Ordnance Survey has completed a number of significant data enhancements to its OS National Geographic Database Buildings data.

Its most significant update in four years will be of particular benefit to users across the public sector and emergency services, as well as the insurance and financial sectors.

For this release, OS has partnered with data analytics experts at Verisk, which has created and supplied data for building age, construction material and basement presence – while building descriptions come from OS data. Surveyors from OS will capture age, construction material and basement presence for new buildings.

The dataset will give the Fire Services improved situational awareness and insight around fire risk management.  It is also expected to support insurers when underwriting and carrying out peril risk models.

Finally, the new enhancements are expected to support public sector organisations looking for environmental and sustainability initiatives related to specific buildings.

Lead for PSGA investment at OS, Jessica Gaskell, said: “This new product is providing data that we have never provided before free at the point of use for the public sector, consistently modelled and applied across Great Britain to give users a comprehensive picture of the built environment in the country.

“It will be useful for any public sector professional involved in property or asset management related to buildings – such local authorities or central government – particularly if their work is linked to the net zero agenda.

“Decarbonisation and net-zero targets cover so many organisations, whether that’s local authorities, central government, DLUHC, Homes England, Housing Associations, or anybody who has a major responsibility for housebuilding or for commercial buildings. There’s going to be a huge focus on modelling the energy performances of buildings to improve the design, reuse of materials, retrofitting and green energy solutions in future years.”


Image courtesy: Ordnance Survey

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