Ordnance Survey (OS) proposes to contribute content and examples highlighting real-world implementations that reflect the principles of a modern Spatial Data Infrastructure (SDI). Drawing on decades of experience in international SDI forums (e.g., UN-GGIM, INSPIRE), OS emphasizes the importance of improving data access, diversity, governance, and community engagement. This is illustrated through two flagship initiatives: the National Underground Asset Register (NUAR) and the OS Data Hub.
Key Features
- Improved Data Access
- NUAR: Secure access to underground infrastructure data across the UK.
- OS Data Hub: API and web-based access to authoritative national geographic data.
- More Diverse Data
- NUAR: Includes gas, water, electric, telecom, and local authority assets.
- OS Data Hub: Offers new thematic data (e.g., building materials, heights) and third-party data (e.g., BGS).
- Open Data Standards
- Both platforms use OGC standards (e.g., NGD APIs, MUDDI model).
- Data Transformation and Interoperability
- NUAR uses a harmonized data model derived from MUDDI. OS Data Hub supports both legacy and modern OGC APIs.
- Efficient Governance Structures
- Clear data stewardship roles (owners, custodians, stewards). Transparent data lifecycle management from collection to delivery.
- Legal and Policy Frameworks
- NUAR backed by the UK Data Bill (2025), with upcoming consultations on mandating participation. Flexible data sharing agreements for both platforms.
- Public–Private Collaboration
- 300+ signed data sharing agreements in NUAR. Broad engagement with both sectors to ensure trusted access.
- Diverse Communities of Users and Providers
- NUAR enables new use cases and stakeholders in safe excavation.
- OS Data Hub has expanded reach to developers, SMEs, and researchers.
- Training and Guidance
- OS shares principles for successful data sharing initiatives and promotes skill development through its projects.
Benefits & Impact
- Improved Infrastructure Safety and Efficiency
- NUAR reduces excavation risks and project delays by consolidating buried asset data.
- Scalable, Real-Time Data Access
- Both platforms deliver up-to-date, mobile-friendly access to key infrastructure and mapping data.
- Increased Participation and Interoperability
- Demonstrates how public and private data can be harmonized and governed effectively in a federated SDI model.
- Standards-Based Modernization
- Advances adoption of OGC APIs and conceptual models, improving cross-border compatibility and future-proofing SDI services.
- Model for Other Nations and Regions
- Provides best practice examples in SDI design and implementation that can be adapted globally.
Use Cases
- Infrastructure and utility management
- Public access to authoritative data
- Cross-sector data sharing
- SDI governance modeling
- Knowledge sharing and capacity building