WIREDGOV

Ordnance Survey’s leading GI strategist is being seconded to Defra (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) to help lead the UK’s implementation of the UK Location Strategy (UKLS) and the EU INSPIRE Directive.

Keith Murray, who has helped develop the national mapping agency’s geographic information (GI) strategy and the industry’s implementation of the Digital National Framework since 1999, has now begun a two‑year term.

The EU INSPIRE Directive provides a common European framework that defines what needs to be undertaken to achieve interoperable and integrated data across the continent. A joined‑up approach to creating, recording and using GI will benefit organisations and businesses across the EU.

The UKLS, due to be published in the near future, is expected to align with the INSPIRE framework. A common governing body will be established to coordinate how the UK will deliver on both elements.

Keith will play a key role in the team working towards the implementation of these key initiatives. The team brings together expertise from Defra, the Environment Agency and Ordnance Survey and will work closely with representatives from across government interested in the future use of GI.

On his secondment to Defra, Keith comments, "This is an exciting time for spatial information and I am looking forward to the challenge. This is a natural step for me since all my recent work has been in this area. The INSPIRE Drafting team, the DNF developments and the Atlantis Initiative have all demonstrated what organisations can do when they have a common goal."

Vanessa Lawrence CB, Ordnance Survey’s Director General and Chief Executive, says: "Keith has undertaken superb work at Ordnance Survey. I am certain that his knowledge and expertise will make an enormous contribution to delivering both the UK Location Strategy and INSPIRE over the next two years. I wish him every success."

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Editorial Copywriter - Paula Good

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