DfT backed collaboration with GeoPlace produces new tool for highways authorities
National mapping agency Ordnance Survey (OS) has launched a new digital road map for highways management backed by £3 million from the Department for Transport (DfT).
Named OS MasterMap Highways Network, it has been designed with GeoPlace – OS’s joint venture with the Local Government Association – using information it gathers from local highway authorities into the National Street Gazetteer (NSG) and Trunk Road Street Gazetteer for England and Wales.
It provides the essential data around physical dimensions, accessibility, ownership of roads and paths and who is responsible for maintaining them. This includes existing roads and those under construction.
Details include the unique street reference number (USRN), street name, road number and maintenance responsibility, elementary street unit (ESU) and other features provided by local highway authorities through the NSG.
Roadworks purpose
The DfT made the funding available in 2014 for Ordnance Survey to develop a product that authorities could use in managing and coordinating roadworks.
Andrew Jones (pictured centre), minister for roads, said: “This new and innovative digital map will help local authorities and utilities companies better plan how to route traffic and keep it moving during roadworks, minimising disruption and cutting unnecessary delays to motorists.
“The Government has contributed £3 million for its development and this is on top of our existing £23 billion commitment to improving our road network, which will help make journeys safer, better and quicker.”
Mark Le Page, products manager at OS, said: “The aim of our collaboration with the public sector and utilities has been to simplify their lives with a complete picture.
“To help them increase their productivity and profitability, and to drive their efficiencies through better decision making made on the back of one single source for current and accurate data that is relevant to their needs. Having this information in one package should also reduce their costs associated with maintaining multiple datasets.”
Image: Mark Le Page, Andrew Jones and Baz Leotak of GeoPlace at the launch of OS MasterMap Highways Network
