Ordnance Survey (OS) was the first national mapping agency in the world to digitise its geospatial database, and it’s using this experience to develop the first geospatial data model for Malta.
The project, known as MaltaMap, is part of a desire to build a modern Spatial Data Infrastructure across Malta’s various government departments through the SIntegraM Project. It consists primarily of the islands of Malta and Gozo.
Working alongside project lead, the geospatial solution provider IIC Technologies, OS has created a detailed base map model that provides an accurate representation of the built and unbuilt environment of the islands.
Social and economic benefits
The team from OS are building on the experience of OS MasterMap to support the project. OS MasterMap, a large scale topographic map of Great Britain, was launched over 17 years ago and has become an important national dataset underpinning products and services across both the private and public sector. It supports the land and property sector, transport, utilities, and financial services among others. OS MasterMap has become the recognised geospatial dataset to help connect data and underpin innovative and smart projects in Great Britain.
“We’re delighted to be part of the team delivering what will be a vital service and asset to Malta,” Peter Hedlund, managing director of Ordnance Survey International, said. “Once the geospatial database is in place I am confident it will begin delivering significant social and economic benefits as it has done here in Great Britain.
“Our initial activity is focusing on sharing our skills and expertise in geospatial data management and the data capture processes. We have been on the same journey - developing a national geospatial model - and we fully understand what works and most importantly what doesn’t. We will be delivering full training to the Maltese experts. It’s vital the Maltese Government continually manage and update this data. We understand how the national landscape changes, in Great Britain we make more than 20,000 changes to our geospatial database each day, so we want to ensure they have all the skills to do this.”
Ashley Hili, from the Planning Authority (Malta), added: “We are pleased to be working with IIC Technologies and OS on this important project. Ordnance Survey are known across the globe for their expertise in geospatial data management and their understanding of topographic data specifications, geospatial database structures and geospatial standards. We hope to utilise this expertise to create a geospatial model which will deliver value to the nation.”