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The Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality, Frances Fitzgerald T.D. and Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Paschal Donohoe T.D. have today jointly welcomed the agreement of a National Mapping Agreement with Ordnance Survey Ireland (OSi).
The Tánaiste said:
“I very much welcome the formal adoption of a National Mapping Agreement, which will enable all Government bodies to deliver more efficient and less costly public services by encouraging greater collaboration and data sharing”.
Minister Donohoe said:
“The National Mapping Agreement aligns with the Government’s Public Service Reform Plan and the Public Service ICT Strategy. This centralised license agreement will make the same level of service available to a much wider public service customer base at no extra cost to the taxpayer”.
Delivered by Ordnance Survey Ireland (OSi), this new service enables all Government agencies (Departments and public sector bodies) to access OSi geospatial data (usually referred to as Geospatial Information or GI) to assist in mapping, data analytics, scenario modelling and decision making. OSi digital data also underpins key State services, including planning, land ownership and national infrastructure (such as roads, water, gas, electricity, and telecoms).
For example, GI allows public services to be targeted according to location, population profiles, and other variables. In matters of navigation and route planning, GI reduces journey times, emissions and fuel costs. Other benefits include a common spatial reference framework for all policy-making agencies; more consistent and accurate geospatial data; more informed decision-making, and more innovative applications of the available data.
Colin Bray, Chief Executive and Chief Survey Officer of OSi said:
“The National Mapping Agreement, and the geospatial information (GI) that underpins it, will facilitate better decision making by all State agencies, and improve the planning and allocation of scarce resources, such as housing, transport and water services”.
To find out more about the National Mapping Agreement, please visit: https://www.osi.ie/services/national-mapping-agreement/

Notes to Editors
About Ordnance Survey Ireland (OSi)
Ordnance Survey Ireland (OSi), the national mapping agency of Ireland, creates and maintains the definitive national mapping and related geographic records of the State. Our vision is, through the efforts and expertise of our people, to be the acknowledged leader in Ireland in the collection, integration, management and dissemination of authoritative spatial information.
Ordnance Survey Ireland is responsible for providing quality mapping and spatial information services to meet society's needs. OSi products and services are widely used in all sectors of Irish society, supporting the social, economic, legislative and administrative functions of the State in Ireland.
Ordnance Survey Ireland is a vital national asset, providing information which contributes to effective decision-making in government, better commercial decisions and economic growth.
What is OSi data?
OSi create and maintains a range of digital mapping data and services. The data that is collected is of physical topographical features such as fields, roads, rivers, buildings, forests etc. The precise location of every physical object is recorded by its co-ordinates, it is uniquely identified and has additional associated information attributed to it.
Who is eligible to access OSi’s data under the NMA?
The following bodies can apply for access to OSi’s data under the NMA:

· Government departments
· Local Authorities
· Non-commercial semi-State bodies
· Health Service Executive
· Emergency services
· Higher education bodies
· Schools
· Other public bodies (may be eligible via a joint agreement between Government and OSi)
The Economic Value of Geospatial Data
Geospatial data contributes almost €70 million in gross added value to the Irish economy every year, according to a recent study on the “Economic value of the geospatial industry in Ireland”, carried out by Indecon Economic Consultants.