- creation of a national framework to boost economic,
social and environmental value
- location data improves people’s lives and drives
innovation by connecting people, organisations and services
The government has published a
strategy setting out how the UK will unlock the
power of location data.
Location data, also known as geospatial data, is used
across sectors as diverse as infrastructure, housing and
retail.
Cabinet Office Minister, , today launched
Unlocking the Power of Location: the UK’s geospatial
strategy. He said:
Rapid technological advances over the last 15 years have
put sat navs in cars, maps on our phones, wearable
sensors around our wrists and smart devices in our homes
– all of which are integral to millions of lives. The
application of location data is critical for navigating
our new digital world, and for making the UK a better
place for everyone.
As well as making everyday lives easier, location data
has the potential to unite and level up the country – by
connecting people, organisations and services. This
government will unleash Britain’s potential to lead the
world in the data revolution, and keep us at the
forefront of scientific and technological innovation.
The strategy sets out the first steps that the Geospatial
Commission and its partners will carry out across four
areas.
This includes the next phase of the National Underground
Asset Programme (NUAR), which looks to digital map pipes
and cables underground, publishing guidance for the ethical
use of location data and technology and the piloting of an
International Geospatial Service in 2021 to showcase and
export UK geospatial expertise across the world. These
activities will drive innovation and boost the economy
across the UK over the coming years.
Sir Andrew Dilnot, the Chair of the Geospatial
Commission, said:
Location data already has a significant impact on our
lives. Better location data will help us to make more
informed decisions on everything from where to build new
schools and hospitals, to how to manage precious
resources such as land and energy, creating economic,
social and environmental value.
It will guide development of future technologies, such as
autonomous vehicles and advanced digital representations
that will support improved UK competitiveness and quality
of life. The Geospatial Commission was set up to take
advantage of the significant opportunities that location
data and technology offer to the UK.
The National Geospatial Strategy will be launched by
at Digital Leaders on
16 June 2020, an online summit attended by leaders from
across the country who are focused on driving forward
digital transformation.
For further information contact us at geospatialcommission@cabinetoffice.gov.uk
