Office of Public Sector Information

Posted by: Bill Chadwick

Public Sector Information Holder: Ordnance Survey

Information Asset: Open DRM for OS Map Data Consumers

The problem

Currently consumers are unable to buy digital mapping from one OS reseller (e.g. Anquet, MemoryMap, SatMap, Garmin ...) and reuse it with another vendor's software. This is unfair as the map data is expensive and may well have usefulness that outlives the software and computing platform used to display it. This is a situation not unlike that of CDs within the music industry.

My ideal solution

The OS licensing model should enable consumer digital mapping data (1:50k, 1:25k raster + terrain data) to be moved by consumers, amongst computing platforms and storage media that they own and be displayed using any software of their choosing - even that of their own writing.

What I would do

Write and perhaps sell map display software.

Posted by: Benjamin Gould

Public Sector Information Holder: Ordnance Survey

Information Asset: OS data on Google Maps

The problem

At the moment it is not possible for Local Authorities and others to use the excellent Google Maps API in conjunction with Ordnance Survey data. This is because Ordnance Survey prohibit the use of any of their information (derived data) on Google Maps, apparently because of Google's terms and conditions.

My ideal solution

Ordnance Survey should reach an accommodation with Google, so public sector information, which often contains derived OS data, can be displayed on Google Maps. OS should update its guidance to Local authorities as soon as possible.

What I would do

Mashups of public sector information, using the excellent, easy and free Google Maps.

Posted by: Daniel Yates

Public Sector Information Holder: Ordnance Survey

Information Asset: Points of interest data

The problem

Ordnance Survey hold an extensive database of UK points of interest classified into hundreds of different categories.

The minimum value for a 'specific use contract' is £5k, making the database inaccessible to all but the best-funded sites.

http://www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/oswebsite/products/pointsofinterest/

My ideal solution

Either free data or, taking into account the cost of collection, variable pricing depending on the nature and quantity of records in each dataset.

What I would do

Use certain POI data in mashup form.

Posted by: Bill Chadwick, wheresthepath.googlepages.com

Public Sector Information Holder: Ordnance Survey

Information Asset: Administrative boundaries for UK

The problem

Community web mashups like FixMyStreet need to be able to attribute issues to a local authority/council by geographic location.

My ideal solution

Local council/authority bondary GIS polygon data to be in the public domian - free for any use.

What I would do

Build a 'TrafficRant' site where issues with local traffic flow can be logged by the public and brought to the attention of the appropriate local authority.

Posted by: Neil Houston

Public Sector Information Holder: Royal Mail Group

Information Asset: Postal Address Files

The problem

Historically UK citizens have not been able to access information pertaining to the UK postcode system, such as the mapping of these to the areas/co-ordinates they bound.

My ideal solution

Ideally the PAF main file available to download, this contains location information and then can be used in conjunction with OS Mapping etc. The royal mail do have this information available, but to date have not released it. If it could be released under some form of license, such as disallowing companies to utilise it (and therefore not affecting their sales of the PAF) then perhaps we will end with a happy compromise.

What I would do

It would be a resource for all, to allow them to provide more detail location information/context and surroundings of their areas.