Process to implement change

What is the process for Ordnance Survey to change a map? Nearly all the properties on the estate have built roofs over the sheds and small buildings between properties, shown like a figure eight. 

This would make aerial photographs look like the properties are joined, most were already built when we moved in on xxxxxx, but none of this is shown on Ordnance Survey maps, but x xxxxxx Avenue was changed. Please can you give the process that would have taken place to implement this change.

Thank you for your e-mail dated 1^st July 2011. I understand that you have already received a response directly from our Customer Service Centre.  I regret to inform you that no further information is available to you under FOI in relation to the property in question, but I hereby detail a response covering your FOI request.

The process for making a change to an Ordnance Survey map depends on the area, type of revision the area attracts and the category of change.

Ordnance Survey updates mapping of the area in question (1:250 scale urban area) according to our current ‘Continuous Revision’ policy detailed below:

'Continuous revision involves the recording of significant new features within our central database. It is a fundamental activity that ensures high-quality current mapping is available for all parts of the country.
The key method that is employed in the collection of this data is ground survey.  We use several sources of intelligence to identify change on the ground including new construction, demolition and major changes to existing real world features. The intelligence on known change is recorded as a specific work package with a predicted completion date.

The work packages are reviewed regularly with the objective that all known change will be captured in the database within 6 months of completion.  The position of the features and attributes are then established and recorded in the National Geographic Database from which Ordnance Survey information is derived.'

Under the current revision policy, our priorities when capturing new detail are based on categories. In the case of garages these would be considered a category ‘C’ change. Examples of other items in the same category would be: extensions to private residential buildings and permanent buildings in private gardens.

Currently, category ‘C’ changes remain as initially captured (possibly as a new build) if they are already shown in our mapping. Changes to these features will not be captured, subject to some exceptions where capture is necessary to sensibly complete any revision of category A and B items.

You may view an Information Paper from our website about our Revision policy for basic-scale products at the following link:

http://www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/oswebsite/aboutus/foi/docs/basicscalerevisionpolicy.pdf

In relation to your specific issue concerning x xxxxxx Avenue, our technical team have clarified that there has been no change to this property since 1995 which is the earliest date we retain such information on our internal systems. We are therefore unable to provide information to support how the process for this specific change was implemented, as this information is no longer held by Ordnance Survey.

Your request has been processed according to the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) 2000. As all the requested information has been provided, we have determined that in all the circumstances of this case the Public interest consideration (section 17 FOIA) is not applicable in this instance.

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
Adanac Drive
SOUTHAMPTON
SO16 0AS

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: FOI11192/July 2011