1Spatial Part of Team Delivering MVP of First Digital Map of UK Underground Pipes and Cables

Cambridge, UK, 5th April 2023.

1Spatial, the global provider of geospatial software and solutions for strong data foundations and data governance, is pleased to announce that the first phase of the Geospatial Commission National Underground Asset Register (NUAR) Project has now been completed. 1Spatial has been leading the data transformation and data ingestion workstream, for design, engineering and project management consultancy Atkins, working alongside Ordnance Survey Great Britain. 

This first phase of NUAR contains data from the public and private sector organisations who own pipes and cables in Northeast England, Wales and London. This includes all the major energy and water providers, such as Northumbrian Water, Wales and West Utilities, Southern Electric Power Distribution and National Grid, as well as smaller providers of these services, telecommunications companies, transport organisations and local authorities.  

Dr Steve Unger, Independent Commissioner, Geospatial Commission, said:

"This first release of NUAR is a major milestone in a programme that will benefit everyone. By using the power of location data to plan and deliver street-works more effectively, it will improve the efficiency with which we supply essential services, and it will minimise the disruption experienced by other road users. Many different asset types are buried beneath our feet, owned by many different organisations, large and small. We are delighted by the number of asset owners that have recognised the value of working with us, to make the data that they hold more accessible."

This first phase, also known as the ‘minimum viable product’ (MVP), is available to eligible organisations in the 3 areas. It is intended to complement current business practices initially and will allow users to both plan for future adoption and provide valuable feedback to enhance the service further.

Once fully operational across England, Wales and Northern Ireland, NUAR will help improve efficiencies in construction and development, reduce disruption to the public and businesses (from extended road closures and congestion), improve workers’ safety and is envisaged to deliver at least £350 million economic growth per year. 

Our CEO, Claire Milverton, says: 

"1Spatial is delighted to be part of the team that have successfully delivered the National Underground Asset Register (NUAR) Minimum Viable Product. 1Spatial is leading the asset data and information management part of NUAR, delivering a standard and interoperable digital mechanism for securely receiving, transforming, assuring, and immutably storing, via the asset register, data from 650+ asset owners. This highlights our world-class geospatial capabilities and our ability to deliver on complex projects at scale."

If you would like to find out more about the 1Spatial Platform, please get in touch.