1Spatial has won a contract to develop data transformation and data ingestion platform to allow hundreds of asset owners to upload and transform their underground asset datasets for GB’s planned National Underground Asset Register. This new digital map, produced by Atkins for the UK Geospatial Commission will map the UK’s underground pipes and cables. The government has announced that the project is now entering the Build Phase.

The company said that over four million holes are dug in the UK each year, often in the wrong place, and the economic cost of accidental utility damage is around £2.4 billion each year. Unforeseen ground conditions are a major obstacle to construction and housing projects, especially on previously developed land. The new digital map of underground pipes and cables will help improve efficiencies in construction and development, reduce disruption and improve workers’ safety.

Fast access to NAUR data is also expected to save utilities and local authorities time and money, and reduce the disruption caused in trying to fix leaks and put in new infrastructure.
The overall NUAR project is for a three-year period. 1Spatial’s initial commitment is for 7 months (revenue £0.5M) followed by two option periods over a further 30 months. It expects further revenue of approximately £6M over the remainder of the contract related to technology licences and services to develop key data transformation processes.