Month: April 2009

I must commend the Ordnance Survey for publishing their new strategy as a wordpress blog, along the lines of the Power of Information final report, this is really a very good idea.

It’s a pity it’s not working at the moment, hope the error message is not a bad sign..I’m sure this is a server issue rather than second thoughts about the blog format.

Anyway it terms of high level content, it’s the expected classic civil service compromise, no free data but the promise of improved licensing and an innovation programme. An expanded OpenSpace, still restricted in terms of full-commercial use, although hopefully changes will allow more mash-ups .

Why the OS could have not have made these changes this three or more years ago would be a fair question to ask.

The new more commercial Ordnance Survey entity will I’m sure prove to be controversial for many as it will be competing with existing commercial partners on a “level playing field” while at the same time branded as Ordnance Survey.

Lets hope this is the first sign of a more open Ordnance Survey, ready to listen more to the community that has little choice but to use it.

Written and submitted from the Nottingham University, Nottingham using my three UMTS modem.

The Treasury has spoken.. (that in itself gives you a sense of where this might be heading !!)

From the Treasury Operational Efficiency Programme report published yesterday..

“The OEP has concluded so far that Ordnance Survey needs to be more customer-focused and  commercially driven. The Government is therefore publishing a new commercial strategy for  the Ordnance Survey on their website. 

The new strategy balances the requirement to  maintain the highest quality standards with the need to significantly enhance ease of access  to geographic data and services for both commercial and non-commercial use.   

The new strategy seeks to equip Ordnance Survey to thrive in and better support competition and innovation in a wider geographical information market that is being transformed by advances in technology.  It is a significant and ambitious programme of change. The Government has set key milestones for delivery in 6 and 12 months’ time and beyond, as well as a process for independent review and challenge of progress. 

If sufficient progress is not made to promote competition and innovation in these timescales, the Government will consider further reforms. Opportunities to accelerate the delivery of initiatives through introducing further commercial experience and capabilities will be fully explored over the coming year. ”

So all eyes on www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk

Written and submitted from the Google Office, London.