Getmapping offer Local authorities profitable alternatives

Getmapping Plc., has introduced GetPlanning, an alternative to the Ordnance Survey Map Return Scheme, which terminates at the end of September.

Getplanning will allow local authorities to continue offering a vital element of its service to residents wanting to submit planning applications. Under a revenue share scheme, local authorities will be able to partner with Getmapping and provide OS Mastermap and aerial photography to their residents via the council website or through its offices. This partnership will allow councils to maintain their revenue whilst meeting E-Government targets.

Tom Tucker, data and information manager at Horsham District Council has already taken advantage of Getmapping’s offering. He said: “People want to obtain location and site plans to submit as part of their planning applications. Under the OS Map Return Scheme Horsham District Council has been able to provide these to the public. We felt it important to continue providing this service once the Map Return Scheme ends so we opted to partner with an agency. Getmapping’s offering was an ideal replacement for the OS Map Return Scheme and the service from them has been extremely efficient.”

Getmapping will provide 1:500, 1:1250 and 1:2500 scale OS Mastermap mapping as well as aerial photography. Maps purchased online will be made available to the public within minutes or sent as hard copies via the post. Maps will be sold at a set retail price and the profit generated will be shared between both parties.

No plug-ins or technical requirements are needed to provide online facilities, and any initial set-up and ongoing costs will be borne by Getmapping. The GetPlanning service will provide local authorities with a cost free alternative to the existing Map Return Scheme that will allow shared revenue generation. Future developments will also offer councils increased data products including more OS Mastermaps, Intermaps height data, aerial and historical products.

Source : www.getmapping.com