Lower Layer Super Output Areas Boundaries for England and Wales, 2011

Digital vector boundaries for Lower Layer Super Output Areas (LSOAs) in England and Wales as of 31 December 2011. The dataset contains four boundary versions, including full-resolution and generalised formats, with file sizes ranging from 8 MB to 357 MB. It is provided by the Office for National Statistics and contains both Ordnance Survey and ONS Intellectual Property Rights.

Use Cases

• Create thematic maps for census data based on the provided LSOA boundaries.
• Perform spatial analysis of socio-economic indicators using the generalised (20m) boundaries for faster processing.
• Integrate administrative boundaries into GIS systems using the full-resolution extent of the realm version.
• Conduct coastal analysis using the boundaries clipped to the Mean High Water mark.

Strengths

• Provides four distinct boundary versions, including file sizes of 8 MB, 22 MB, 356 MB, and 357 MB for different use cases.
• Contains boundaries for a specific, documented date: 31 December 2011.
• Includes access via multiple ArcGIS REST service URLs for programmatic use.

Limitations

• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
• Data is from 2011; freshness should be verified for current applications despite the 2026 metadata update.

Provenance

Source

Office for National Statistics

Collection Method

Official administrative boundary definition.

Time Range

As of 31 December 2011

Freshness

Last updated 2026-07-08 13:33:20.025745; data reflects boundaries from 2011.

Geography

England and Wales