A game changer for public safety and emergency services: the latest OS data updates

A game changer for public safety and emergency services: the latest OS data updates

Our latest data update provides emergency services with the most accurate and detailed location data available, and we’re ensuring that responders are better equipped to handle any situation that comes their way. 


Detailed building information such as number of floors to improve response times 

The updated OS National Geographic Database (OS NGD) includes comprehensive details about buildings, such as the number of floors. This information is crucial particularly in high-rise evacuations and crime analysis. Knowing the exact structure of a building can significantly improve response times and strategies. 

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An example of OS NGD number of floors data used to map fire severity risk


Enhanced access points for quicker access  

With over 1.5 million new access points, emergency responders have more entry locations for complex sites like schools, hospitals, and large commercial areas.  

“Fire services have always made great use of the data that OS provides to enable them to respond to incidents and to understand the risk in their communities, but the new data being released by OS far exceeds anything that has come before.” - Steve Taylor, Strategic Data Lead at the National Fire Chiefs Council. 

 

Bridge interactions for efficient route planning  

Showing where bridges exist with other networks (road, rail, or water) or footpaths will help emergency services identify the most efficient routes for planning management of and reaching incidents. 


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Managing large-scale events and security 

With improved situational awareness, responders can prepare more effectively for various scenarios. This proactive approach is essential for maintaining public safety and ensuring that emergency services are always a step ahead.  

“Ordnance Survey has a long history of supporting the emergency services with its trusted and accurate mapping data, which has become integral to the delivery of so many of their tasks. The more detailed data we can provide enables them to carry out these critical or routine services even more effectively, supporting a safer and more resilient Great Britain for all our citizens.” - John Kimmance, Chief Customer Officer at OS. 

The new location data has been released as part of the Public Sector Geospatial Agreement (PSGA). Explore on the OS Data Hub. 

This is great to see. Ordnance Survey have always responded quickly to these types of incidents. The more data Ordnance Survey has the quicker is is sent to those dealing with the incident and in this case time is saving lives.

Ben Gardiner

RNLI Lifeguard Services Risk and Implementation ben_gardiner@rnli.org.uk Self employed at ‘3penwinnickcottages.com’ no.3penwinnick@outlook.com

1y

Specific coastal data next please! Keep up the fantastic work.

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