Britain’s Geospatial Commission has published an assessment of the effectiveness of UK geospatial data.

The data, assessed against the FAIR (findable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable) principles, found that, though positives have been found, work still needs to be done to apply it effectively and deliver benefits.

According to Independent Commissioner of the Geospatial Commission, Kru Desai, the UK has “some of the best geospatial data in the world,” and that the assessment found “much to celebrate”.

However, Desai added that the commission has not “shied away” from calling out where improvement must be made to bring “the greatest overall benefit” for the UK.

“The FAIR principles need to be applied more consistently, and we need a shift in culture and capabilities if the UK is to unlock the power of location,” Desai said.

Geospatial data is fast becoming one of the most important tools for understanding and acting on the challenges of the modern world.

Globally, location data capability will soon be a key factor in its competitiveness and quality of life.

The UK government has now published a National Data Strategy and a UK Geospatial Strategy with targeted interventions to unlock significant economic, social, and environmental value.

The commission’s assessment revealed a wide adoption of FAIR principles applied to UK geospatial data and overall, it is adequate for its current use.

However, they found that there were wider and systemic challenges to address, such as in areas where the data needs better integration to support emerging and future challenges.

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In Scotland, high quality metadata is seen as key to understanding whether data is fit for purpose, has value, and is reliable – particularly if it is used to make decisions on government policy.

According to researchers at SpatialData.gov.scot, spatial data managed by public sector bodies should be “collected and shared in a manner that is open, minimises duplication and encourages re-use”.

Commenting on the assessment, John Kimmance, Managing Director, Ordnance Survey (OS) National Mapping Services, said: “It is so important that we continuously improve how customers find, access and use geospatial data.

“We are proud to be working with the Geospatial Commission to ensure that the foundations of geospatial in Britain are fit for purpose.

“The Geospatial Commission will work with partners to agree a Code of Practice for the implementation of FAIR data. The new Code of Practice will embrace the diversity of the geospatial market to ensure that, for UK geospatial data, FAIR is transparently and consistently applied.”

Peter Sparkes, Chief Executive, UK Hydrographic Office, added: “We welcome the report and look forward to continuing to take a leading role in ensuring common, international principles are applied to optimise the use, management and governance of our national marine geospatial data assets, in support of safe, secure and thriving oceans.”

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