26 September 2008

Ordnance Survey promotes third sector use of geographic information

Ordnance Survey is launching a campaign to raise awareness among third sector organisations of their ability to gain access to mapping data as contractors to government.

Direct mail and dedicated web pages will highlight the range of opportunities available to organisations supporting the wider public-sector agenda.

They include voluntary and community groups, charities and cooperatives contracting with public‑sector bodies to deliver government policy on issues such as social cohesion and sustainable communities.

“The third sector has an increasing responsibility in helping to implement and add value to public‑sector policy,” says Ordnance Survey’s Director General and Chief Executive, Vanessa Lawrence. “As so many parts of government are already licensees of our information, we wish to ensure third sector organisations are aware that they can also use our data under existing licences where they are contractors to the public sector. Our information can play a key role in supporting activities and work packages delivered under contract to government.”

As the national mapping agency, Ordnance Survey produces maps and data used pervasively by hundreds of local authorities and central-government organisations delivering essential frontline services.

Its field surveyors throughout Britain work to a consistent data capture and maintenance regime, underpinning national standards, data sharing and the joining up of government activities. In excess of 5 000 changes are made to the master map of Great Britain every day, reflecting the changing landscape. 

Government bodies have access to a wide portfolio of Ordnance Survey information through two collective purchasing agreements. Products include highly detailed topographic, address and road network data. Any third sector organisation undertaking work for an existing licensee can also access and use the data.

Due to the increasingly important role the third sector plays in both society and the economy, the Office of the Third Sector was formed in 2006 and placed at the centre of government in the Cabinet Office. The Office of the Third Sector is developing an environment that enables the third sector to thrive, growing in its contribution to Britain's society, economy and environment; through enabling campaigning and empowerment, strengthening communities, transforming public services and enabling social enterprises.

"We welcome this very positive move by Ordnance Survey,” says Campbell Robb, Director General of the Office of the Third Sector. “There is a wealth of information here which the sector could access. We would encourage all third sector organisations to think about how they could use the data that Ordnance Survey provides to help them improve their services to users both locally and nationally.” 

For more information from Ordnance Survey, visit www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/third-sector 

More information on the Office of the Third Sector is available at www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/third_sector

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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