The Bahamas has received a significant boost to its geospatial capabilities, with Britain’s national mapping service, Ordnance Survey (OS), donating 170 field survey kits to strengthen mapping and surveying skills across the country.
The equipment traces back to a technical exchange visit last year, when officials from the Bahamas National Geographic Information Systems (BNGIS) traveled to the UK and identified a clear need for high quality survey instruments. That visit set the donation in motion, with the Leica kit eventually flown over by the Royal Air Force and welcomed at a handover ceremony attended by the British High Commission, the Bahamas Government, and BNGIS.
Once in use, the kits are expected to enhance practical training and support ongoing work in surveying, mapping, environmental management, infrastructure planning, disaster resilience, and sustainable national development.
Zane Lightbourne, the Bahamas’ Minister of Environment and Natural Resources, called the donation a milestone and an investment in people, education, and the future of the surveying and geospatial professions. He also pointed to the long history behind the partnership, noting that the relationship between the Bahamas and Ordnance Survey dates back to the early 1950s, when surveying and mapping played a critical role in the country’s national development. He added: “Today, this long-standing relationship continues to support capacity building, knowledge exchange and the growth of the geospatial sector in the Bahamas.”
The donated equipment will be distributed by the BNGIS Centre to educational institutions, government agencies and surveying organizations, supporting technical training, capacity building and the ongoing development of geospatial expertise across the country. The former OS equipment had been replaced by new kit for OS surveyors.
The Deputy British High Commissioner Ryan Griffin recognized the contribution of OS and its willingness to share expertise and donate the equipment. He said: “This is an investment in capability, partnership and the long-term development of geospatial expertise in The Bahamas. Partnerships like this demonstrate what can be achieved when expertise is shared, institutions work together and countries invest in one another’s success.”
The handover was the result of months of planning and collaboration by OS teams. It was essential that the equipment was fully configured and fit-for-purpose in its new role. Donation agreements were established, 170 kits were prepared and packed, and logistics coordinated with the RAF to ensure a seamless transfer. Every receiver, battery and ancillary component was carefully inspected, catalogued and documented, ensuring the equipment arrived safely and ready for operational use.
James Norris, Head of International Affairs at OS, said: “The work that National Mapping and Geospatial Agencies do to produce, develop and share foundational geospatial information is key to national development. This opportunity came at the right time for both BNGIS and OS and is an example of OS’s commitment to sharing knowledge, skills, and in this case survey equipment, with our partners across the globe.”
Ordnance Survey strengthens Bahamas geospatial capacity with survey kit donation | GIM International
