The Geospatial Commission is today releasing valuation guidance to help public sector organizations make a more effective case for investing in location data.

Location data is a strategic national asset, delivering significant value to people, organizations and society at large. It supports key government priorities such as Net Zero, Leveling Up and has played an important role in dealing with the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Public sector investments have previously struggled to coherently understand, assess and articulate the economic, social and environmental value of location data, limiting their ability to unlock funding.

By providing a more structured and practical approach to value assessment based on best practices, existing research and stakeholder experiences, we aim to ensure greater consistency in how these benefits are routinely captured, improving thus the quality of the investment files. presented to decision makers.

Thalia Baldwin, Commissioner of the Geospatial Commission said:

Linking data to location improves analysis, decisions and results. Public sector investment is essential to maintain our strategic national geospatial assets. Our guidance will help organizations make a cohesive and compelling case for improving geospatial data.

The seven-step framework presented in the guide defines an approach for understanding, evaluating and articulating the value of a location data project, from the inception phase to demonstrating the benefits. Many of the principles set out in this guidance are also relevant to data investments more generally and support commitments to improve the use of digital and data, as outlined in the National Data Strategy and Scorecard. road to digital and data 2022-2025.

David Henderson, geospatial director at Ordnance Survey, said:

We all know the practical value of maps and location data in our daily lives. But expressing this value in a way that supports future investments in geospatial data and services by government and business remains a challenge. This work provides a valuable foundation on how to express these benefits and a more consistent approach to substantiating geospatial data.

The guidance was developed in conjunction with Frontier Economics, with input from a wide range of location data users and providers. It includes case studies where the framework has been applied to past investments, acting as a useful reference and learning tool for users.

Sarah Snelson, Director of Public Policy Practice at Frontier Economics, said:

Geospatial data has the potential to unlock a variety of important use cases in the UK economy, but there are measurement challenges that can hinder its application. We have worked closely with stakeholders to develop a practical assessment approach that public sector organizations can apply. We can’t wait to see how the framework is used.