14 July 2009

Map-makers from around the world plot course to Southampton

Leading experts in geography and geographic information from across the globe have converged on Southampton to discuss geography and the impact of the economic downturn.

The event, entitled CC: The Exchange, is hosted by Britain’s national mapping agency, Ordnance Survey. The conference, last held in 2005, complements the long running and more formal Cambridge Conference last held in 2007 and reflects the desire among delegates to come together more often as the pace of world change continues to increase. 

A range of representatives from national mapping and cadastral agencies, including those from the United States, New Zealand, Nepal and Ethiopia, will hear keynote addresses from Professor Jacqueline McGlade, Executive Director of the European Environment Agency and Stuart Haynes OBE, Director Defence Geographic Centre, among others.

“This is an opportunity for experts from around the world to discuss and agree actions the geographic information community can take to alleviate the problems brought about by the economic environment,” says Sallie White, Ordnance Survey’s International Engagement Manager. “We will be examining the impact of the downturn on countries both in the developed and developing world as well as the role that geography can play in connecting people in the fight against climate change.

“We have a full agenda which we hope will be stimulating, informative and above all enjoyable.” 

Delegates are staying in historic Winchester and will be welcomed with a reception hosted by the Mayor at the city’s museum on Sunday afternoon.

Most discussions and meetings will then take place at Ordnance Survey’s business centre but there will also be visits to the UK Hydrographic Office in Taunton, the Land Registry in Portsmouth and the Defence Geographic Centre in Berkshire.

Delegates will also hear about the latest developments at Ordnance Survey, including the new business strategy which was launched in May, the enhanced free web mapping platform, OS OpenSpace, and the community network called GeoVation, which seeks to encourage individuals and businesses to make innovating use of geographic information.

CC: The Exchange takes place from Sunday 12 July to Wednesday 15 July. 
For more information visit www.cambridgeconference.com

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Head of Corporate Communications - Rob Andrews

Email: rob.andrews@ordnancesurvey.co.uk

Phone: (+44) 023 8005 5563

Senior Communications & PR Officer - Paul Beauchamp

Email: paul.beauchamp@ordnancesurvey.co.uk

Phone: (+44) 023 8005 5564

Press Office fax: (+44) 023 8005 6156