Hey there and welcome to the community!
First off, kudos to you for diving into the world of flight simulation. Now, regarding your question, vector data is essentially the digital data that represents features on the ground in a flight sim, be it roads, coastlines, water bodies, etc. To put it simply, it's what makes the virtual ground look like the real thing.
Now, in the context of FreeMeshX, a vector update tool ensures that your newly acquired high-definition terrain meshes line up correctly with the pre-existing vector data in the sim. This ensures consistency and minimizes anomalies such as roads on cliffs or water bodies in the middle of fields.
- FTX Vectors: This is a product by Orbx. It's a comprehensive vector solution, but it isn't free. While it might stretch your budget, it's incredibly detailed and improves upon the default vectors significantly.
- UTX (Ultimate Terrain X): Another commercial product, which is often pitted against FTX Vectors. It focuses more on urban environments and has specific versions tailored for regions like Europe. So, if you're specifically looking for enhanced vectors in the UK, this might be worth a look.
From my knowledge, there isn't a dedicated free tool on par with these two when it comes to updating vectors. However, some freeware scenery packs might come with their own vector adjustments to fit the particular region they're made for.
Given your interest in the UK, I'd recommend starting with the default sceneries and exploring freeware offerings. If you find that the level of detail isn't to your satisfaction, saving up for either FTX Vectors or UTX could be a good move.
Remember, simming is about enjoying the journey, both in the air and in enhancing your virtual world. Take your time and make the decisions that best fit your needs and budget.
Safe flying and happy landings!