17 November 2009

Mapping the future of Ordnance Survey

The Prime Minister has today announced that the public and others will have greater access to a range of Ordnance Survey data from next year, as part of a Government drive to open up data to improve efficiency and transparency.

          

The detail of this is still being worked through and a formal consultation period will begin in December to look at how these changes will be implemented. Ordnance Survey is committed to working with colleagues across government on developing these proposals. In the meantime we are focused on continuing to collect and maintain the most accurate mapping data of the whole of Great Britain as well as delivering an excellent service to our customers and partners.

Since May 2009 we have been in the process of implementing our new business strategy and we believe that much of this is still very relevant as we move forward.  

Ordnance Survey Chairman Sir Rob Margetts says: "I am delighted that the Prime Minister and John Denham have today made these proposals about releasing for free some of Ordnance Survey's data to support innovation, accountability and growth. I  also very much welcome the commitment made by Government to contribute to the cost of this. This on-going commitment is fundamental to maintaining the sustained quality of Ordnance Survey's data that has made the organisation a world leader in its field. The Board of Ordnance Survey will work very closely with Government, as well as our customers, partners and others to ensure that the proposals are fully developed for consultation and implementation next year."

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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