04 June 2009

Ordnance Survey recognises partner innovation at conference

Six companies celebrated success at Ordnance Survey’s Partner Conference awards – thanks to their innovative use of geographic information.

Leica Geosystems, Mapflow, Garmin, ESRI (UK) and Senergy Econnect in partnership with Imass all triumphed with awards at a ceremony in St Albans, Hertfordshire.

The awards were held during Ordnance Survey’s Partner Conference, Location09, which was attended by organisations with products and services based on the mapping agency’s geographic information (GI).

"The partner community is a fundamental part of our business," says James Brayshaw, Sales and Market Development Director at Ordnance Survey. "Their innovation and solutions helps ensure that Ordnance Survey data underpins products and services right across the public and private sectors.

"Our awards reflect our recognition of their efforts and support. I’d like to congratulate all of the winners on their tremendous achievements during the past year – and wish them every success for the future."

Most innovative service in the land and property sector went to Leica’s SmartNet, which provides the surveying industry with a reliable and accurate GPS correction service. Based on Ordnance Survey’s own network, OS Net, SmartNet allows surveyors to harness the accuracy of real-time kinematic correction data without having their own reference stations.

In the banking, finance and insurance sector, Mapflow claimed the award for its Mapflow Geo product range, which brings location intelligence to the property insurance market to minimise risk, create business efficiencies and reduce claims costs.

Garmin, the world’s leading maker of mobile GPS devices, picked up the prize for most innovative product in the navigation sector for its GB Discoverer series which provides turn-by-turn directions based on OS Landranger Maps and OS Explorer Maps.

The award for most innovative service in the web or enterprise sector was a joint award between Imass and Senergy Econnect for their gridconnection.co.uk site. The website automates the initial assessment of connecting new renewable energy sources to the main electricity network, allowing developers to carry out assessments online within minutes.

The selection panel also picked out ESRI (UK) for a special award in recognition of its innovative use of GI in education. GI is increasingly playing a role within education, allowing students and teachers to engage in studies that promote critical thinking and integrated learning. ESRI has developed specially tailored initiatives for schools, colleges, universities, museums and libraries.

More than 200 delegates attended the conference, giving them a chance to meet and discuss future opportunities and uses of Ordnance Survey data. It was also a chance to hear the latest developments on Ordnance Survey's new business strategy which was launched in May.

In addition to presentations from key representatives of Ordnance Survey – including Director General and Chief Executive Vanessa Lawrence CB – there were many other high-profile speakers. Among them was Drayton Bird, the famous marketer, who discussed the use of direct marketing to maximum impact in difficult times. Dave Pepperell, Vice President of Innovation and Partner Development at Capgemini, was also on hand discussing his approach to innovation in identifying good candidates and then measuring success.

For more information, visit www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/partnerships 

The winners:

Mapflow

Simon de la Hoyde of Mapflow: “Mapflow are delighted to receive the Ordnance Survey award for most innovative product or service in banking, finance and insurance. This accolade is a great reflection of our commitment to our customers and we will continue to develop and create innovative solutions to this demanding market.”

Garmin

Laura Tomei, Product Manager at Garmin: “We are delighted to have been recognised with this award. Garmin constantly strives to produce innovative products and Garmin GB Discoverer offers, for the first time in Great Britain, the perfect combination of Ordnance Survey mapping and integrated turn-by-turn navigation."

ESRI (UK)

Mark Plews, Commercial Director, ESRI (UK): “We are delighted to receive this prestigious innovation award that recognises our ongoing commitment to our customers and business partners. As the UK’s leading GIS provider, we have always been innovation-focused, investing in really understanding the needs of the markets in which we operate and the challenges facing our customers. We look forward to continuing our strong relationship with Ordnance Survey and other partners.”

Senergy Econnect

Colin Matheson, Senergy Econnect Web Business Manager: "We are delighted to receive this prestigious award. It has been a real team effort, with Imass providing the web hosting and GIS expertise and Senergy Econnect the complex electrical modelling know-how. The renewable energy sector is one of the few growth areas in the economy, and we are pleased to be playing such a major role in this sector with this innovative new web service."

Leica Geosystems

David Price, Managing Director, Leica Geosystems: “Winning this award is a true milestone for SmartNet and represents the culmination of hard work, ongoing investment and commitment in offering our customers the best in class, value for money solution. SmartNet has received more awards than any other solution in the market and we are honoured once again to be recognised by Ordnance Survey with this achievement.”

 

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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