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Ordnance Survey’s OS OpenSpace API has proven to be the number one choice of online mapping for a front-runner in the field of Adventure Racing.

With a worthy reputation for providing trusted and accurate mapping for Great Britain, Open Adventure opted to use OS OpenSpace to underpin its online tracking facilities with the extra detail provided, being ideal for the outdoor off road leisure market. OS OpenSpace map data is based upon Ordnance Survey’s world famous paper map series, enabling developers to add quality mapping data, quickly and easily, to their own websites. The OS OpenSpace service provides free access to a range of Ordnance Survey mapping, including the popular OS Landranger Map      (1:50 000 scale) and street level mapping with OS Street View.

Open Adventure – http://www.openadventure.com/ – runs adventure sport events across UK, delivers event management for other organisations, and regularly supports local and smaller events with equipment and advice. Since launching in 2004, Open Adventure has progressed to being seen as one of the leading advocates of adventure sport in the UK, attracting support from some of the largest brands associated with adventure sport, with Open Adventure events being popular with some of the finest adventure racers from across the world.

Open Adventure works in partnership with various organisations, including adidas TERREX who organise events, ranging from 48 hour non-stop races through to a coast to coast event. During the events season, which runs August to September, Open Adventure provides the tracking apps and tools required by adidas TERREX to track races and monitor the progress of competitors participating in their events. Since 2008, Open Adventure has used OS OpenSpace API for this purpose, whilst also providing Ordnance Survey maps for the online audience on their website.

James Thurlow, event organiser and race director for Open Adventure, said: “As part of the Adventure Racing World Series I have noticed that the best mapping in the world is produced by Ordnance Survey. So when showcasing our events and Great Britain on our website, we wanted great mapping to reflect the quality and style of Ordnance Survey mapping. We also wanted an API that is simple to interrogate. The OS OpenSpace API has surpassed that expectation”.

Darcy Harmer-Manning, Product Manager from Ordnance Survey said: “We are extremely pleased that Open Adventure will be using OS OpenSpace to provide the mapping in the next series of events for 2013. Participants will be crossing some of the most challenging and beautiful parts of the country, and anybody will be able to get a sense of the adventure by visiting their website to see the routes in detail, tracking riders or finding places to spectate.

“The quality of our data in rural areas is unrivalled. For developers this means no white spaces between the main roads. With the level of detail available through OS OpenSpace developers can create applications with detailed information on the area, rather than providing just an overview. 

“OS OpenSpace is an easy to use API and with the addition of Web-Map Builder developers can add high quality, interactive maps to theirs websites within minutes.”

Ordnance Survey recently launched version 4.0 of the service which supports mobile touch devices. This means websites that use OS OpenSpace can now be viewed and panned on tablets and mobile devices, enhancing user experience and providing even more possibilities for web developers.

Ordnance Survey is a member of the Public Data Group (PDG), along with Land Registry, Companies House and the Met Office. Under the PDG, members are working collectively on pursuing opportunities and driving efficiencies as well as on making their data freely available to users. OS OpenSpace is a successful example of where Ordnance Survey is making data and services available for free to customers.

The video – at youtu.be/xd8o6MoEBsg – shows just how quick and easy it is to use OS OpenSpace on a website.

For more information from Ordnance Survey, please contact:

Jo Gray – Senior Press Officer on 023 8005 5589 or jo.gray@ordnancesurvey.co.uk