Downloading Spatial (Vector) Datasets

Created: 8 September 2025

The 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 data

To preview the data, you can click the layers icon   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 box

Click 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.

Alternatively, you can select the ‘Upload Shapefile’ option to define your area of interest. NB This must have under 1,000 vertices

Select 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.

Raising a Support ticket

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 ticket

After 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.