Ulster online mapping service launched

Ordnance Survey of Northern Ireland and a Belfast-based IT company teamed up today to launch an online mapping service.

The project allows map viewers to zoom in and out in a North-wide map to an individual postcode or single house.

Ordnance Survey Northern Ireland's programme manager, John Deyermond said the project was the first of its kind in the UK and as such was receiving much attention from within and outside the North.

"Estate agents, solicitors and those involved in the planning application process are particularly interested in the facility as it allows them to measure accurately the area of a plot and access the ACEmap [Address Centred Extract Map] service directly without leaving the office," he said.

Architects and engineers were also able to download digital mapping data for use in computer assisted designs, while tourists hoping to visit the North were able to use the site to purchase maps and plan their trip, he said.

The web-based system includes a fully-automated overnight map and product update process which ensures customers are provided with the most up-to-date mapping data available.

The system, internally titled CAMEO - Customer Access to Maps Electronically Online - has been designed by the local office of IT solutions company Fujitsu and OSNI.

Speaking at the launch Brian Evans of Fujitsu said the company was delighted to see the project come to fruition.

"The new online e-commerce facility has revolutionised the provision of OSNI maps and mapping services in Northern Ireland.

"This latest project underpins Fujitsu's ongoing commitment to delivering solutions which enable all levels of Government in Northern Ireland to modernise and improve their methods of doing business."