Mapping the future: OS data shapes a greener, safer, and more connected Britain

The range of data available from our new updates is supporting our customers to see a new level of detail of Great Britain, as never seen before.??

From field boundaries to buildings, land cover to transport networks, the range of location data now available is hugely varied and shows just how much information about Great Britain’s geography can be revealed.?

Creating a thriving planet with data to understand and preserve natural habitats??

By mapping ecosystems, tracking wildlife corridors, and identifying biodiversity hotspots, we empower conservationists to make informed decisions. To help create healthier ecosystems, thriving wildlife, and a more resilient planet.?

We’ve launched two major data enhancements to support biodiversity and environmental projects. By introducing a new detailed data layer, Field Boundary, and making enhancements to the existing natural Land Cover data.?

This is how the new location data is helping Greater Manchester's nature recovery strategy.?

New nicknames tool is helping to build a safer nation

The nicknames of landmarks around the UK are being used to help emergency workers pinpoint the location of incidents through the OS Vernacular Names Tool.?

The new tool includes the colloquial names for more than 9,000 places, including Jabba the hut, Drinking Dinosaur and Slippery Bottom.?

As part of our Public Sector Geospatial Agreement (PSGA), OS has also created an emergency services gazetteer - a comprehensive database of critical location, such as hospitals, fire and police stations.??

Besides emergencies, the new gazetteer is also set to support everyday services – from optimising delivery routes to enhancing public transport planning, and beyond.?

Supporting net zero goals with richer buildings data??

The new buildings data enhancements, as part of the latest National Geographic Database (NGD) updates are expected to be vital for helping the public sector tackle net zero policy and green energy initiatives around buildings.??

It will help users develop a better understanding about the energy performance of those buildings, for example insight into reducing carbon emissions from homes, or identifying hard-to-heat homes. Helping to develop policies and plans around meeting net zero targets, and influence future house designs to make them more sustainable.?

Reducing congestion and improving safety, with transport data for local authorities.??

Navigating Britain’s roads just got smarter, as we’ve created a routing one-stop shop for transport planners. Road networks, public transit data, real-time updates - it’s all integrated in the OS Multi-modal Routing Network (OS MRN).?

The new product will support local authorities as they develop their Transport Plans and Active Travel policies, ensuring they are aligned to government policy. They will be able to plan safe routes to schools and colleges and carry out improved routing analysis. Emergency services will also be able to plan expected response times for incidents and commercial organisations will also be able to optimise freight logistics.?

Resulting in smoother commutes, reduced congestion, and efficient logistics.?

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