I am the CTO of Ordnance Survey and this is how this 230 year old
organization is embracing AI

Date:
Thu, 21 Aug 2025 08:01:49 +0000

Description:
First founded in 1791, OS is undergoing transformation, an era defined by agentic AI, LLMs and more...

FULL STORY ======================================================================

Since joining Ordnance Survey (OS), Ive had the privilege of being part of an organization undergoing one of the most significant transformations in its history. Of course, when you think of OS, you rightly think of maps. But do you also think of machine learning and being at the forefront of AI, computer vision and tech innovation?

Youd be forgiven if not. After all, OS was first founded back in 1791, and since then has undergone huge transformation from its heritage in paper cartography to where we are today with over 500 million features being
updated 20,000 times a day.

Of course, that level of data analysis cant be achieved by the human eye alone. Here at OS weve been embedding AI into the way we collect and
modernize geospatial intelligence for well over a decade. For us, AI isnt a buzzword. Its the most powerful and practical tool that enhances our mapping capabilities and enables us to deliver faster, smarter insights to our customers and partners.

Now, were entering a new era at OS, one defined by agentic AI, where were integrating large language models (LLMs) with more advanced, autonomous
agents capable of executing increasingly complex tasks. This innovation comes with its challenges, and were working to ensure we continue to provide location data responsibly, while taking advantage of the power that AI tools provide. So how is OS currently using AI?

At a foundational level, were leveraging the power of AI to automatically extract features from our aerial and street-level imagery, enabling us to detect changes and update our maps rapidly and at scale.

This allows for near real-time updates that identify shifts in land use, infrastructure, and buildings - supporting local authorities and businesses with planning, compliance, urban development, and much more. For example,
when surveying buildings, AI can assess roof structures and even suggest the type of material used. But, like the human eye, AI isnt perfect.

While something may look like a slate roof, there could be a 20% chance that its not. This is where challenges can arise, and we spend a lot of time ensuring we mitigate this risk by including confidence scoring metrics alongside the AI outputs. This helps users understand the reliability and limitations of the data, enabling better decisions to be made based on consistent, trustworthy insights that maintain data accuracy. Data democratization with agentic AI

As we continue to integrate AI and machine learning into our work at OS, its the next generation of AI thats truly exciting - particularly in how were using it to democratize access to our data and empower customers in entirely new ways. Over the past few years, weve been undergoing a significant digital transformation with the launch of the OS National Geographic Database. With new APIs and bespoke download services, customers can now customize and build exactly what they need from our data.

Now were working to integrate agentic AI so that users can make simple, natural language requests to quickly and intuitively extract the data they need. Whether its helping find the optimal location for a mobile network
mast, to planning where to install solar car parks, or selecting a site for a new housing development, agentic AI is helping make our data become more accessible - delivering faster, smarter insights more easily.

This evolution is also reflected in how we work: weve shifted from a project-led to a product-led approach, ensuring we deliver ongoing value through scalable, customer-focused solutions based on their needs. Cultural transformation

But like any digital transformation, adopting AI isnt just a technical shift
- its a cultural one too. To be effective, AI tools must be responsibly and thoughtfully embedded into daily workflows, with a strong focus on quality, risk management, and the protection of IP.

This requires more than just new technology - it calls for a commitment to upskilling and, in some cases, retraining our people to ensure theyre
equipped for the changes AI brings. This mindset has always been central to our AI strategy, and its especially important for an organization with our legacy to embrace innovation, blending tradition with technology.

At the same time, were mindful that while efficiency is a key driver, we must not lose the human qualities that bring depth, creativity and value to our work and relationships with our clients and partners.

For a 230+-year-old organization like OS, embracing AI means more than adopting new tools: weve had to totally rethink how we work, how we serve our customers, and how we stay ahead in a rapidly changing world.

From IT automation to natural language interfaces, were using AI to unlock
the full potential of our data - while making sure we bring our people along with us. Its an exciting new chapter in OSs long history of technology and innovation, as we continue to build a smarter, more connected Britain through the power of geospatial intelligence.

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