16 October 2008

Ordnance Survey pens deal with Leica Geosystems for OS Net upgrade

Leica Geosystems is to upgrade Ordnance Survey’s nationwide network of satellite receiver stations, it is announced today.

The OS Net base station network, used by Ordnance Survey to map the country, will be upgraded with the latest technology.  The stations will receive satellite signals from both the American GPS and Russian GLONASS constellations − providing greater versatility to the network which underpins millions of pounds of national productivity.

Originally developed to support Ordnance Survey’s own field surveyors, OS Net data is also available from the mapping agency’s technology partners. The utility industry and construction engineers are now among the network’s core users, but it is also being harnessed in fields as diverse as flood control and recording road traffic accidents.

The roll-out of the new stations is set to be complete by Spring 2009, future proofing the network for the next 5-10 years with the ability to add future satellite signals. This includes the European Galileo system when it becomes available.

Ordnance Survey’s continuing investment in OS Net – which last year saw its extension in London to support the 2012 London Games and Thames Gateway redevelopment – reflects growing demand for a network that supports a wider choice of positioning applications.

Neil Ackroyd, Director of Data Collection and Management at Ordnance Survey, comments: "All our work is focused on providing the definitive geographic context for the places that we live and work. Businesses, government and individuals rely on our authoritative location data every day and this investment reflects our on-going commitment to maintaining those standards.

"I am delighted that Leica Geosystems will be supporting the future of OS Net. This is an exciting development for the future use of precisionGlobal Navigation Satellite Systems in this country."

David Price, Managing Director for Leica Geosystems UK and Ireland adds: "We are delighted to have been selected by Ordnance Survey to work with them on the next phase of such an exciting project. The award of this contract vindicates Leica Geosystems'strategy of continuous technical development.

"System 1200 GNSS receivers will future proof the updated network and will continue to provide reliable and accurate solutions for many years, across many diverse applications and industries."

Note to editors

Leica Geosystems is a registered trademark of Leica Geosystems.

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Head of Corporate Communications - Rob Andrews

Email: rob.andrews@ordnancesurvey.co.uk

Phone: (+44) 023 8079 2265

Senior Communications & PR Officer - Paul Beauchamp

Email: paul.beauchamp@ordnancesurvey.co.uk

Phone: (+44) 023 8079 2568

Press Office fax: (+44) 023 8030 5295