National Street Gazetteer (NSG) – Key Update
The National Street Gazetteer (NSG) is the official, statutory database of streets in England and Wales. It supports local authorities, utilities, and contractors in coordinating street works and maintaining public safety.
The NSG is currently available as a monthly CSV download. This will be replaced by exclusive access through DataVia — a dynamic API providing daily updates, seamless integration with GIS, web, and mobile platforms, and access to a view only Data Portal ("the View").
Key Changes
- CSV Download Service retires: 1 January 2028
- DataVia API becomes the sole access route to the NSG
- Free access for Local Highway Authorities (funded by the LGA)
- Paid access for utilities, contractors, and software suppliers
Why the Change?
- Increased data accuracy, consistency, and usability
- Easier integration with modern systems and software
- Better support for evolving specifications
- Revenue reinvested to continually improve data quality
Next Steps
- Join our consultation to tell us what you need during the transition. (link)
- Trial DataVia free for 1–3 months to understand how it fits your workflows. (email link to me)
- Get support: [email protected]
How Will the Switch Work?
DataVia is available to try now. We recommend trialling the API alongside your existing CSV workflows so you can:
- test the API with your business processes
- automate API calls in your software or GIS platform
- plan any updates to your systems ahead of the retirement date
We provide full documentation and technical support to help with onboarding.
What Is the Impact to Your Work?
We expect the impact to be minimal. DataVia offers improved usability, efficiency, and integration with your existing systems.
The CSV Download Service will remain available until 1 January 2028, running in parallel with DataVia.
If you anticipate impacts or have concerns, please share them via the consultation page and we will contact you to support your transition.
Timeline for the retirement of CSV Download Service
Tell Us What You Think
Please complete the consultation form to give feedback and highlight your needs.
FAQs
These FAQs reflect typical queries we hear from LHAs, utilities, and software vendors.
-
Q1
When will the CSV Download Service be shut down?
The CSV Download Service will be retired on 1 January 2028. After this date, the NSG will only be available via the DataVia API and the viewonly Data Portal.
-
Q2
Will Local Highway Authorities continue to have free access?
Yes. Access to the NSG via DataVia is funded by the LGA for all Local Highway Authorities.
-
Q3
Will pricing change for utilities and contractors?
Access for utilities, contractors, and software suppliers will be on a paid licence model. Pricing details are available on request.
-
Q4
Do I need a developer to switch to the API?
Not necessarily. Many GIS and asset management systems already support API integrations. We provide documentation, onboarding guidance, and technical support to ease the transition.
-
Q5
Can I run both CSV and API access in parallel?
Yes. Both services will run in parallel until the retirement date, allowing time for testing and integration.
-
Q6
What formats does the API return data in?
DataVia delivers a range of response formats suitable for web, mobile, and GIS applications, including;
- GEOJSON
- OGRGML
- SHAPEZIP
- SPATIALITEZIP
-
Q7
Will there be any changes to the NSG data itself?
No changes to the underlying statutory data requirements. The transition improves delivery, freshness, and accessibility, but the core NSG dataset remains compliant with the existing specification.
-
Q8
Is the ‘View’ Data Portal included?
Yes. A complimentary viewonly interface (“the View”) will be provided for quick visual access without integration. This service will be launched in 2027.
-
Q9
What support is available during migration?
We offer technical documentation, sample API calls, migration guidance, and direct support via [email protected].
-
Q10
What if our organisation cannot migrate before 2028?
Please contact us via the consultation page. We will work with you to understand the challenges and provide tailored advice.
Contact us
Please do get in touch to discuss the changes.
