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Blighty's coolest mapper will flog its stuff to global buyers

Ordnance Survey to take geographic data skills overseas

Ordnance Survey (OS) is launching an international service intended to make its expertise about data collection and maintenance, product development and geospatial data management available to overseas governments.

To be known as Ordnance Survey International, the new organisation will be launched in September. It will be headed by Steven Ramage, former executive director at the Open Geospatial Consortium, a global body developing open geospatial standards.

The OS said that the new service will "help other countries around the world un-tap the multi-million pound potential of accurate geographic information".

Vanessa Lawrence, director general and chief executive at OS, said: "For some time we have been approached by other national mapping agencies to provide guidance and share our world renowned expertise.

"Following encouragement by ministers to export our skills, we have set up Ordnance Survey International so we can now work with overseas customers who wish to seek our assistance."

According to OS, last year Lawrence undertook a study into the spatial capability of Australia. The study was commissioned by the Australian government and carried out by Lawrence on behalf of the UK government.

Vince Cable, the business secretary said: "Ordnance Survey has a well defined strategy in providing their customers with accurate and efficient services, and a strong track record of working collaboratively with partners.

"This has continued with the development of the Public Data Group, and an international service was the obvious next step."

This article was originally published at Government Computing.

Government Computing covers the latest news and analysis of public sector technology. For updates on public sector IT, join the Government Computing Network here.

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