The Government’s newly created Geospatial Commission has put out a call for evidence to feed into the UK’s first national strategy on using geospatial data.
It has published a questionnaire based on three high level themes that could help its approach in setting a strategy.
One is support for innovation in the geospatial sector, exploring how to secure the skills, access to data and opportunities from emerging technologies. Second is to enhance the UK’s geospatial assets, looking at how best to align interests, avoid duplication and instill best practice across the public sector.
Third is to drive investment and productivity in geospatial applications, looking at which wider sectors can provide the most value from geospatial data.
The supporting document also highlights the potential to bring together existing data from organisations such as Ordnance Survey and HM Land Registry with that from new technologies such as AI and blockchain. It says that applying the emerging technologies to local data creates the opportunity to create new value and spread the benefits across the public sector.
Minister for the Cabinet Office David Lidington (pictured) said: “The data revolution is changing the way we see the world and the way we live our lives - and this government is determined to make the most of the opportunities it presents.
“The launch of today’s call for evidence is another key milestone in the Geospatial Commission’s exciting journey. We want to hear how the use of geospatial data can support economic growth and productivity across the UK, while transforming how public services are delivered.
“This is crucial in helping to inform the UK’s first ever Geospatial Strategy, which the Government will launch next year.”
The Geospatial Commission was set up earlier this year with the aim of maximising the value of data linked to location, with a forecast it could generate £11 billion per year for the national economy. It is also expected to support new digital public services.
The commission is aiming to publish the strategy and its annual plan in spring of next year.
Image from GOV.UK, Open Government Licence v3.0
