We speak to Ordnance Survey CEO Nick Bolton on turning a 225-year-old institution into an AI powerhouse (www.techradar.com)

The Ordnance Survey (OS), a historic British cartographic institution, is undergoing a transformation under CEO Nick Bolton to leverage artificial intelligence (AI) as a core part of its operations. Established in 1791 as a military mapping service, the OS is now focusing on AI-driven automation to enhance its mapping processes and deliver reliable geographical data. Bolton highlights that the organization has utilized AI technology for over a decade, starting with automatic feature extraction from aerial imagery, which allows them to update high-resolution maps every three years. This strategic pivot positions the OS as a critical player in the national infrastructure landscape. Significantly, the OS aims to democratize access to its extensive geographical data while maintaining trust and authority, principles that have been key since its inception. Bolton emphasizes that successful AI implementation requires a balance between technological advancement and human oversight, ensuring that decisions based on OS data, such as avoiding flood-prone areas for construction, are well-founded. The OS's collaboration with public and private sectors, including partnerships with organizations like the Met Office and utility providers, underscores the versatility of location data across various applications, reinforcing its role as an essential resource for modern infrastructure and planning efforts.