What is the Definitive Map and how to access it?

What is the Definitive Map?

The Definitive Map and Statement (the "DM&S") of Public Rights of Way is the legal record of public rights of way in the county. Gloucestershire County Council is the surveying authority responsible for maintaining the DM&S as the accurate record of all public rights of way in the County. 

The rights recorded on the Definitive Map & Statement are as follows:

• Footpath - right of way on foot only 
• Bridleway - right on foot and to lead or ride a horse; pedal cycles may be used on a bridleway
• Restricted Byway - carriageway which carries rights on foot, and to lead or ride a horse, and for all non-mechanically propelled vehicles (for example, a bicycle or a horse and cart)
• Byway Open to All Traffic (BOAT) - special category of carriageway that usually has the character of a footpath or bridleway, and which carries a right on foot, to lead or ride a horse, and a full vehicular right that includes motor vehicles.

Where to view the Definitive Maps?

The maps are stored in the public map room at Shire Hall, Westgate Street, Gloucester (accessed from main reception). You can ordinarily view the original maps during office hours and there no need to book an appointment.

Access times and arrangements to the Map Room:  these are shown on our main Highway Records page at Highway Records, so please check for the open/closed status on the day of your proposed visit.

The maps are based on Ordnance Survey sheets and are split into geographical areas according to the old Rural Districts. If you are unsure as to which map volume you require, there is a list in the Map Room that indicates which Parish belongs to which old Rural District area.

The original Definitive Maps are printed at a scale of 1:10,560; some of the more densely covered areas have larger scale insets.

Electronic Public Rights of Way information

An electronic representation of the rights of way network is available online at: Rights of Way Map. Important: This is not the definitive map but our attempt to show the data in an electronic format.