5. Tips on using the Flood Map for Planning data feeds

Created: 25 March 2025

Why doesn’t all the data load when I use a Flood Map for Planning Feature service?

The Flood Map for Planning data are modelled at a more detailed resolution and now contain more attribution – such as Flood Source.  Whilst this reflects more advanced modelling and represents an improvement in our data, it is recognised that the data sets are more complex and larger in size.  In some scenarios, depending upon the client software, all data may not be visible when accessing data services.

Which service should I use?

Flood Map for Planning data is available to download alongside WMS, WFS and OGC API – Features.  Guidance is available Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC) Standards on which service to use and how to use.  However, as a newer standard that’s now better supported in client software, it is recommended that OGC API – Features are used in preference to WFS for these data.

Why do I only see a small area of the country when I use a Feature Service?

Not seeing all features is due to the default maximum number of features that can be requested in a single response from the server.  This limitation is in place to ensure optimal performance and prevent excessive server load when retrieving large datasets and some client software has a default number of maximum features returned.

For example, ArcGIS Pro, by default, requests a maximum of 3,000 features from the WFS service to balance performance and usability.  This limit can be adjusted by modifying the layer properties in ArcGIS Pro.

Due to an increase in complexity of these data, it is recommended that users refine requests on the services.  For example, defining an area of interest by following the guidance available on the OGC API – Feature landing page or consulting  How do I use Web Feature Services?