- About the Defra Data Services Platform (DSP)
- Registering: Who can register on the Defra Data Services Platform (DSP)
- Registering: How to create an account on Defra Data Services Platform (DSP)
- Searching for Data on the Defra Data Services Platform (DSP)
- Searching: Why is my search taking a long time to return results?
- Metadata: Understanding information provided with each Defra Data Services Platform (DSP) dataset
- Metadata: Understanding the metadata dates displayed for datasets on the Defra Data Services Platform (DSP) and Data.Gov.Uk
- Downloading Data by Area of Interest
- Downloading Survey Data
- Downloading Data as a Contractor
- Downloading Large Datasets
- Web Services: Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC) standards
- Web Services: How do I use Web Feature Service (WFS) layers?
- Web Services: Why is my existing Web Feature Service (WFS) request no longer returning any features?
- Web Services: Why can’t I see any layers listed underneath the WMS I have added in QGIS?
- 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
- Web Services: Why do I get an error message when loading WMS or WFS data?
- Web Services: I have confirmed I am using the correct typeName, but I’m still not seeing any features in my map?
- Why clearing cache in a browser is important and how to do it
Downloading Large Datasets
Created: 31 October 2023 Updated: 25 June 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 datasets, due to their size and complexity, will need to be requested using the following steps.
Once you find the dataset you are looking for, scroll down to the ‘Data and Supporting Information' section on the dataset page and click the link for ‘Download data by area of interest’.
This will open the map view of the spatial dataset and allow you to select your Area Of Interest (AOI). You can draw the AOI on the map using the Draw Polygon tool or Upload a Shapefile for the AOI.
After selecting your AOI, layers and file format in the map preview, click “Download file”.
If the system detects you are requesting a large dataset, you will be prompted to either reduce your area of interest, or follow the steps below to raise a Support Ticket via the DSP Service Desk.
To submit your request, first download your order details using the ‘Download order details’ button in Step 1. The resulting file will contain information needed to fulfil your request (such as the area you are interested in and format, etc.).
Next, click the option to raise a Support Ticket and complete the form to request the data - attach your downloaded zipped order information file to the form.
After submission of my support ticket
After submitting your request, you will receive an automated email response from the DSP Service Desk. This will provide your ticket number (in the Subject) and a copy of the request description for reference.
The DSP Service Desk Team will forward your request to Expert Support to ensure all required information is present. The Service Desk team will correspond with you via email if any additional information is needed.
Once processed by Expert Support, you will be provided with a secure download link (via your support ticket) to access your data and your support ticket will be set to Resolved. This download link will be valid for 30 days, after which your support ticket will be set to Closed.
It is no longer possible or necessary to create an account on the DSP Support pages to view or manage your tickets. Instead all correspondence will take place via email. See How Do I Submit and Respond to My Request Tickets? for more information.