Commission to create digital map of UK’s pipes and cables

The government’s geospatial commission is set to create a digital map of the UK’s pipe network.

The quango aims to bring together existing data to create a shared platform that stakeholders can view, and avoid accidental damage and injury.

The proposed underground assets register has already begun with pilot projects in London and the North East costing £3.9 million, intended to test the feasibility of a nationwide programme.

The scheme in the North East is being led by Ordnance Survey, with support from Northumbrian Water, Northern Gas Networks, Northern Powergrid, and Openreach.

In London, the pilot will be managed by the GLA, working with  six local authorities and infrastructure providers.

There is currently no comprehensive underground map of the UK’s service network, while it is estimated that accidental strikes to pipes and cables cost the economy £1.2 billion per year. Workers striking gas and electricity infrastructure also put themselves at risk of death or serious injury.

Cabinet Office minister, Oliver Dowden, said: “When workers strike pipes and cables it risks lives, costs money, causes havoc for residents and road-users.

“Our investment in this groundbreaking data sharing model is just one way that the government is working smarter so that we really make a difference to people’s everyday lives.”

David Henderson, the managing director of Ordnance Survey Great Britain, commented: “The creation of an underground map of utility assets has long been an ambition of Ordnance Survey, and over the last year we have been working closely with Northumbrian Water, and a consortia of utility companies and local authorities in the north east of England, to explore how accurate geospatial data can improve underground infrastructure maintenance and inform new build development projects.

“The investment being made by the geospatial commission will ultimately enable the utility industry to more efficiently access, use and share data describing otherwise hidden infrastructure, thereby reducing operational costs, minimising disruption and accelerating completion of site works.”

Northumbrian Water chief executive Heidi Mottram added: “Working alongside local authorities, other utility services and partners has meant that we are off to a good start in mapping Sunderland’s underground.  We are looking forward to working with government and others to showcase the powers of data sharing for public good.”