Imagery Layer sales and profits

The xxxxxx would like to obtain under the Freedom of Information regulations all the information available on the sales and profits related to the Ordnance Survey Imagery Layer for each year from 2004 up to 2010. To make sense of these figures we also need to know:

a) Details of the apportionment of imagery and related costs between Ordnance Survey’s Cartography and Imagery Layer businesses

b) Capitalisation policy for imagery and associated investments.

Thank you for your letter dated 17^th November 2010.  I can confirm that Ordnance Survey does hold information on the sales and profits related to Ordnance Survey Imagery Layer, however I regret to inform you that your request falls within the Commercial Interest exemption under section 43 (2) of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) 2000.

We consider this exemption applies because the release of Imagery Layer profits and sales could affect our commercial interests, as this information helps underpin our product pricing and licensing.  In addition, there is currently a tender in progress for ‘Integrated Data Capture’, and the release of this information could be contrary to established protocols and legislation concerning the conduct of publicly tendered procurements, therefore we will not be releasing this information to you.

Under your point (a) as Cartography within Ordnance Survey relates to activities concerned with the creation of generalised and simplified cartographic information associated with the publication of smaller scales series cartographic mapping and related digital data, and as Ordnance Survey does not apportion imagery costs to this activity, we do not therefore hold the information you have requested, viz: the ‘apportionment of imagery and related costs between Ordnance Survey’s Cartography and Imagery Layer businesses’.

In relation to Ordnance Surveys capitalisation policy for imagery and associated investments (your point b), this information is exempt under Section 21 (1) Information accessible to applicant by other means, which is an absolute exemption.

This is because we detail our ‘Intangible Assets Capitalisation Policy’ in the Annual Accounts, which are found in the Annual Report. You can find this information on the Ordnance Survey website as part of our Publications Scheme on the link below, under heading ‘Notes to the consolidated financial statements’, note 1.5. (Page 67 of the Annual Report).

http://www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/oswebsite/aboutus/reports/annualreport/09-10/os_annual_report_2010.pdf

To the extent that the Public interest test applies (section 17 FOIA), we have determined that in the circumstances of this case, there is public interest in ensuring companies are able to compete fairly in the tender process, and that tenders are conducted within the protocols and legislative requirements concerning publicly tendered procurements.

In the case of the absolute exemption (Information accessible to applicant by other means) no public interest test is required.

Please note that your enquiry has been processed according to the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) 2000. If you are unhappy with our response, you may raise an appeal to our Appeals Officer at:

FOI Appeals Officer
Customer Service Centre
Ordnance Survey
Romsey Road
SOUTHAMPTON
SO16 4GU

Please include the reference number below. The Appeals Officer will ensure that the process has been followed correctly, questioning any decisions taken regarding the original response and recommending disclosure of additional information if appropriate.

Thank you for your enquiry.

Reference number: FOI10119/November 2010