News

Ordnance Survey announces plans to develop the second phase of digital transport geography, to include footpaths and walkways, within OS MasterMap – its latest, highly detailed map data.

The national mapping agency will be launching phase 2 of the Integrated Transport Network Layer in spring 2004.

This announcement builds on the success of the first phase, launched in March 2003, featuring data on major and minor roads as well as routing information and driving restrictions. Related location-based services are already under development following work by Ordnance Survey customers, partners and system suppliers.

The second phase will focus on multimodal transport options by extending the layer to include additional road routing detail, transport network connections, tracks and paths, and other information useful to routing pedestrians. The data will form an ideal base for the development of location-based services on mobile devices.

It will offer vehicle routes off the road network itself – such as drivable tracks – an important resource for emergency services, utilities and couriers. Paths and path routing information will help identify the best pedestrian access points to individual buildings and facilities such as service areas, railway and bus stations, ferry terminals, taxi ranks and shopping centres.

This will improve the efficiency of collections and deliveries where it is not possible to drive right up to a building, or where usual access is blocked and alternative short cuts are sought.

"Transport issues are increasingly in the news due to congestion charging, motorway tolls and innovative in-vehicle electronics," says James Brayshaw, Ordnance Survey’s Director of Sales and Market Development. "In strengthening our Integrated Transport Network Layer, we offer an excellent base for the development of real-time traffic feeds, location-based services, supply chain solutions, emergency response and fleet management. Using our data, it is possible to build accurate and consistent geographic intelligence into applications to benefit the transport and wireless industries and their customers."

OS MasterMap is made up of more than 440 million geographic features across Britain. As well as highly detailed road related data, it includes topography, address geography and aerial photography.

The second phase of the Integrated Transport Network will be launched in spring 2004 beginning with the M25 orbital area around London.

For further information, contact Scott Sinclair, Chief Press Officer.

11-11-03