National mapping agency Ordnance Survey (OS) is set to take charge of the National Underground Asset Register, the data resource on underground pipes and cables in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) announced the move, adding that a public beta version of the NUAR will be made available in spring 2025 to enable its use by relevant organisations.
OS will take over the operation of the resource over the next few months from engineering company AtkinsRéalis, which has worked with the Geospatial Commission in developing a minimum viable product. The commission will retain oversight of long term policy and performance.
The OS board has agreed to run the NUAR as part of its public task on a cost recovery basis.
Extending availability
Plans are also in place to further develop the NUAR from its current status as a minimum viable product, under which its use is constrained to testing and feedback, into a public beta service. At that point it will be available for use in real life situations by eligible asset owners, their contractors and accredited surveyors.
Traditionally they have had to contact multiple organisations and wait several days for information on water, gas, electricity and telecommunications pipes and cables. DSIT said the new service will enable them to obtain the information instantly to carry out their work safely and effectively.
It added that the NUAR includes features to keep data secure and improve its quality over time.
Baroness Jones of Whitchurch, parliamentary under-secretary of state at DSIT, said: “We are committed to unlocking the power of data to reduce disruptions to the public and help deliver economic growth across the UK.
“From spring, NUAR will minimise the chance of accidental damage to the pipes and cables beneath our feet, protecting the supply of gas, water and electricity to our homes and businesses.
“By harnessing the Ordnance Survey’s centuries of expertise in managing critical national geographic data, we will ensure this service can deliver for the public and industry from Newcastle to Newport and Brighton to Belfast.”
Applying expertise
Nick Bolton, chief executive officer of OS, said: “We are excited to apply our expertise in mapping Great Britain above ground, to the infrastructure below it.
“This innovative digital map shows how collaboration, between private sector and government, can bring huge economic benefit to the nation. Being trusted to operate a critical national asset, such as NUAR, is recognition of our enduring capabilities and we are delighted to be responsible for running this service.”
Scotland has a similar resource, the Scottish Community Apparatus Data Vault.
