Ordnance Survey’s Managing Director of National Mapping Services, John Kimmance, highlights that geospatial and location technologies will play a key role in 2022, and are a part of UKs focus on tech-driven sustainability and innovation
Ordnance Survey, Great Britain’s National Mapping Service, certainly requires no introduction. With a long and illustrious history going all the way back to 1791, the organization has been at the forefront of mapping and cartography.
Over the years, it has consistently evolved, modernized and adopted technological processes and solutions. Mapping for an interconnected, digital world is inconceivable without geospatial data and location technologies. Ordnance Survey has been the pace-setter of latest innovations in data and location that make geographic visualizations more interactive, insightful and precise. Innovation, exactitude and transformation to serve societies has been the hallmark of Ordnance Survey.Â
As 2022 begins with fresh hopes, the technology world is abuzz with tech convergence becoming a force multiplier. The increasing salience of pinpointed location and sharp data analytics amidst this would further enable latest innovations.
John Kimmance, Managing Director of National Mapping Services at OS, highlights some key trends that will endure this year. Kimmance leads a team of geospatial experts whose main task is ensuring the delivery of Public Sector Geospatial Agreement (PSGA). He also ensures that location data continues to support critical infrastructure and services, underpins decision making, and drives efficiencies.
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What do you think would be the one key trend for the year 2022 that will impact a lot of spheres?
In 2022, we need to ensure that sustainability is at the core of every single business decision. It is going to be a key driver in ensuring that we tackle mounting global challenges surrounding climate change and achieving net zero – enabling us all to the see the world as a better place for the current generations as well as posterity. Â
Location data is going to be critical over the next twelve months and beyond in supporting green finance and reducing our carbon footprint.
What is one takeaway from last year that will endure in 2022?
The last twelve months highlighted the importance of location data and the benefit of being able to join different datasets to gain insights in order to make better decisions and deliver significant outcomes, such as the government’s response to the pandemic.
Good quality data equals better decisions for government’s, for organizations, and for everyone. We’ll see that the value of location data will continue to increase in 2022.
What would be Ordnance Survey’s focus for the year. You have hitherto been always ahead of the curve in adopting advanced technology solutions, will the same momentum continue in AI and Machine Learning?
At Ordnance Survey, we’re focused on how we can better utilize innovative techniques to enhance and improve the data we deliver to our customers. We are also working on newer and innovative ways to capture that data. Precise, high-quality data is vital for us as it supports our team of over 200 surveyors on the ground.
The big focus for 2022 is around satellite imagery and earth observation data. The frequency with which satellites pass over the country, enables us to provide a more rapid view of change.
We are investing into AI and Machine Learning, which teaches machines to extract certain information from imagery using algorithms, supplementing the accurate data from our surveyors. It enables us as an organization to quickly and more efficiently capture up-to-date data and provide insights needed for a positive change.
UK government is always big on ground-breaking technology, scientific advancements and innovations. Could you briefly tell us about some of the government’s priorities for 2022?
The UK government has underscored three high-level objectives – sustainability, levelling-up and becoming a scientific superpower. All of these require painstaking efforts complemented by a significant amount of data to underpin effective policy making and delivery, from a government perspective, as well as to achieve economic growth
What do you think should change fundamentally this year regarding approach, outlook and vision?
I would like to reiterate that sustainability is a crucial focus area right now and we need to ensure that it figures conspicuously in the matrix of decision-making. However, there also needs to be more recognition in the value of location data and drawing on the power of trusted and authoritative geospatial information in helping to hit net zero targets.
Location data gives the world a vital lens to assess the impact of the climate crisis. Its recognition as a fundamental enabler in solving global challenges and supporting sustainability plans is critical.Â
What do you think about the trajectory of innovation and socio-economic developments in a post-Covid scenario?
Post Covid, I see a number of socio-economic impacts. One example is the rise of hybrid working to support work-life balance. This creates greater job opportunities for people who need/want flexible working and opens up opportunities no matter where you live.
Organizations offering these flexibilities in the earlier lockdowns, OS included, saw the benefits through increased recruitment success.
We are witnessing a permanent shift in employee expectations. Many employers now recognize the need to provide flexible working to both attract and retain employees in order to remain competitive. This drives the need for improved technology and outreach and also towards newer ways to maintain and build an organizational culture that’s engaging and offers a sense of belonging.
