A group of public authorities are beginning work on a data project as an early stage in Scotland’s Digital Planning Transformation programme.
The Improvement Service, the British Geological Survey (BGS) and the Key Agencies Group are working on a data pathfinder in advance of the full programme, aimed at creating a digital planning system for Scotland, which is due to kick off in the autumn.
Work on the pathfinder has begun in recent weeks using virtual team working and consultations. It involves looking at key aspects of data requirements, the required data standards and governance, and the appropriate usage methodologies for environmental data.
The project will also consider the range and depth of datasets available for use in planning, alongside current and future requirements. The latter will be led by the Environmental Evidence sub-group of the BGS and Key Agencies Group, building on work it has done with the Improvement Service and Scottish local authorities.
Spatial Hub factor
The Improvement Service – the agency that supports best practice in Scottish local government – said the project will benefit from earlier work on its Spatial Hub platform and research into environmental data requirements for the Local Development Plan process.
In a statement on the project it said: “This challenge should reinforce the outcomes arising from the pathfinder, and additionally influence the future direction of a digital and data driven planning system.”
A Digital Strategy for Planning in Scotland is expected to be published later this year.
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