New OS system will provide roads information

Ordnance Survey (OS) has created a new road network dataset that will bring together the best available information on the roads to create a single authoritative view of the network.

OS MasterMap® Highways Network can also be used to support street works planning and notification, and to help professionals make informed decisions with asset management and route planning.

In one single data source, OS now provides the essential facts about the physical dimensions, accessibility and ownership of roads and paths, and who is responsible for maintaining them. This includes current and future roads under construction, and a complete turn-by-turn, navigable road network of Great Britain. This has been achieved by enhancing and integrating Ordnance Survey’s high quality and accurate road network with expert external data provided by 174 local highway authorities, gathered and quality assured by GeoPlace LLP (a partnership between the Local Government Association and OS).

Roads Minister Andrew Jones (pictured left) said: “This new and innovative digital map will help local authorities and utilities companies better plan how to route traffic and keep it moving during roadworks, minimising disruption and cutting unnecessary delays to motorists. The Government has contributed £3 million for its development and this is on top of our existing £23 billion commitment to improving our road network, which will help make journeys safer, better and quicker.”

To create the product, OS consulted with organisations from across the public sector and with utility companies.

Mark Le Page (pictured right), products manger at OS, explains: “The aim of our collaboration with the public sector and utilities has been to simplify their lives with a complete picture. To help them increase their productivity and profitability, and to drive their efficiencies through better decision making made on the back of one single source for current and accurate data that is relevant to their needs. Having this information in one package should also reduce their costs associated with maintaining multiple datasets.”