The early version of the National Underground Asset Register (NUAR) has now been made available to relevant organisations in more parts of the country.
The Geospatial Commission has indicated that the digital map of sub-surface pipes and cables, currently in its minimum viable product (MVP) version, has been extended from its initial availability in the pilot regions of North-East England, Wales and London.
Its information sheet on the NUAR has been updated to take account of the change, which has come into effect this month and is part of the iterative delivery of the register.
There are plans for it to cover all of England, Wales and Northern Ireland by spring of next year.
“Following this release, the platform will be enhanced, both in terms of its features and data, based on feedback,” the note says. “All core functionality to meet the ‘safe dig’ use case is currently available, however ancillary features, like the ability for end users to report ‘observations’, will come later.”
Data and features
The NUAR incorporates data from local authorities and other public sector bodies, along with energy, water and telecommunication companies. The guidance document for its use emphasises that it is not a final product and says the current version should be used to complement rather than replace existing practices in dealing with pipes and cables.
The Geospatial Commission said that a list of organisations that have provided data for the register should soon become available for when users log in.
Its key features include an interactive map of the relevant assets, functions for assets and sites to be flagged as ‘sensitive’ and have ‘enhanced measures’ attached, a log of all requests to carry out relevant work, and general messaging on its role and limitations.
When launching the MVP in April the commission said the final version of the NUAR could deliver at least £350 million per year in economic growth.
