Ordnance Survey (OS) has agreed to collaborate on the use of the geospatial data to modernise planning practice and help deliver the government’s development and growth agenda.
The agreement signed with Digital Task Force for Planning represents a commitment to work together to promote the importance of research and development to generate digital innovations that will improve mainstream planning practices.
The aim is to support the government’s planing reforms and deliver zero carbon and other economic and social goals the government has committed to.
As the OS explains, it and the task force are focused on “transforming the spatial planning process through digital technology and trusted data that will empower planners to prioritise communities and promote multifunctional land use in both urban and rural areas”.
OS data, such as OS NGD Address, is considered critical in supporting economic growth, whether that’s in understanding where to develop new towns and renewable energy sources, or in mapping out existing assets such as schools and hospitals.
Such data offers “valuable insight” that can be combined with the joint expertise of both organisations to help “ensure stability, investment and reform” that will result in more sustainable and healthy communities.
Nick Bolton, chief executive of OS, said: “Accurate and detailed location data enables planners and decision makers to visualise the bigger picture and consider what can and should happen where.
“By combining forces, we’re excited to take this collaboration forward with the common goal of integrating data, science and innovation. This will improve the planning process and establish long-term, sustainable infrastructure for social and economic development.”
Dr Wei Yang, chief executive of Digital Task Force for Planning, added: “We are delighted to join forces with Ordnance Survey to integrate digital planning with geospatial innovation for the lasting benefit of society.
“Digitally enabled spatial planning can transform how we address the UK’s needs for housing, infrastructure, and resources while protecting natural capital and improving public health. It will enhance planning engagement, improve efficiency, and leverage data, science, and innovation for intelligent, evidence-based decisions, fostering a more sustainable future for all.”
OS has been providing accurate location data and insights for governments, businesses, and consumers for more than 230 years. Last year, the organisation announced its most significant digital transformation milestone in over a decade, providing faster and easier access to location data for customers across the public and private sectors.
The Digital Task Force for Planning is devoted to digital planning with the ambition to promote digital integration and advancement in spatial planning to tackle the challenges in the 21st century.
The task force was established in February 2021 and was the first social enterprise supported by the Geovation Accelerator Programme, which is backed by OS and HM Land Registry to support and enable early-stage startups to bring their ideas to life.
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