04 November 2009

Putting people on the map with OS OpenSpace

A new mobile phone-based locating service that allows you to view a person’s position to within 10 metres is the first fully commercial application to use OS OpenSpace Pro.



The innovative mobile phone device, called Locatorz, works by using a mobile phone’s GSM connection to transmit its position to the Locatorz server by sending a GPS signal. From this signal Locatorz plots the information on to an Ordnance Survey map and sends it to a viewable, secure Internet page.

For Locatorz relies on the world-renowned accuracy and level of detail of Ordnance Survey mapping. The online service is built on the OS OpenSpace platform and allows smooth panning and zooming to locate colleagues, friends or loved ones. OS OpenSpace is one of the most detailed online mapping products, with scales ranging from an outline of Great Britain down to a street‑view scale where properties can be identified.

OS OpenSpace Pro is designed for use with high-volume and commercial websites and builds on the success of OS OpenSpace, a free online mapping application for community groups and web developers. 

James Brayshaw, Ordnance Survey Director of Sales and Market Development, comments: “We are very pleased that Locatorz has chosen to develop their service on the back of Ordnance Survey data using the OS OpenSpace platform. This is a great example of rapid innovation being enabled by Ordnance Survey.

“The success and unique nature of the Locatorz service relies on the accuracy and detail of Ordnance Survey data. By using OS OpenSpace Pro Locatorz have the perfect online solution to allow users to locate the whereabouts of their selected people.”

The Locatorz service is ideal for a variety of users, ranging from small businesses to individuals.  Doctors, district nurses, estate agents, social workers, bailiffs, taxi drivers and many other people are often called to visit locations where their safety may be an issue. Ensuring that their location is viewable significantly enhances their personal security. In addition, it can also be used by individuals and families to locate children, and elderly and vulnerable relatives.

Guy Norgrove, CEO at Locatorz, added: “We are very proud to promote that Locatorz is enabled by Ordnance Survey and we have the reassurance that the service is built on the most reliable and consistent mapping around. OS OpenSpace has provided us with a fantastic platform for users to accurately locate people to within 10 metres.”

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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