In a groundbreaking move for Scotland’s transport infrastructure, Transport Scotland and Ordnance Survey (OS) have officially chosen the National Street Gazetteer (NSG) as the definitive source for managing the country’s road data. This new partnership marks a significant step in modernizing road network management by incorporating a comprehensive digital twin of Scotland’s streets.
A New Era for Road Network Management
The National Street Gazetteer, developed by the Improvement Service—a key local government improvement body in Scotland—has been recognized as the most up-to-date and accurate source for street and road data across the nation. The initiative, which has long been in development, is now set to become the go-to resource for maintaining Scotland’s road infrastructure.
The NSG’s digital twin approach ensures that every road and route is recorded with the utmost precision, offering a reliable and authoritative source for street network data. The primary route network is distinctly marked on Ordnance Survey (OS) maps in green, identifying trunk roads maintained by Transport Scotland, and streamlining road management processes across the country.
Seamless Integration with Ordnance Survey
The data captured in the National Street Gazetteer is sourced from all 32 local authorities in Scotland as well as Transport Scotland’s own operational teams. This ensures a robust, nationwide data set that accounts for every aspect of Scotland’s roads—from their layout and surface materials to the responsible maintenance authorities.
According to Dom Cuthbert, the strategic development manager at Ordnance Survey, the integration of this data into their OS Highways product suite was a logical progression. “Our longstanding partnership with the Improvement Service made this seamless development a natural step forward,” Cuthbert said. “The information held in the National Street Gazetteer is vital to our transport datasets, and is of the accuracy, quality, and currency on which our customers and partners rely.”
This integration allows for continuous updates and the validation of road network information, ensuring that all stakeholders—including utility and telecommunications companies—have access to the most current data. It is part of an ongoing effort to enhance the efficiency of road maintenance and improve the overall experience for users of Scotland’s streets.
The Role of Local Authorities in Data Sharing
Local authorities play a crucial role in supplying the primary data for the Gazetteer. Each of Scotland’s 32 local authorities provides daily updates to ensure that the information remains current. These updates cover everything from changes in road layout to the identification of roads in need of repairs or upgrades.
Once the data is collected, it undergoes a rigorous validation process to ensure consistency across the entire country. This process guarantees that each piece of data—whether it’s about road ownership, surface materials, or special features like utilities—meets high standards of accuracy before being included in the national repository.
Benefits for Stakeholders
For Transport Scotland, this enhanced road data system provides a clearer understanding of the country’s road network, supporting more effective planning and decision-making. It also enables better coordination between government bodies, local authorities, and utility companies, reducing the risk of costly mistakes or duplication of efforts when managing roadworks and infrastructure projects.
For Ordnance Survey, the digital twin integration adds a new layer of detail and consistency to their extensive mapping products. The NSG data will now be central to their OS Highways suite, offering businesses, governmental departments, and other stakeholders reliable access to Scotland’s road network information.
Data Accessibility
This partnership will not only improve road maintenance and operational efficiency but will also make vital road data more accessible to a wider range of users. Utility companies, construction firms, and even emergency responders will benefit from real-time, validated road network data, enabling faster responses to issues and more informed decision-making.
With this new level of transparency, the digital twin approach promises to make Scotland’s transport network more resilient, well-maintained, and efficient for years to come.
