Digital maps to be made available in open data and premium versions next year under the One Scotland Mapping Agreement
A digital map of publicly accessible greenspace in Scotland is set for release in March of next year.
UK mapping agency Ordnance Survey said the new dataset will build on the Scottish Greenspace Map from 2011 to provide a comprehensive view of location, extent and type of recreational spaces across the country.
The project will involve the delivery of two detailed datasets. An open data version will be available for download through the OS Maps app, while the premium version will provide more detailed information to support work by public sector organisations and academics on planning, management and research on greenspaces.
The map is being developed by Ordnance Survey in a partnership with the Scottish Government, greenspace Scotland and other public sector organisations under the One Scotland Mapping Agreement. After its release it will be updated annually.
Access benefits
Kevin Stewart, Scotland’s minister for local government and housing, said: “Evidence shows that improving access to local greenspace benefits physical health, mental well-being and provides social opportunities. That’s why earlier this year we added it as a new national indicator, to enable us to track progress.
“The Greenspace Map helps identify where there is a lack of greenspace or of particular types of open space so that local authorities, public sector partners and community groups can develop plans to address this and take action to improve access within local neighbourhoods.”
Image by Rab-k (amended), copyrighted free use via Wikimedia Commons
