The new professional accreditation programme will create a specialist network of GI experts who will work with the national mapping agency in supporting, and providing technical advice to government, commercial and international customers.

The global use of GI, and recognition of the important role that accurate mapping data can play in supporting economies, governments, commercial organisations and individuals, is at an all time high. Today, Ordnance Survey data is being used extensively across the private and public sector to drive efficiencies and underpin decision making. In addition, GI is being used by new audiences, and the challenge for Ordnance Survey and the industry is how best to foster new collaboration between ‘non-traditional’ partners to drive the geospatial innovation agenda forward.

The new professional accreditation programme will see Ordnance Survey working more collaboratively with experts from around the world, providing support, technical expertise and consultancy to a diverse range of customers in both traditional and non traditional markets. Under the new programme, Ordnance Survey will develop two communities for the Accredited Consultants and Accredited Technical Specialists.

The Accredited Consultants will be independent experts with a track record of providing external consultancy on strategic planning, design and implementation.

The Accredited Technical Specialists will be individuals with a track record of providing technical consultancy, including advice on Ordnance Survey data and services, to end-use customers within live operations environments – both government and commercial customers.

Community members will benefit from using the globally recognised Ordnance Survey name and logo, have the opportunity to add business contact details to the Ordnance Survey website, have access to the established OS Insight programme, and access to exclusive community events, forums and online resources.

James Brayshaw, Director of Sales and Market Development, comments: “These experts will work with Ordnance Survey providing specialist advice and skills to all our markets. This could range from strategic government customers who access Ordnance Survey data via the Public Sector Mapping Agreement (PSMA), to new commercial companies looking to create innovative products using mapping data.

“We have seen an explosion in the use of GI across the globe and we want to ensure that all our customers are using their mapping data to its full potential. By collaborating with the best industry experts, and sharing our strengths and skills, we aim to provide consultancy services that will deliver advice and solutions that our customers will value.

“This is an exciting programme and I am confident that we can help Ordnance Survey customers create new and innovative products and services, as well as using GI to deliver valuable efficiencies and savings.

For more information on the new accredited programme, and how to join the scheme, please visit www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/accreditation.