Laser-Scan is currently completing a successful generalisation project with the Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (CEH) and Ordnance Survey Great Britain. Laser-Scan produced a prototype generalised OS MasterMap dataset, creating a new spatial framework for CEH’s forthcoming Land Cover Map 2007. CEH is the UK’s Centre of Excellence for research in the land and freshwater environmental sciences. The Land Cover Map is part of the Countryside Survey programme, which monitors the landscape of Great Britain every 8 to 10 years.
OS MasterMap is a data rich product containing land parcel information at a level of detail that is not necessary in the final Land Cover Map. By using Laser-Scan’s generalisation technology, CEH were able to achieve customised land parcels specific to their needs. Use of OS MasterMap as a base dataset ensures data accuracy and speeds up processes such as information collation and digital checking. The next Land Cover Map will also be business-ready, as it should fit over any system that is already using OS MasterMap data.
