Ordnance Survey

English

Etymology

So called because in earlier days the survey was carried out under the direction of the Master-general of the Ordnance.

Proper noun

Ordnance Survey

1. (British) Originally the branch of government that produced maps for the military, now a civilian organisation that produces maps worldwide.

   Synonym: OS

2. Similar organisations in Ireland and Northern Ireland.

   Related terms: OSNI

Translations

organization producing maps

• Chinese:

  Mandarin: 地形測量局／地形测量局 (dìxíngcèliángjú)

• Irish: An tSuirbhéireacht Ordanáis f (also Ireland)
• Japanese: 陸地測量局 (りくちそくりょうきょく, rikuchisokuryōkyoku)
• Scottish Gaelic: an t-Suirbhidh Òrdanais