Unlocking the value of data: 1Spatial's vision for a data-driven future 

In the ever-evolving landscape of infrastructure for the public sector, the built environment, utilities and transport organisations, the recently unveiled Project 13 "Data and Digital Benchmarking Report 2023" sheds light on critical challenges hindering progress. This report, powered by the Smart Infrastructure Index, delves deep into the world of data quality and data integration within Infrastructure Client Group (ICG) members and Project 13 adopters. 1Spatial works with many of the ICG members, including, Environment Agency, HS2, Northumbrian Water and Yorkshire Water.

Redefining Digital Maturity

The report reveals that, on a scale of 1 to 5, data and information maturity hovers at a 3. This crucial metric encompasses accessing, using, sharing, and governing data and information. As the bedrock for superior data integration and data quality, governance, interoperability, and management emerge as pivotal factors.

Source: Project 13 Data and Digital Benchmarking Report 2023 

Navigating the Data Integration Maze

Data integration, the process of harmonizing information from diverse sources, emerges as a significant hurdle. Organisations are grappling with fragmented data networks, redundancy issues, and a lack of robust tools for seamless information sharing. A mere 27% of survey respondents believe they have the right tools to share data effectively, while a staggering 70% acknowledge frequent information duplication across multiple systems.

Data Quality Quandary

The quality of data is identified as a key bottleneck, impeding the consistent and effective use of information. Over 99% of survey respondents stress the impact of data quality on trust and utilisation. Only 30% feel they consistently access the right data at the right time for decision-making, emphasising the urgency for improvement.

Insights Paving the Way Forward

The insights from the Project 13 report are set to guide the ICG Digital Transformation Task Group's future priorities. Collaborating with the Digital Twin Hub working groups, they aim to fast-track the development of data-sharing infrastructures.

1Spatial's Game-Changing Solutions

In this era of data-centric evolution for planning, designing, building and operating infrastructure, 1Spatial stands as a catalyst for transformative change. Through innovative products like 1Integrate, 1Data Gateway and Feature Manipulation Engine (FME), 1Spatial facilitates seamless data submission, automates data integration and enhances data quality. These tools empower infrastructure organisations across the built environment, transport and utilities to embrace industry-leading data and information management, ultimately boosting productivity while reducing costs.

The Environment Agency's Digital Data and Information Strategy

The Environment Agency, an ICG member and Project 13 adopter, exemplifies the transformative power of 1Spatial's solutions for data integration and data quality. Utilizing 1Spatial’s 1Integrate product and Safe Software's FME Flow product, they've revolutionised their supply chain information acceptance and assurance process. The integrated "Data store, Rules, and Visualisation" service ensures geoCOBie data meets specified requirements, offering a paradigm shift in digital asset data and information management.

Source: Environment Agency and nima (GIIG)  

Conclusion: Shaping Tomorrow's Built Environment

Authored by Matthew White, Head of Built Environment at 1Spatial, this blog illuminates the challenges and triumphs in the realm of data and digital benchmarking. 1Spatial's commitment to reshaping the future of infrastructure organisations across the built environment through cutting-edge solutions is not just a promise; it's a tangible reality, creating a pathway for a more connected, efficient, and data-driven future.