Santa gains exclusive access to cutting-edge AI mapping product
New data will help him make safe sleigh landings across Great Britain
Press Office
The machine learning tool used by Ordnance Survey provides comprehensive intelligence on 40 million roof tops in the country – vital data to ensure Santa’s reindeers and sleigh can land safely and efficiently this Christmas.
The AI technology can identify what aspect a roof has, its shape – whether it is flat or pitched – and what material it is made from. The data, to be released in Spring 2025, has been generated through machine learning processes, and currently 90 per cent of rooftops in the country have already been mapped.
While the data is still being developed, OS is calling on the help of Santa to test the product this Christmas Eve.
"This intelligent data powered by AI technology is going to be a make Santa’s task much smoother this Christmas. He’ll be able to pinpoint certain rooftops and decide how he should land his sleigh! It identifies if a roof top is made of tile, slate, stone – whether it’s thatched, metal, glass, polycarbonate, asphalt, concrete, waterproof membrane, fabric, or has solar panels or a green roof."
The new data is being created through machine learning processes, combined with aerial imagery to identify and classify the nation’s rooftops.
This Christmas, Santa is also expected to benefit from other recent OS data enhancements that including building height information, and the number of floors found in high-rise buildings.
John added: “OS data is relied on everyday by a range of customers to underpin their products and services. It’s not only Santa who relies on OS data during the festive season – logistics and parcel companies need it to deliver presents to people’s front doors.”
Sectors expected to benefit from the data when it is released include energy companies, insurers, emergency services, and local government.
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What is the OS National Geographic Database?
The OS National Geographic Database (NGD) is a single store of Ordnance Survey’s authoritative data for Great Britain. It’s built for analytical uses and is designed to be the bedrock of more intelligent solutions. It reduces the complexity towards insight and getting the answers you need.
Data from the OS NGD can be accessed via the OS Data Hub using our OS Select+Build configuration and download service or via APIs.