WIREDGOV

Geographic information has played a key role in the success of an environmental project that has received a top national award and will now be showcased worldwide.

Daventry District Council’s Walking Bus and Taxi Scheme for Schools has received the National Gold Award for Environmental Best Practice at the Green Apple Environment Awards at the House of Commons. The project will now be featured in the next Green Book, the world’s only work of reference on environmental best practice.

The project, underpinned by Ordnance Survey data, has enabled several schools in the district to set up their own walking bus or taxi scheme to help youngsters get to and from school more safely. Pupils draw their journeys to and from school and the District Council then maps them electronically using geographic information technology, to help schools determine the best walking bus and taxi routes for pupils and parents.

Simon Hume, GIS Officer at Daventry District Council: “The school is able to benefit from the local authority’s use of Ordnance Survey data to help them become more eco-friendly as well as providing pupils with the opportunity to learn how to navigate, look at and understand maps, both from a fun aspect and as part of their education.”

The council used a combination of Ordnance Survey’s OS MasterMap Topography and Integrated Transport Network Layers to carry out the analysis. Ilhan Coskun, a Geographic Information Consultant at the mapping agency, comments: “Geographic information can be used in a huge range of applications, but this is truly innovative. We are delighted that the Council has been recognised with this award for what is an excellent initiative.”

The Green Apples Awards were established 15 years ago by The Green Organisation, an independent, non-political, non-profit organisation that recognises, rewards and promotes environmental best practice around the world. The awards are supported by several environment bodies, including the Environment Agency, The Chartered Institute of Wastes Management and the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health.

Head of Corporate Communications - Rob Andrews

Email: rob.andrews@ordnancesurvey.co.uk

Phone: (+44) 023 8079 2265

Senior Communications & PR Officer - Paul Beauchamp

Email: paul.beauchamp@ordnancesurvey.co.uk

Phone: (+44) 023 8079 2568

Press Office fax: (+44) 023 8030 5295