Downloading Large Datasets

Created: 31 October 2023 Updated: 13 November 2023

Defra Data Services Platform (DSP) offers access to 1000s of datasets. The majority of this data is available to be downloaded directly through the DSP Data Catalogue browser. Some of the datasets, due to their size and complexity, will need to be requested using the following steps.

The process requesting a large data supply is identical for Defra staff members, Defra Partners and Public users, but Defra Contractor users need to follow a slightly different process. Please see below for details.

I am a Defra staff member, Defra Partner or Public user

Once you find the dataset you are looking for, scroll down to the ‘Data services and download by interest section’ and click the link for ‘Download data by 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 a 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 click on “Raise Support Ticket” to raise a Large Data Download Request via the DSP Service Desk.  

To submit the request, please first download your order details using functionality provided in the above steps. The resulting file will contain information needed to fulfil your request (such as the area you are interested in, the format, etc.). Next please choose the option to raise Support Ticket and complete the form to request necessary data (please attach the downloaded zipped order information file to your data request).

Please refer to the ‘After submission of my support ticket’ section below for the next steps.

I am a Defra Contractor

Once you find the dataset you are looking for, scroll down to the ‘Data services and download by interest section’ and click the link for ‘Download data by 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 a Polygon tool, or Upload a Shapefile for the AOI).

After selecting your Area of Interest (AoI), layers needed and the file format required, you will be prompted to provide the project details, before being able to click on “Request Download”.

An automatic approval request will be sent to the Defra Project Manager for review – you will be notified of the outcome via email.

If your request is approved by the Project Manager, you will be able to view your order in the Orders screen. There, you will be able to see all your requests, including their status, and download any data requested.

If the requested download is too large to handle via the DSP user interface, a pop up window (shown below) will prompt you to raise a Large Data Download Request via the DSP Service Desk. Please note that you will need your Order ID to complete the download request ticket.

Please refer to the ‘After submission of my support ticket’ section below for the next steps.

After submission of my support ticket

After submission of your Large Data Download support ticket, you will receive an automated reply from the DSP Service Desk by email, providing 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 the 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 now take place via email. See How Do I Submit and Respond to My Request Tickets? for more information.