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.
Tucker continued: ‘There are several benefits to Getmapping’s Map Return Scheme. Their service will be linked to our website www.horsham.gov.uk and whereas before people would have to come into our offices to buy their maps or request them by letter, they now have an option of ordering online, from their homes. We can also supply map extracts for anywhere in England, something we couldn’t do before. Anyone wanting location or site plans can now use us.
‘Many applicants would like to supply aerial photography as an aid for planning because it provides greater detail and the Council now has the ability to supply this. Once you have selected the right map or aerial photograph, a PDF is immediately sent to you. The public will find it easy to use, and our planning people say that it is simple to set up.’
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.
