Ordnance Survey uses mapping data to track UK climate change

The Ordnance Survey (OS), Britain’s national mapping agency, is utilizing its extensive geographic data to track and adapt to the impacts of climate change. Based in Southampton, the agency maintains a National Geographic Database containing over 600 million features, which is updated approximately 30,000 times a day.

Expert Tom Gray notes that the agency's data is critical for identifying risks such as habitat changes, subsidence, and wildfires. Flooding remains the most significant climate threat to the United Kingdom. According to Gray, 12 percent of the UK’s strategic road network and 20 percent of the rail network are located in high-risk flood zones. This data allows emergency services to identify flood hotspots and determine optimal access routes to affected properties during climate emergencies.