Architects Journal: “40 per cent of architects using wrong maps”

According to research carried out by Ordnance Survey, 40 per cent of land and property professionals, including civil engineers, architects, property lawyers, surveyors and developers, could be using out of date or unlicensed mapping information in their work.  In a news report published by the Architects Journal, it stated that as a result they “risk being sued by using unlicensed or out of date maps.”

In addition to this, the research found that approximately 45 per cent of all maps submitted with planning applications were also unlicensed or incorrectly displayed.   

The research was carried out as part of Ordnance Survey’s ‘Unlicensed Data’ campaign, which is designed to encourage land and property professionals to check that they are licensed and up-to-date when using OS location data.

Using online mapping services, such as Promap, remove unknown and unlicensed data fears for all property professionals.

We manage the accuracy and currency of the maps so users can quickly get what they need and not add any unnecessary risk or delay to the planning process.  By using the wrong maps, it could ultimately lead to breach of copyright, create delays and result in potential disputes with clients.

In our view, if property professionals are accessing unlicensed mapping data, they are not only running the risk of potential litigation, but may be basing drawings or planning applications on inaccurate data, which may negatively impact on the wider project and not to mention the information recorded in BIM.

http://www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/about/news/2013/dont-lose-way-with-incorrect-mapping.html