="ca098c2a-373a-4ded-bc6c-78b34959efa0" data-media-type="file"> to take you back to the download box.Change the ‘Area of interest’ to ‘Selected area (draw a polygon)’ and draw your area of interest using the Draw polygon tool.<img class="confluence-embedded-image image-left" alt="image-20250909-080551.png" width="244" loading="lazy" src="https://dsp-support.atlassian.net/wiki/download/thumbnails/275809165/image-20250909-080551.png?version=1&amp;modificationDate=1757405153320&amp;cacheVersion=1&amp;api=v2&amp;width=244&amp;height=265" data-image-src="https://dsp-support.atlassian.net/wiki/download/attachments/275809165/image-20250909-080551.png?version=1&amp;modificationDate=1757405153320&amp;cacheVersion=1&amp;api=v2" data-height="266" data-width="244" data-unresolved-comment-count="0" data-linked-resource-id="997916673" data-linked-resource-version="1" data-linked-resource-type="attachment" data-linked-resource-default-alias="image-20250909-080551.png" data-base-url="https://dsp-support.atlassian.net/wiki" data-linked-resource-content-type="image/png" data-linked-resource-container-id="275809165" data-linked-resource-container-version="24" data-media-id="76917e49-4030-430c-916e-2ed7fda9d3e0" data-media-type="file" srcset="https://dsp-support.atlassian.net/wiki/download/thumbnails/275809165/image-20250909-080551.png?version=1&amp;modificationDate=1757405153320&amp;cacheVersion=1&amp;api=v2&amp;width=488&amp;height=530 2x, https://dsp-support.atlassian.net/wiki/download/thumbnails/275809165/image-20250909-080551.png?version=1&amp;modificationDate=1757405153320&amp;cacheVersion=1&amp;api=v2&amp;width=244&amp;height=265 1x">Alternatively, you can select the ‘Upload Shapefile’ option to define your area of interest. NB This must have under 1,000 verticesSelect the layers you want to download and the file format, then click the ‘Download file button’.If the system detects you are requesting an area of data that is too large to be delivered via the interface, you will be prompted to either select a smaller area, or your change your area of interest back to ‘Full dataset’ and try again. Depending on the format you have selected, you may be able to download a cached copy of the data.<img class="confluence-embedded-image image-left" alt="image-20250909-081515.png" width="229" loading="lazy" src="https://dsp-support.atlassian.net/wiki/download/thumbnails/275809165/image-20250909-081515.png?version=1&amp;modificationDate=1757405717860&amp;cacheVersion=1&amp;api=v2&amp;width=229&amp;height=421" data-image-src="https://dsp-support.atlassian.net/wiki/download/attachments/275809165/image-20250909-081515.png?version=1&amp;modificationDate=1757405717860&amp;cacheVersion=1&amp;api=v2" data-height="421" data-width="229" data-unresolved-comment-count="0" data-linked-resource-id="997457929" data-linked-resource-version="1" data-linked-resource-type="attachment" data-linked-resource-default-alias="image-20250909-081515.png" data-base-url="https://dsp-support.atlassian.net/wiki" data-linked-resource-content-type="image/png" data-linked-resource-container-id="275809165" data-linked-resource-container-version="24" data-media-id="3b0f4b37-4041-4258-9b55-a1b13d2ce81d" data-media-type="file" srcset="https://dsp-support.atlassian.net/wiki/download/thumbnails/275809165/image-20250909-081515.png?version=1&amp;modificationDate=1757405717860&amp;cacheVersion=1&amp;api=v2&amp;width=458&amp;height=842 2x, https://dsp-support.atlassian.net/wiki/download/thumbnails/275809165/image-20250909-081515.png?version=1&amp;modificationDate=1757405717860&amp;cacheVersion=1&amp;api=v2&amp;width=229&amp;height=421 1x"><h4 id="DownloadingSpatial(Vector)Datasets-RaisingaSupportticket">Raising a Support ticket</h4>If the area of data you have selected is too big to be delivered via the interface, or the data cannot be downloaded from a cached copy, you will be prompted to raise a Support Ticket via the DSP’s Service Desk.  To submit your request, first download your order details by clicking the ‘Download order details’ button in Step 1. The resulting file will contain the information needed to fulfil your request, such as the area you have selected and format.Next, click the option to raise a Support Ticket and complete the form to request the data. Attach the zip file you have downloaded (with your order information) to the form.After submitting your support ticketAfter submitting your request, you will receive an automated email response from the DSP’s Service Desk. This will provide your ticket number (in the Subject) and a copy of the request description for reference. The Service Desk team will correspond with you via email if any additional information is needed.When your request has been processed, you will be provided with a secure download link to access your data. This download link will be valid for 30 days. After confirming you have successfully downloaded the data, your ticket will be set to Resolved.

Downloading Spatial (Vector) Datasets

Created: 31 October 2023 The Defra Survey Data Download allows the download of pre-defined zip files containing titles of data for the various Survey datasets from different years and resolutions. It can be accessed through the <a class="external-link" href="https://environment.data.gov.uk/DefraDataDownload/?Mode=survey" rel="nofollow">Survey</a> tab on the <a class="external-link" href="https://environment.data.gov.uk/" rel="nofollow">DSP Homepage</a>. A list of Operational layers is displayed. The layers can be togged on and off to see what is available in an area of interest. The layers do not need to be selected to be downloadable. <img class="confluence-embedded-image confluence-content-image-border image-left" width="340" loading="lazy" src="https://dsp-support.atlassian.net/wiki/download/thumbnails/275809211/image-20231004-130830.png?version=1&amp;modificationDate=1714751408546&amp;cacheVersion=1&amp;api=v2&amp;width=340&amp;height=403" data-image-src="https://dsp-support.atlassian.net/wiki/download/attachments/275809211/image-20231004-130830.png?version=1&amp;modificationDate=1714751408546&amp;cacheVersion=1&amp;api=v2" data-height="513" data-width="432" data-unresolved-comment-count="0" data-linked-resource-id="275809256" data-linked-resource-version="1" data-linked-resource-type="attachment" data-linked-resource-default-alias="image-20231004-130830.png" data-base-url="https://dsp-support.atlassian.net/wiki" data-linked-resource-content-type="image/png" data-linked-resource-container-id="275809211" data-linked-resource-container-version="3" data-media-id="1da9d517-6ace-4bf7-8cda-7e3bd01eb41b" data-media-type="file" srcset="https://dsp-support.atlassian.net/wiki/download/thumbnails/275809211/image-20231004-130830.png?version=1&amp;modificationDate=1714751408546&amp;cacheVersion=1&amp;api=v2&amp;width=432&amp;height=513 2x, https://dsp-support.atlassian.net/wiki/download/thumbnails/275809211/image-20231004-130830.png?version=1&amp;modificationDate=1714751408546&amp;cacheVersion=1&amp;api=v2&amp;width=340&amp;height=403 1x"><h3 id="DownloadingSurveyData-Downloadingdata">Downloading data </h3>There is the option to either draw a polygon or upload a shapefile of an area of interest using the download tab. A registered user of the DSP will have a predefine area of interest displayed. By clicking ‘Get available tiles’ a list of tiles will appear that are available for download. <img class="confluence-embedded-image confluence-content-image-border image-wrap-left" width="340" loading="lazy" src="https://dsp-support.atlassian.net/wiki/download/thumbnails/275809211/image-20231004-130855.png?version=1&amp;modificationDate=1714751408284&amp;cacheVersion=1&amp;api=v2&amp;width=340&amp;height=307" data-image-src="https://dsp-support.atlassian.net/wiki/download/attachments/275809211/image-20231004-130855.png?version=1&amp;modificationDate=1714751408284&amp;cacheVersion=1&amp;api=v2" data-height="374" data-width="414" data-unresolved-comment-count="0" data-linked-resource-id="275809253" data-linked-resource-version="1" data-linked-resource-type="attachment" data-linked-resource-default-alias="image-20231004-130855.png" data-base-url="https://dsp-support.atlassian.net/wiki" data-linked-resource-content-type="image/png" data-linked-resource-container-id="275809211" data-linked-resource-container-version="3" data-media-id="6879d3f8-7edd-4b3b-a853-3eb2a90be683" data-media-type="file" srcset="https://dsp-support.atlassian.net/wiki/download/thumbnails/275809211/image-20231004-130855.png?version=1&amp;modificationDate=1714751408284&amp;cacheVersion=1&amp;api=v2&amp;width=414&amp;height=374 2x, https://dsp-support.atlassian.net/wiki/download/thumbnails/275809211/image-20231004-130855.png?version=1&amp;modificationDate=1714751408284&amp;cacheVersion=1&amp;api=v2&amp;width=340&amp;height=307 1x"><img class="confluence-embedded-image confluence-content-image-border image-wrap-left" width="340" loading="lazy" src="https://dsp-support.atlassian.net/wiki/download/thumbnails/275809211/image-20231004-134402.png?version=1&amp;modificationDate=1714751407986&amp;cacheVersion=1&amp;api=v2&amp;width=340&amp;height=439" data-image-src="https://dsp-support.atlassian.net/wiki/download/attachments/275809211/image-20231004-134402.png?version=1&amp;modificationDate=1714751407986&amp;cacheVersion=1&amp;api=v2" data-height="531" data-width="411" data-unresolved-comment-count="0" data-linked-resource-id="275809250" data-linked-resource-version="1" data-linked-resource-type="attachment" data-linked-resource-default-alias="image-20231004-134402.png" data-base-url="https://dsp-support.atlassian.net/wiki" data-linked-resource-content-type="image/png" data-linked-resource-container-id="275809211" data-linked-resource-container-version="3" data-media-id="22057020-79ea-4f8b-b95e-3194171f2ba3" data-media-type="file" srcset="https://dsp-support.atlassian.net/wiki/download/thumbnails/275809211/image-20231004-134402.png?version=1&amp;modificationDate=1714751407986&amp;cacheVersion=1&amp;api=v2&amp;width=411&amp;height=531 2x, https://dsp-support.atlassian.net/wiki/download/thumbnails/275809211/image-20231004-134402.png?version=1&amp;modificationDate=1714751407986&amp;cacheVersion=1&amp;api=v2&amp;width=340&amp;height=439 1x">The tiles available for download are organised based upon product, year and resolution in three lists.  There may be a delay of up to a couple of minutes while the data is prepared before the download starts. If the area you've selected is too large, you may need to submit a <a class="external-link" href="https://environment.data.gov.uk/support/datadownload" rel="nofollow">Large Data Request</a>.For more information about the Survey data provided, see the <a class="external-link" href="https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/753ad2ebd3554fa696885b8c366c3049" rel="nofollow">Geometrics Story Map</a>. <h3 id="DownloadingSurveyData-DataFormatsavailable">Data Formats available </h3>All LIDAR data is available in GeoTiff format. The tile size is dependent on the source resolution. The National LIDAR Programme and LIDAR Composite data is available in GeoTiff format, supplied in 5km tiles. All LIDAR Point Cloud data is available in .laz format, which is the compressed form of .las files.<h3 id="DownloadingSurveyData-Important:Pop-upsmustbeenabled">Important: Pop-ups must be enabled</h3>Please note that pop-ups must be enabled on your browser for the Download All function to work. If pop-ups are blocked, then only the data for first tile in the list will download.<h4 id="DownloadingSurveyData-TodothisintheMicrosoftEdgebrowser:">To do this in the Microsoft Edge browser:</h4><ol start="1"><li>Open the Settings and More menu (3 dots icon in the top right corner of the browser, or Alt-F) and click on Settings.</li><li>Select Cookies and site permissions.</li><li>Select Pop-ups and redirects.</li><li>Add <a class="external-link" href="https://environment.data.gov.uk/" rel="nofollow">Defra Data Services Platform</a> into the Allow section (or you can just turn off the Block switch, although this will affect all websites that you visit).</li></ol><h4 id="DownloadingSurveyData-IntheGoogleChromebrowser:">In the Google Chrome browser:</h4><ol start="1"><li>Open the Customise and Control menu (3 dots icon in the top right corner of the browser, or Alt-F) and click on Settings.</li><li>Select Security and privacy.</li><li>Select Site settings.</li><li>Select Pop-ups and redirects.</li><li>Add <a class="external-link" href="https://environment.data.gov.uk/" rel="nofollow">Defra Data Services Platform</a> into the &quot;Allowed to send pop-ups&quot; section (or you can turn on the &quot;Sites can send pop-ups&quot; option, although this will affect all websites that you visit).</li></ol>Other browsers will have similar settings.

Downloading Survey Data

Created: 31 October 2023 Updated: 24 June 2025If you have registered as a Defra-body Contractor, then all your download requests for restricted data will first need to be approved by the Project Manager of the Defra funded project you are working on.When you make a download request (for a restricted dataset), you will be asked to enter the name of the Defra-body funded project you are working on, the name of the Defra Project Manager who will approve your request and your Defra Project Manager’s email address. An automatic approval request will be sent to your Defra Project Manager for review and you will be notified of the outcome via email. It is your responsibility to make sure these details are valid, otherwise your request may not get approved.<img class="confluence-embedded-image image-left" alt="image-20250624-155013.png" width="134" loading="lazy" src="https://dsp-support.atlassian.net/wiki/download/thumbnails/275809270/image-20250624-155013.png?version=1&amp;modificationDate=1750780215542&amp;cacheVersion=1&amp;api=v2&amp;width=134&amp;height=223" data-image-src="https://dsp-support.atlassian.net/wiki/download/attachments/275809270/image-20250624-155013.png?version=1&amp;modificationDate=1750780215542&amp;cacheVersion=1&amp;api=v2" data-height="225" data-width="134" data-unresolved-comment-count="0" data-linked-resource-id="914194439" data-linked-resource-version="1" data-linked-resource-type="attachment" data-linked-resource-default-alias="image-20250624-155013.png" data-base-url="https://dsp-support.atlassian.net/wiki" data-linked-resource-content-type="image/png" data-linked-resource-container-id="275809270" data-linked-resource-container-version="10" data-media-id="a00a8f11-1696-4a8d-86b3-d81716cae168" data-media-type="file" srcset="https://dsp-support.atlassian.net/wiki/download/thumbnails/275809270/image-20250624-155013.png?version=1&amp;modificationDate=1750780215542&amp;cacheVersion=1&amp;api=v2&amp;width=268&amp;height=446 2x, https://dsp-support.atlassian.net/wiki/download/thumbnails/275809270/image-20250624-155013.png?version=1&amp;modificationDate=1750780215542&amp;cacheVersion=1&amp;api=v2&amp;width=134&amp;height=223 1x"><h4 id="DownloadingDataasaContractor-DetailsforNaturalEnglandContractors">Details for Natural England Contractors</h4>If you are a Defra-body Contractor downloading data for a Natural England project, please enter the following information in the download request box:<ul><li>Project Name or ID = Natural England Job reference no. e.g. NE190122-1347-255</li><li>Project Manager Name = Name of Data Services team adviser assigned to your request</li><li>Project Manager Email = <a class="external-link" href="mailto:Data.Services@naturalengland.org.uk" rel="nofollow">Data.Services@naturalengland.org.uk</a></li></ul><h4 id="DownloadingDataasaContractor-Approvingdownloadrequests">Approving download requests</h4>You will be notified by email if your restricted data download request has been approved or rejected. If approved, you will be notified and prompted to download your data.The Project Manager may reject your order if they do not think you need the data to carry out the contracted work, for example if you have ordered an irrelevant dataset, or data for too large a geographical area. If you disagree, you must discuss this with your project manager.An order may also be rejected if you have named the wrong person as the project manager. If you provide the details of the project manager from your own organisation and not that of the Defra Project Manager, your order will not be progressed. In this case, you will receive an email informing you that the download request was rejected.<h4 id="DownloadingDataasaContractor-Managing,trackingandcancellingContractordataorders">Managing, tracking and cancelling Contractor data orders</h4>As a Defra Contractor, you can manage your restricted data orders, review their status and access the data you have requested using the Orders tab. This tab will only be available if you are logged into the service as a Contractor. You can also cancel orders using this functionality.<img class="confluence-embedded-image image-left" alt="image-20250624-155312.png" width="301" loading="lazy" src="https://dsp-support.atlassian.net/wiki/download/thumbnails/275809270/image-20250624-155312.png?version=1&amp;modificationDate=1750780394830&amp;cacheVersion=1&amp;api=v2&amp;width=301&amp;height=158" data-image-src="https://dsp-support.atlassian.net/wiki/download/attachments/275809270/image-20250624-155312.png?version=1&amp;modificationDate=1750780394830&amp;cacheVersion=1&amp;api=v2" data-height="159" data-width="301" data-unresolved-comment-count="0" data-linked-resource-id="913833994" data-linked-resource-version="1" data-linked-resource-type="attachment" data-linked-resource-default-alias="image-20250624-155312.png" data-base-url="https://dsp-support.atlassian.net/wiki" data-linked-resource-content-type="image/png" data-linked-resource-container-id="275809270" data-linked-resource-container-version="10" data-media-id="4c54d73a-e68e-4145-b1cc-a71227f014fa" data-media-type="file" srcset="https://dsp-support.atlassian.net/wiki/download/thumbnails/275809270/image-20250624-155312.png?version=1&amp;modificationDate=1750780394830&amp;cacheVersion=1&amp;api=v2&amp;width=602&amp;height=316 2x, https://dsp-support.atlassian.net/wiki/download/thumbnails/275809270/image-20250624-155312.png?version=1&amp;modificationDate=1750780394830&amp;cacheVersion=1&amp;api=v2&amp;width=301&amp;height=158 1x">The Orders tab provides a list of all orders you have made to date. For each request, the reference ID, dataset name and current status are shown. The download link will be available for 30 days.NB. If your requested download is too large to handle via the Data Services Platform interface, a pop up window will prompt you to <a class="external-link" href="https://environment.data.gov.uk/support/datadownload" rel="nofollow">Request a Large Dataset</a> via our Service Desk. Please note that you will need your Order ID to complete the download request ticket.

Downloading Data as a Contractor

Created: 23 May 2024The DSP has always taken a standards-based approach to sharing spatial data to ensure Open Data can be used by as wide an audience as possible. When the platform was established, an assessment was made of available standards and the decision was taken to adopt the Open Geospatial Consortium Standards as they are widely supported by both Free and Open-Source Software and Proprietary GIS software packages. Initially, two standards were identified for use on the DSP, Web Feature Service (WFS) and Web Map Service (WMS). These standards were identified and adopted to meet the needs of the Open Data community at the time, with most users accessing the data through desktop GIS or Web Mapping applications. Since the Platform was established, technology has evolved and the way that applications and users want to access and use data is changing and will continue to change. These changes are reflected in the standards being developed by the OGC, in keeping with the DSP mission to make Open Data as widely available for re-use as possible, the decision has been taken to adopt the newer OGC API and Web Map Tile Service (WMTS) standards, alongside the existing WFS and WMS services and the recently implemented Web Coverage Services (WCS). OGC <a class="external-link" href="https://www.geopackage.org/" rel="nofollow">GeoPackages</a> are now also available for <a class="external-link" href="https://environment-test.data.gov.uk/support/datadownload" rel="nofollow">request Large Data Download</a> and shall be further implemented across the DSP. GeoPackage is the latest development in open, geospatial formats and better support transfer of data for download.  This approach will support changing working practices and keeps the DSP aligned with other data providers. More information on the OGC can be found here; <a class="external-link" href="https://www.ogc.org/" rel="nofollow">Home - Open Geospatial Consortium (ogc.org)</a><h2 id="WebServices:OpenGeospatialConsortium(OGC)standards-IalreadyuseyourexistingWebServices;doIneedtodoanythingdifferent?">I already use your existing Web Services; do I need to do anything different?</h2>No, where OGC Web Services are currently available they will continue to be available.<h2 id="WebServices:OpenGeospatialConsortium(OGC)standards-I’mconfused,whichstandardshouldIuse?">I’m confused, which standard should I use?</h2>Below is some guidance to help you decide which standard is the right one for you to use, we would always recommend consulting the documentation for the software that you are using to access the data on the DSP in a way to best meet your needs.<h3 id="WebServices:OpenGeospatialConsortium(OGC)standards-WMS">WMS</h3>If you are uncertain where to start, selecting a WMS is a good option, especially if your main requirement is to view data, which can be done instantly using the Preview option on the DSP.  If you are creating a map or web map, a WMS will allow you to view data that has already been styled and can be added directly into your map/web map without requiring further configuration.  This option should be the easiest to use and requires the least configuration.<h3 id="WebServices:OpenGeospatialConsortium(OGC)standards-WMTS">WMTS</h3>The DSP has initially implemented WMTS where WMS exist for large Survey datasets. Further WMTS services are scheduled to be introduced where relevant for data currently served as a WMS. WMTS should be used where short response times are and if you want to make use of a pre-rendered map tiles or images and can be used in the same way as WMS.<h3 id="WebServices:OpenGeospatialConsortium(OGC)standards-WFS">WFS</h3>If you want to interact with the data from the DSP in your GIS or Web Application, for example, query the data or use data to create spatial queries (for example, where is my nearest SSSI?), then we would suggest using the WFS option.Most software will allow you to add a WFS using a URL, allowing you to immediately view and use the data, but it should be noted that there are a range of configuration options that can applied to a WFS and these should be considered as they can improve the performance of applications using WFS and therefore improve the end user’s experience. How these options are applied, will depend on the software that you are using to access the WFS, but we would suggest using bounding boxes and filters to make a targeted set of data available, as this will improve performance (speed).Guidance is available at: <a class="external-link" href="https://environment-test.data.gov.uk/support/faqs/275808874/275809682" rel="nofollow">How Do I Use WFS Layers?</a><h3 id="WebServices:OpenGeospatialConsortium(OGC)standards-WCS">WCS</h3>Web Coverage Service (WCS) defines an interface allowing a client to retrieve unrendered geospatial ‘coverages’. A coverage contains digital geospatial information that are returned as grid values (e.g. as a GeoTIFF file). A WCS provides geospatial information in forms that are useful as multi-valued coverages, for client-side rendering. As with WMS and WFS service instances, a WCS allows clients to choose portions of a server's information holdings based on spatial constraints and other <a class="external-link" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Query_string" rel="nofollow">query</a> criteria. Unlike WMS (which portrays spatial data to return static maps, rendered as pictures by the server), the Web Coverage Service:<ul><li>Provides data together with their detailed descriptions;</li><li>Defines a rich syntax for requests against these data; and</li><li>Returns data with its original semantics (instead of pictures) which may be interpreted, extrapolated, etc., and not just portrayed.</li></ul>Unlike the WFS (which returns discrete geospatial features), the Web Coverage Service returns coverages representing space-varying phenomena that relate a spatial-temporal domain to a range of properties (possibly multi-dimensional).Guidance is available at: <a class="external-link" href="https://environment.data.gov.uk/support/announcements/275811447/275811543" rel="nofollow">How can I use WCS Elevation Services?</a><h3 id="WebServices:OpenGeospatialConsortium(OGC)standards-OGCAPI">OGC API</h3>This was developed by the OGC as a progression from the WFS standard and can be used like a WFS, but also lends itself to being used for the development of applications. The move to an API based approach gives more flexibility around how data can be used and accessed and is consistent with non-spatial data approaches. If you are building a Web Mapping Application, including the display of data from the DSP, a WFS may still meet your needs, but you may want to consider trying both.As with WMS and WFS most GIS applications now support the use of OGC API’s directly, including Esri products. As with the WFS, to get the best performance, we recommend using parameters to refine the data being returned from the DSP.OGC API Features are available now, for all existing WFS services using the standard, DSP naming convention applying the suffix of ‘/ogc/features/v1’. For example, users can use the equivalent OGC API service by updating the service url:The Historic Flood Map WFS is published as: <a class="external-link" href="https://environment.data.gov.uk/spatialdata/historic-flood-map/wfs" rel="nofollow">https://environment.data.gov.uk/spatialdata/historic-flood-map/wfs</a>The equivalent OGC API is published as: <a class="external-link" href="https://environment.data.gov.uk/spatialdata/historic-flood-map/ogc/features/v1" rel="nofollow">https://environment.data.gov.uk/spatialdata/historic-flood-map/ogc/features/v1</a>Further background and guidance available here: <a class="confluence-embedded-file" href="/wiki/download/attachments/310444036/OGC-API-Features.pptx?version=1&amp;modificationDate=1720103968930&amp;cacheVersion=1&amp;api=v2" data-nice-type="Microsoft PowerPoint Presentation" data-file-src="/wiki/download/attachments/310444036/OGC-API-Features.pptx?version=1&amp;modificationDate=1720103968930&amp;cacheVersion=1&amp;api=v2" data-linked-resource-id="374439943" data-linked-resource-type="attachment" data-linked-resource-container-id="310444036" data-linked-resource-default-alias="OGC-API-Features.pptx" data-mime-type="application/vnd.openxmlformats-officedocument.presentationml.presentation" data-has-thumbnail="true" data-linked-resource-version="1" data-media-id="219b050c-09cc-433a-9597-d9e9edd2e25f" data-media-type="file"><img src="https://dsp-support.atlassian.net/wiki/download/thumbnails/310444036/OGC-API-Features.pptx?version=1&amp;modificationDate=1720103968930&amp;cacheVersion=1&amp;api=v2&amp;viewType=fileMacro" height="250" /></a>

Web Services: Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC) standards

Created: 03 April 2019 Updated: 23 May 2024A Web Feature Service (WFS) is a way of accessing spatial vector data via a streaming feed, without the user having to download all of the data.  Your GIS software will be able to connect to the service (refer to your software user guide for details) and then you can use the data like a normal spatial layer.There are some known issues with connecting to Defra DSP WFS services. In some cases, the X and Y co-ordinates are translated differently by different software.  If the data does not display as expected, you may need to reconnect to the WFS, choosing the “Invert axis orientation” option (or equivalent). If you cannot connect at all, you may need to add some additional parameters to the WFS URL.Client programs like ArcGIS and QGIS can be provided with service parameters that enable them to use the WFS more fully. The service capabilities provide information on what parameters the service can use.To obtain the service capabilities, add parameters to the WFS link like in the following example: <a class="external-link" href="https://environment.data.gov.uk/spatialdata/chalk-rivers/wfs?REQUEST=GetCapabilities&amp;SERVICE=WFS" rel="nofollow">https://environment.data.gov.uk/spatialdata/chalk-rivers/wfs?REQUEST=GetCapabilities&amp;SERVICE=WFS</a>These are examples of WFS links with additional parameters:<a class="external-link" href="https://environment.data.gov.uk/spatialdata/flood-map-for-planning-rivers-and-sea-flood-zone-3/wfs?SERVICE=WFS&amp;VERSION=2.0.0&amp;REQUEST=GetFeature&amp;TYPENAME=Flood_Map_for_Planning_Rivers_and_Sea_Flood_Zone_3&amp;BBOX=450660,332709,461502,347119,EPSG:27700&amp;srsName=EPSG:27700" rel="nofollow">https://environment.data.gov.uk/spatialdata/flood-map-for-planning-rivers-and-sea-flood-zone-3/wfs?SERVICE=WFS&amp;VERSION=2.0.0&amp;REQUEST=GetFeature&amp;TYPENAME=Flood_Map_for_Planning_Rivers_and_Sea_Flood_Zone_3&amp;BBOX=450660,332709,461502,347119,EPSG:27700&amp;srsName=EPSG:27700</a>   <a class="external-link" href="https://environment.data.gov.uk/spatialdata/historic-flood-map/wfs?SERVICE=WFS&amp;VERSION=2.0.0&amp;REQUEST=GetFeature&amp;TYPENAME=Historic_Flood_Map&amp;BBOX=444018,321614,489124,401169,EPSG:27700&amp;srsName=EPSG:27700" rel="nofollow">https://environment.data.gov.uk/spatialdata/historic-flood-map/wfs?SERVICE=WFS&amp;VERSION=2.0.0&amp;REQUEST=GetFeature&amp;TYPENAME=Historic_Flood_Map&amp;BBOX=444018,321614,489124,401169,EPSG:27700&amp;srsName=EPSG:27700</a><h3 id="WebServices:HowdoIuseWebFeatureService(WFS)layers?-CoordinateAxismanagement:">Coordinate Axis management:</h3>WFS services can honour several OGC WFS versions. WFS version 1.0.0 transmits coordinates as XY (Long/Lat), whereas versions 1.1.0 and 2.0.0 transmit them as YX (Lat/Long), therefore affecting how XY coordinates are translated by clients like ArcMap, ArcGIS Pro, QGIS etc. They all have certain rules of setting these parameters once they have read the capabilities. Many queries from WFS users have been resolved this by setting the axis orientation setting on their client software.The default OGC settings are: Default axis for WFS version 1.0.0.            X Y (long/lat) Default axis for WFS version 1.1.0             Y X (lat/long) Default axis for WFS version 2.0.0             Y X (lat/long)<h3 id="WebServices:HowdoIuseWebFeatureService(WFS)layers?-OGCFilterEncodingSpecification">OGC Filter Encoding Specification</h3>WFS published on the DSP support the OGC Filter Encoding specification which lets users query on properties of the data. Using this functionality allows users to only return data that is needed. For example, data can be queried by attribute. Using Asset (AIMS) data as an example:The following request finds all AIMS points that have a ‘last_inspection_date' in the year 2023.(Since the year in this data is stored as a string rather than a datetime we need to do a ‘like' query): ,&lt;<a class="external-link" href="https://environment.data.gov.uk/geoservices/datasets/019a8eaa-b27f-4ae6-a9fd-e8e27cdd101a/wfs?SERVICE=WFS&amp;REQUEST=GetFeature&amp;VERSION=2.0.0&amp;TYPENAMES=dataset-019a8eaa-b27f-4ae6-a9fd-e8e27cdd101a:AIMS_Structure_Point&amp;STARTINDEX=0&amp;COUNT=300000&amp;SRSNAME=urn:ogc:def:crs:EPSG::27700&amp;FILTER=" rel="nofollow">https://environment.data.gov.uk/geoservices/datasets/019a8eaa-b27f-4ae6-a9fd-e8e27cdd101a/wfs?SERVICE=WFS&amp;REQUEST=GetFeature&amp;VERSION=2.0.0&amp;TYPENAMES=dataset-019a8eaa-b27f-4ae6-a9fd-e8e27cdd101a:AIMS_Structure_Point&amp;STARTINDEX=0&amp;COUNT=300000&amp;SRSNAME=urn:ogc:def:crs:EPSG::27700&amp;FILTER=</a><a href="#" rel="nofollow">fes:Filter</a> xmlns:fes=&quot;<a class="external-link" href="http://www.opengis.net/fes/2.0" rel="nofollow">http://www.opengis.net/fes/2.0</a>&quot;&gt;&lt;fes:PropertyIsLike singleChar=&quot;_&quot; wildCard=&quot;%&quot; escapeChar=&quot;\&quot;&gt;<a href="#" rel="nofollow">fes:ValueReference</a>last_inspection_date&lt;/fes:ValueReference&gt;<a href="#" rel="nofollow">fes:Literal</a>%2023%&lt;/fes:Literal&gt;&lt;/fes:PropertyIsLike&gt;&lt;/fes:Filter&gt;&amp;outputFormat=application/json&amp;count=100This URL will return the first 100 features that match this search.QGIS also has the ability to create these queries (which QGIS then translates into the WFS request above): <img class="confluence-embedded-image image-center" alt="image-20240523-152452.png" width="611" loading="lazy" src="https://dsp-support.atlassian.net/wiki/download/thumbnails/275809682/image-20240523-152452.png?version=1&amp;modificationDate=1716477894016&amp;cacheVersion=1&amp;api=v2&amp;width=611&amp;height=535" data-image-src="https://dsp-support.atlassian.net/wiki/download/attachments/275809682/image-20240523-152452.png?version=1&amp;modificationDate=1716477894016&amp;cacheVersion=1&amp;api=v2" data-height="396" data-width="451" data-unresolved-comment-count="0" data-linked-resource-id="311066641" data-linked-resource-version="1" data-linked-resource-type="attachment" data-linked-resource-default-alias="image-20240523-152452.png" data-base-url="https://dsp-support.atlassian.net/wiki" data-linked-resource-content-type="image/png" data-linked-resource-container-id="275809682" data-linked-resource-container-version="8" data-media-id="438d09bf-a2e8-40a3-9b5d-78451b9aa06e" data-media-type="file" srcset="https://dsp-support.atlassian.net/wiki/download/thumbnails/275809682/image-20240523-152452.png?version=1&amp;modificationDate=1716477894016&amp;cacheVersion=1&amp;api=v2&amp;width=940&amp;height=824 2x, https://dsp-support.atlassian.net/wiki/download/thumbnails/275809682/image-20240523-152452.png?version=1&amp;modificationDate=1716477894016&amp;cacheVersion=1&amp;api=v2&amp;width=611&amp;height=535 1x">And then the query results are displayed on the map:<img class="confluence-embedded-image image-center" alt="image-20240523-152512.png" width="599" loading="lazy" src="https://dsp-support.atlassian.net/wiki/download/thumbnails/275809682/image-20240523-152512.png?version=1&amp;modificationDate=1716477914364&amp;cacheVersion=1&amp;api=v2&amp;width=599&amp;height=286" data-image-src="https://dsp-support.atlassian.net/wiki/download/attachments/275809682/image-20240523-152512.png?version=1&amp;modificationDate=1716477914364&amp;cacheVersion=1&amp;api=v2" data-height="216" data-width="451" data-unresolved-comment-count="0" data-linked-resource-id="311558165" data-linked-resource-version="1" data-linked-resource-type="attachment" data-linked-resource-default-alias="image-20240523-152512.png" data-base-url="https://dsp-support.atlassian.net/wiki" data-linked-resource-content-type="image/png" data-linked-resource-container-id="275809682" data-linked-resource-container-version="8" data-media-id="4a3105f9-61c8-4fb3-8a65-5924aafe2004" data-media-type="file" srcset="https://dsp-support.atlassian.net/wiki/download/thumbnails/275809682/image-20240523-152512.png?version=1&amp;modificationDate=1716477914364&amp;cacheVersion=1&amp;api=v2&amp;width=940&amp;height=449 2x, https://dsp-support.atlassian.net/wiki/download/thumbnails/275809682/image-20240523-152512.png?version=1&amp;modificationDate=1716477914364&amp;cacheVersion=1&amp;api=v2&amp;width=599&amp;height=286 1x">Compared to the unfiltered dataset without the last_inspection_date query:<img class="confluence-embedded-image image-center" alt="image-20240523-152542.png" width="611" loading="lazy" src="https://dsp-support.atlassian.net/wiki/download/thumbnails/275809682/image-20240523-152542.png?version=1&amp;modificationDate=1716477944275&amp;cacheVersion=1&amp;api=v2&amp;width=611&amp;height=289" data-image-src="https://dsp-support.atlassian.net/wiki/download/attachments/275809682/image-20240523-152542.png?version=1&amp;modificationDate=1716477944275&amp;cacheVersion=1&amp;api=v2" data-height="214" data-width="451" data-unresolved-comment-count="0" data-linked-resource-id="311033878" data-linked-resource-version="1" data-linked-resource-type="attachment" data-linked-resource-default-alias="image-20240523-152542.png" data-base-url="https://dsp-support.atlassian.net/wiki" data-linked-resource-content-type="image/png" data-linked-resource-container-id="275809682" data-linked-resource-container-version="8" data-media-id="48d6c29a-6eda-4dd3-b9cf-80106483e396" data-media-type="file" srcset="https://dsp-support.atlassian.net/wiki/download/thumbnails/275809682/image-20240523-152542.png?version=1&amp;modificationDate=1716477944275&amp;cacheVersion=1&amp;api=v2&amp;width=940&amp;height=446 2x, https://dsp-support.atlassian.net/wiki/download/thumbnails/275809682/image-20240523-152542.png?version=1&amp;modificationDate=1716477944275&amp;cacheVersion=1&amp;api=v2&amp;width=611&amp;height=289 1x">Another example, filtering on the ‘primary_purpose': <img class="confluence-embedded-image image-center" alt="image-20240523-152557.png" width="605" loading="lazy" src="https://dsp-support.atlassian.net/wiki/download/thumbnails/275809682/image-20240523-152557.png?version=1&amp;modificationDate=1716477959122&amp;cacheVersion=1&amp;api=v2&amp;width=605&amp;height=225" data-image-src="https://dsp-support.atlassian.net/wiki/download/attachments/275809682/image-20240523-152557.png?version=1&amp;modificationDate=1716477959122&amp;cacheVersion=1&amp;api=v2" data-height="168" data-width="451" data-unresolved-comment-count="0" data-linked-resource-id="310771758" data-linked-resource-version="1" data-linked-resource-type="attachment" data-linked-resource-default-alias="image-20240523-152557.png" data-base-url="https://dsp-support.atlassian.net/wiki" data-linked-resource-content-type="image/png" data-linked-resource-container-id="275809682" data-linked-resource-container-version="8" data-media-id="72ed968a-21c7-4301-a434-c1d9c4d51fe4" data-media-type="file" srcset="https://dsp-support.atlassian.net/wiki/download/thumbnails/275809682/image-20240523-152557.png?version=1&amp;modificationDate=1716477959122&amp;cacheVersion=1&amp;api=v2&amp;width=940&amp;height=350 2x, https://dsp-support.atlassian.net/wiki/download/thumbnails/275809682/image-20240523-152557.png?version=1&amp;modificationDate=1716477959122&amp;cacheVersion=1&amp;api=v2&amp;width=605&amp;height=225 1x">

Web Services: How do I use Web Feature Service (WFS) layers?

Created: 19 Nov 2024If you have an existing request which makes use of GetFeatures you may find this no longer works -for example;<a class="external-link" href="https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fenvironment.data.gov.uk%2Fspatialdata%2Fflood-map-for-planning-rivers-and-sea-flood-storage-areas%2Fwfs%3Fservice%3DWFS%26version%3D2.0.0%26request%3DGetFeature%26typeName%3Dms%3AFlood_Map_For_Planning_Rivers_And_Sea_Flood_Storage_Areas%26bbox%3D248073.09000000005%2C54141.884999999995%2C248573.09000000005%2C54461.884999999995%26outputFormat%3DGEOJSON%26srsName%3DEPSG%3A27700&amp;data=05%7C01%7CAmy.Ellar%40environment-agency.gov.uk%7Cd0b02ffeae15454a6ef908dbe6978c70%7C770a245002274c6290c74e38537f1102%7C0%7C0%7C638357310797162183%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=qTpqlIDK0o2i562g1M78j1jW3pEkxpX8fZmHdKvxIQ0%3D&amp;reserved=0" rel="nofollow">https://environment.data.gov.uk/spatialdata/flood-map-for-planning-rivers-and-sea-flood-storage-areas/wfs?service=WFS&amp;version=2.0.0&amp;request=GetFeature&amp;typeName=ms:Flood_Map_For_Planning_Rivers_And_Sea_Flood_Storage_Areas&amp;bbox=248073.09000000005,54141.884999999995,248573.09000000005,54461.884999999995&amp;outputFormat=GEOJSON&amp;srsName=EPSG:27700</a>A quick way to confirm this is by entering the request directly into a web browser. If you see the following text, the issue is a change of namespace, caused by the migration; <img class="confluence-embedded-image confluence-content-image-border image-center" width="760" loading="lazy" src="https://dsp-support.atlassian.net/wiki/download/thumbnails/275809775/image-20231116-134815.png?version=1&amp;modificationDate=1714751416727&amp;cacheVersion=1&amp;api=v2&amp;width=760&amp;height=96" data-image-src="https://dsp-support.atlassian.net/wiki/download/attachments/275809775/image-20231116-134815.png?version=1&amp;modificationDate=1714751416727&amp;cacheVersion=1&amp;api=v2" data-height="124" data-width="976" data-unresolved-comment-count="0" data-linked-resource-id="275809825" data-linked-resource-version="1" data-linked-resource-type="attachment" data-linked-resource-default-alias="image-20231116-134815.png" data-base-url="https://dsp-support.atlassian.net/wiki" data-linked-resource-content-type="image/png" data-linked-resource-container-id="275809775" data-linked-resource-container-version="7" data-media-id="491a2409-646d-4083-a948-65e722e1230e" data-media-type="file" srcset="https://dsp-support.atlassian.net/wiki/download/thumbnails/275809775/image-20231116-134815.png?version=1&amp;modificationDate=1714751416727&amp;cacheVersion=1&amp;api=v2&amp;width=1280&amp;height=162 2x, https://dsp-support.atlassian.net/wiki/download/thumbnails/275809775/image-20231116-134815.png?version=1&amp;modificationDate=1714751416727&amp;cacheVersion=1&amp;api=v2&amp;width=760&amp;height=96 1x">How do I find the correct namespace?In a web browser, use a GetCapabilities request - this will provide the required details. For this example, the required request is;<a class="external-link" href="https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fenvironment.data.gov.uk%2Fspatialdata%2Fflood-map-for-planning-rivers-and-sea-flood-storage-areas%2Fwfs%3Frequest%3DGetCapabilities%26service%3DWFS%26version%3D2.0.0&amp;data=05%7C01%7CAmy.Ellar%40environment-agency.gov.uk%7Cd0b02ffeae15454a6ef908dbe6978c70%7C770a245002274c6290c74e38537f1102%7C0%7C0%7C638357310797162183%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=nB7KqKRXOq9WZo%2FruqTmZgQGLcIX8G8vBdSkIqteEBo%3D&amp;reserved=0" rel="nofollow">https://environment.data.gov.uk/spatialdata/flood-map-for-planning-rivers-and-sea-flood-storage-areas/wfs?request=GetCapabilities&amp;service=WFS&amp;version=2.0.0</a>A search for FeatureType will locate the required details;<img class="confluence-embedded-image confluence-content-image-border image-center" width="760" loading="lazy" src="https://dsp-support.atlassian.net/wiki/download/thumbnails/275809775/image-20231116-135025.png?version=1&amp;modificationDate=1714751416369&amp;cacheVersion=1&amp;api=v2&amp;width=760&amp;height=154" data-image-src="https://dsp-support.atlassian.net/wiki/download/attachments/275809775/image-20231116-135025.png?version=1&amp;modificationDate=1714751416369&amp;cacheVersion=1&amp;api=v2" data-height="186" data-width="914" data-unresolved-comment-count="0" data-linked-resource-id="275809822" data-linked-resource-version="1" data-linked-resource-type="attachment" data-linked-resource-default-alias="image-20231116-135025.png" data-base-url="https://dsp-support.atlassian.net/wiki" data-linked-resource-content-type="image/png" data-linked-resource-container-id="275809775" data-linked-resource-container-version="7" data-media-id="975070a9-c733-4b8a-8269-9ce6b201fd9a" data-media-type="file" srcset="https://dsp-support.atlassian.net/wiki/download/thumbnails/275809775/image-20231116-135025.png?version=1&amp;modificationDate=1714751416369&amp;cacheVersion=1&amp;api=v2&amp;width=1219&amp;height=248 2x, https://dsp-support.atlassian.net/wiki/download/thumbnails/275809775/image-20231116-135025.png?version=1&amp;modificationDate=1714751416369&amp;cacheVersion=1&amp;api=v2&amp;width=760&amp;height=154 1x">Updating the request using the details in the &lt;Name&gt; tag will now work;<a class="external-link" href="https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fenvironment.data.gov.uk%2Fspatialdata%2Fflood-map-for-planning-rivers-and-sea-flood-storage-areas%2Fwfs%3Fservice%3DWFS%26version%3D2.0.0%26request%3DGetFeature%26typeName%3Ddataset-86ca7c80-d465-11e4-afe1-f0def148f590%3AFlood_Map_for_Planning_Rivers_and_Sea_Flood_Storage_Areas%26bbox%3D248073.09000000005%2C54141.884999999995%2C248573.09000000005%2C54461.884999999995%26outputFormat%3DGEOJSON%26srsName%3DEPSG%3A27700&amp;data=05%7C01%7CAmy.Ellar%40environment-agency.gov.uk%7Cd0b02ffeae15454a6ef908dbe6978c70%7C770a245002274c6290c74e38537f1102%7C0%7C0%7C638357310797318454%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=AqyEq5Ayy2ERja7buj0IjCqmiDCWIonxOLtoz8JHQE8%3D&amp;reserved=0" rel="nofollow">https://environment.data.gov.uk/spatialdata/flood-map-for-planning-rivers-and-sea-flood-storage-areas/wfs?service=WFS&amp;version=2.0.0&amp;request=GetFeature&amp;typeName=dataset-86ca7c80-d465-11e4-afe1-f0def148f590:Flood_Map_for_Planning_Rivers_and_Sea_Flood_Storage_Areas&amp;bbox=248073.09000000005,54141.884999999995,248573.09000000005,54461.884999999995&amp;outputFormat=GEOJSON&amp;srsName=EPSG:27700</a>This can be tested in a browser. Once the namespace is amended, the following will be returned;<img class="confluence-embedded-image confluence-content-image-border image-left" width="691" loading="lazy" src="https://dsp-support.atlassian.net/wiki/download/thumbnails/275809775/image-20231116-135139.png?version=1&amp;modificationDate=1714751416052&amp;cacheVersion=1&amp;api=v2&amp;width=668&amp;height=182" data-image-src="https://dsp-support.atlassian.net/wiki/download/attachments/275809775/image-20231116-135139.png?version=1&amp;modificationDate=1714751416052&amp;cacheVersion=1&amp;api=v2" data-height="137" data-width="501" data-unresolved-comment-count="0" data-linked-resource-id="275809819" data-linked-resource-version="1" data-linked-resource-type="attachment" data-linked-resource-default-alias="image-20231116-135139.png" data-base-url="https://dsp-support.atlassian.net/wiki" data-linked-resource-content-type="image/png" data-linked-resource-container-id="275809775" data-linked-resource-container-version="7" data-media-id="737b679d-cfc6-4016-9b37-a03dfde9527d" data-media-type="file" srcset="https://dsp-support.atlassian.net/wiki/download/thumbnails/275809775/image-20231116-135139.png?version=1&amp;modificationDate=1714751416052&amp;cacheVersion=1&amp;api=v2&amp;width=668&amp;height=182 2x, https://dsp-support.atlassian.net/wiki/download/thumbnails/275809775/image-20231116-135139.png?version=1&amp;modificationDate=1714751416052&amp;cacheVersion=1&amp;api=v2&amp;width=668&amp;height=182 1x">You may also find this article useful -<a href="/wiki/spaces/DPK/pages/88244247/I+have+confirmed+I+am+using+the+correct+typeName+but+I+m+still+not+seeing+any+features+in+my+map" data-linked-resource-id="88244247" data-linked-resource-version="5" data-linked-resource-type="page"> </a><a class="external-link" href="https://environment.data.gov.uk/support/faqs/275808874/275809841" rel="nofollow">I have confirmed I am using the correct typeName, but I’m still not seeing any features in my map? </a>

Web Services: Why is my existing Web Feature Service (WFS) request no longer returning any features?

Created: 12 June 2019When adding a WMS, QGIS uses a JPEG image encoding by default, which displays No data values in white (the background). When adding the WMS to your project, select PNG as the Image encoding. The background should display as transparent.

Web Services: Why can’t I see any layers listed underneath the WMS I have added in QGIS?

Created: 19 Nov 2024This may be due to the client you are using. If it is ArcGIS Pro or AGOL, instead of using GetFeature with a bbox to return a selection of features, add a custom parameter when creating your WFS connection. Further details can be found in the Esri documentation (<a class="external-link" href="https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fpro.arcgis.com%2Fen%2Fpro-app%2Flatest%2Fhelp%2Fdata%2Fservices%2Fadd-wfs-services.htm&amp;data=05%7C01%7CAmy.Ellar%40environment-agency.gov.uk%7Cd0b02ffeae15454a6ef908dbe6978c70%7C770a245002274c6290c74e38537f1102%7C0%7C0%7C638357310797318454%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=SkLZsWWXTD3VmIDlZNjcgkMwZt92UjIr0VExL4mLPdk%3D&amp;reserved=0" rel="nofollow">Add WFS services—ArcGIS Pro | Documentation</a>).

Web Services: I am using a BBOX request when adding my Web Feature Service (WFS) to a map but it's still drawing all the features

Created: 11 February 2019 Updated: 12 May 2023Web Map Services (WMS) and Web Feature Services (WFS) are data feeds that provide geographic data directly into your Geographic Information System (GIS) software without the need for you to download the data itself. The link to a WMS or WFS service looks like an internet URL (web address), but it does not work in the same way.  To use a WMS or WFS feed, you will need to copy this URL into your GIS software.If you try to open a WMS or WFS URL in an internet browser, it will not work, and an error message will appear &quot;Query Parameters must include request&quot; <div class="code panel pdl conf-macro output-block" data-hasbody="true" data-macro-id="95428ddb-9924-40b5-a71c-22d0f5ac2899" data-macro-name="code" style="border-width: 1px;"><div class="codeContent panelContent pdl">
<pre class="syntaxhighlighter-pre" data-syntaxhighlighter-params="brush: java; gutter: false; theme: Confluence" data-theme="Confluence">Query Parameters must include Request</pre>
</div></div>or &quot;The webpage cannot be found&quot;<img class="confluence-embedded-image confluence-content-image-border image-center" alt="mceclip1.png" width="808" loading="lazy" src="https://dsp-support.atlassian.net/wiki/download/thumbnails/275809728/mceclip1.png?version=1&amp;modificationDate=1714751415354&amp;cacheVersion=1&amp;api=v2&amp;width=808&amp;height=143" data-image-src="https://dsp-support.atlassian.net/wiki/download/attachments/275809728/mceclip1.png?version=1&amp;modificationDate=1714751415354&amp;cacheVersion=1&amp;api=v2" data-height="143" data-width="808" data-unresolved-comment-count="0" data-linked-resource-id="275809765" data-linked-resource-version="1" data-linked-resource-type="attachment" data-linked-resource-default-alias="mceclip1.png" data-base-url="https://dsp-support.atlassian.net/wiki" data-linked-resource-content-type="image/png" data-linked-resource-container-id="275809728" data-linked-resource-container-version="4" data-media-id="3e8f33ae-075a-4ad9-ab2c-d6adb7548c85" data-media-type="file" srcset="https://dsp-support.atlassian.net/wiki/download/thumbnails/275809728/mceclip1.png?version=1&amp;modificationDate=1714751415354&amp;cacheVersion=1&amp;api=v2&amp;width=808&amp;height=143 2x, https://dsp-support.atlassian.net/wiki/download/thumbnails/275809728/mceclip1.png?version=1&amp;modificationDate=1714751415354&amp;cacheVersion=1&amp;api=v2&amp;width=808&amp;height=143 1x"> To view the WMS or WFS information in a browser, you need to complete the link with a query parameter statement, like this one: ?REQUEST=GetCapabilities&amp;SERVICE=WMS  - for WMS services?REQUEST=GetCapabilities&amp;SERVICE=WFS  - for WFS services

Web Services: Why do I get an error message when loading WMS or WFS data?

Created: 06 Nov 2024The next most likely cause is an issue with the co-ordinates in the bbox request. Double check the values used and confirm they are entered in as two pairs of co-ordinates, e.g. bbox= x1,y1,x2,y2This can be checked in a regular browser, in the example below, no features are returned by the bbox. This might be a valid response if there are not features within the bbox area. <img class="confluence-embedded-image confluence-content-image-border image-left" width="633" loading="lazy" src="https://dsp-support.atlassian.net/wiki/download/thumbnails/275809841/image-20231116-162533.png?version=1&amp;modificationDate=1714751417162&amp;cacheVersion=1&amp;api=v2&amp;width=633&amp;height=172" data-image-src="https://dsp-support.atlassian.net/wiki/download/attachments/275809841/image-20231116-162533.png?version=1&amp;modificationDate=1714751417162&amp;cacheVersion=1&amp;api=v2" data-height="137" data-width="501" data-unresolved-comment-count="0" data-linked-resource-id="275809874" data-linked-resource-version="1" data-linked-resource-type="attachment" data-linked-resource-default-alias="image-20231116-162533.png" data-base-url="https://dsp-support.atlassian.net/wiki" data-linked-resource-content-type="image/png" data-linked-resource-container-id="275809841" data-linked-resource-container-version="6" data-media-id="6ff68c7d-d7e4-42fb-8513-057222d78506" data-media-type="file" srcset="https://dsp-support.atlassian.net/wiki/download/thumbnails/275809841/image-20231116-162533.png?version=1&amp;modificationDate=1714751417162&amp;cacheVersion=1&amp;api=v2&amp;width=668&amp;height=182 2x, https://dsp-support.atlassian.net/wiki/download/thumbnails/275809841/image-20231116-162533.png?version=1&amp;modificationDate=1714751417162&amp;cacheVersion=1&amp;api=v2&amp;width=633&amp;height=172 1x">You may find this article helpful - <a class="external-link" href="https://environment.data.gov.uk/support/faqs/275808874/275809728" rel="nofollow">Why Do I Get An Error Message When Loading WMS Or WFS Data?</a>

Web Services: I have confirmed I am using the correct typeName, but I’m still not seeing any features in my map?

Created: 06 May 2021 Updated: 21 April 2022To ensure websites load quickly, browsers cache files and content when users first visit a website and then serve content from cache on subsequent visits.Caching may cause issues when the source page or content change, but the browser continues to use cached version of the page. This may mean that some of the functionality doesn't work properly or the latest content is not available. To make sure you have access to the latest version of the page you are using, it is worth clearing the cache in your browser regularly. Following steps explain how to clear cache in some of the most frequently used browsers. You may need to refer to the support pages for your specific browser if it is not listed below. <h3 id="Whyclearingcacheinabrowserisimportantandhowtodoit-MicrosoftEdge">Microsoft Edge</h3><ol start="1"><li>Click on the 3 horizontal dots on the top right corner</li><li>Click on Settings</li><li>Go to Privacy, Search and Services</li><li>Under the Clear browsing data option, click on Choose what to clear</li><li>Select the checkbox Cookies and saved website data and Cached data and files</li><li>Click on the Clear button</li></ol><h3 id="Whyclearingcacheinabrowserisimportantandhowtodoit-Chrome">Chrome</h3><ol start="1"><li>Click on the 3 vertical dots on the top right corner</li><li>Click on History or go to More tools</li><li>Click on Clear browsing data on the left sidebar</li><li>In the popup that appears, select a “time range” and the options Cookies and Other site data and Cached Images and files</li><li>Click on Clear data</li></ol><h3 id="Whyclearingcacheinabrowserisimportantandhowtodoit-Firefox">Firefox</h3><ol start="1"><li>Click on the 3 vertical lines on the top right corner</li><li>Click on Library and then History</li><li>Click on Clear Recent History</li><li>In the popup that appears, select a “time range” and the options Cookies, Cache, etc.</li><li>Click on Clear Now</li></ol><h3 id="Whyclearingcacheinabrowserisimportantandhowtodoit-Safari">Safari</h3><ol start="1"><li>On the keyboard, press Command+Y</li><li>Click on Clear browser history</li><li>In the popup that appears, select the time range and then click on Clear History</li></ol>All guidance above is correct at the time of publishing this article. For latest information please refer to the online support available from each of the browser providers.  If the above methods fail to resolve issues you are seeing, please let us know by raising a support ticket here: <a class="external-link" href="https://environment.data.gov.uk/support/question" rel="nofollow">Ask a question</a>, <a class="external-link" href="https://environment.data.gov.uk/support/problem" rel="nofollow">Report a problem</a> or <a class="external-link" href="https://environment.data.gov.uk/support/feedback" rel="nofollow">Give Feedback</a>.

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