20 May 2009

New era for geographic information provision in Scotland

Public sector organisations in Scotland now have access to Ordnance Survey mapping data under a single agreement for the first time.

The Scottish Finance Secretary, John Swinney, was joined in Edinburgh by Iain Wright, UK Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, to sign the agreement between the Scottish Government and Ordnance Survey.

Local and central government organisations, as well as some Scottish NHS members, will now benefit from being part of a single agreement for Ordnance Survey data. This new agreement, known as “One Scotland”, includes 72 organisations, with provision for over 100 more, and will result in significant cost savings and greater data sharing.

John Swinney said: “This is a good example of co-operation between two government departments – the Scottish Government and Ordnance Survey. It shows how the Scottish public sector, acting together, can improve the way that public services are provided to the people of Scotland.

“Ordnance Survey maps are used widely by the Scottish public sector and their quality is beyond doubt. This agreement marks a major step forward and will mean much greater flexibility of use of geographic information, and increased use of Ordnance Survey’s excellent data.”

The new four year deal replaces the local government Mapping Services Agreement, the Pan Government Agreement for central government and the pilot NHS agreement. It will give access to a wide range of geographic data to aid the provision of public services.

Iain Wright added: “Good maps and geographical data help us to make the best decisions for our lives from planning where our road crossings should be, to where police should patrol, to the best evacuation routes in a flood.

"This pioneering new agreement puts geographical information at the heart of public sector policy in Scotland by ensuring local and central government has access to Ordnance Survey mapping data under a single agreement for the first time. This will result in significant cost savings and greater data sharing that will drive forward improvements in public services.”

The One Scotland agreement includes a broad range of Ordnance Survey data, including OS MasterMap Topography and Integrated Transport Network Layers as well as almost all the supporting scales of mapping. This data will support a diverse range of services including environmental planning, community development initiatives, the digital television switch over, estate management and habitat mapping.

Ordnance Survey Director General and Chief Executive, Vanessa Lawrence CB, said: “Thanks to the One Scotland agreement public services in Scotland will now have greater and more flexible access to geographic information than ever before helping to drive innovation and underpin key public service.”

James Brayshaw, the Ordnance Survey Director responsible for the agreement added: “The ability to quickly and easily share geographic information throughout the public sector in Scotland will make it easier for organisations to work together. This will undoubtedly be of great benefit to both the public and staff alike." 

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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