Ordnance Survey to help Guyana reap the benefit of geospatial data

Ordnance Survey (OS) is to provide consultancy services to the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission (GLSC) to re-establish and further develop the GPS Continuously Operating Reference Stations (CORS) network in Guyana. The project seeks to establish and sustainably maintain a modern, robust and accurate national geodetic positioning network for Guyana.

A re-established CORS network will help Guyana in relation to meeting its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and will enable better transport, secure land tenure, better government, increased economy and happier citizens.

Trevor Benn, GLSC Commissioner said: “This project will enable all users, engineers, surveyors to get more precise information to help them make decisions. It will provide key foundation for survey, mapping and land administration. Ordnance Survey was chosen because of its detailed understanding of the GLSC’s role as the national mapping, land and geospatial agency, and its own particular insight into sustainable and future use of CORS technology. We expect OS to deliver world-class standards; knowledge, expertise and experience.” 

Ordnance Survey, working with GLSC, will establish full functionality and usability of the existing Network Operations Centre (NOC) and 8-site CORS network. Design and document associated CORS management processes and train staff to be able to operate all first and second line operational activities, establish third line support cover with GNSS equipment and software manufacturer.

OS will assist GLSC in specifying, procuring and deploying specialist equipment for the CORS network in accordance with identified national development needs and the strategic business requirements of GLSC. Great Britain’s national mapping agency will also ensure that the CORS network is coordinated and connected to the newest and Regional realisation of the International Terrestrial Reference Framework (ITRF 2014, Geocentric Reference Systems of the Americas - SIRGAS). OS will also design and implement action plans to ensure sustainability of the CORS network, including specialist training, skills transfer, expert network building and wider user engagement to ensure benefit of investment is maximized by Guyana public and private sector users. The knowledge transfer of this expertise from OS to GLSC will be essential in GLSC’s transformation of the services it provides to government, business and the citizens.  

Peter Hedlund, Ordnance Survey International Managing Director, said: “We are delighted to have been selected to help GLSC and Guyana towards achieving geospatial excellence, so they can generate and benefit from accurate geospatial data just as citizens, businesses and the government do in Great Britain. We will be aiming to deliver a world class example of what we can do when we work together to harness geospatial data and technology for good.

“Great Britain has a proud history of digital innovation – from the earliest days of computing to the development of the World Wide Web. We are building on this rich legacy, and we are also supporting UK Government efforts to make sure the global system is ready for the challenges of the 21st century. We do this by providing the right expertise, training and tools so GLSC can take complete ownership and use geospatial data to help the needs of the Guyana government and its people. We’ve seen how this level of data is helping nations better target environmental issues, poverty, illiteracy and other health and welfare needs. We are excited to be working closely with our Guyana government partners and helping them to own this process and take it forward.”

For further information, interviews and images contact Keegan Wilson, 02380 055332 keegan.wilson@os.uk

About Ordnance Survey International

Ordnance Survey International Services Limited is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ordnance Survey. We harness a diverse range of the skills and expertise from Ordnance Survey to provide advisory services around the world. We offer a wealth of skills, experience and expertise, ranging from strategy and policy formulation to geospatial data capture to product development and marketing. Our knowledge and proven capability is already helping governments and countries deliver economic benefits and become geospatially ready for the future.