The document discusses mapping open data and open access using OS data to create basemaps similar to Google Maps. It describes how map tiles can be used to optimize performance and flexibility when merging layers. The viaEuropa tool is introduced as a way to import, style, and render OS data into map tiles to build customizable basemaps that can be accessed on desktop, web, and mobile applications using common APIs and frameworks. Universal accessibility is highlighted as an important design consideration.

1. The Power
of the
Image
2011
Beyond Google:
mapping a new world of
open data & open access
Duncan Hill, Europa Technologies

2. The Power
of the
Image Or...
2011
“I want something like
Google Maps, but using
OS data”

3. The Power
of the
Image Overview
2011
• Where it all began
• What‟s possible today
• What we can learn from this
• How we can create our own basemaps
• ...and make these accessible

4. The Power
of the
Image MapQuest launched 1996
2011

5. The Power
of the
Image Google Maps, today
2011

6. The Power
of the
Image Bing Maps
2011

7. The Power
of the
Image Google Maps API Styled Maps
2011

8. The Power
of the
Image
What people like / expect
2011
• „Slippy‟ map interface
• Very fast drawing speeds
• Drill down for more detail
• High quality cartography
• Multi-platform support

9. The Power
of the
Image Map tiles
2011

10. The Power
of the
Image Why use map tiles?
2011
• Pre-render for optimal performance
• Reserve server resources for dynamic
data
• Merge tile layers on request for
flexibility
• Subtle cartographic effects
• Accessible colour palette
• Easy to use
• Variety of hosting options

11. The Power
of the
Image Considerations
2011
• Time required to perfect cartography
• Rendering process very resource
hungry
• Not quick to produce a completely
new output
• Vectors still required for small % of
users performing data capture

12. The Power
of the
Image How will users consume maps?
2011
• Desktop mapping applications
• Public facing web applications
• Intranet mapping applications
• Mobile (massive growth ahead)

13. The Power
of the
Image Why wouldn‟t you use Google?
2011
• Need more detail
• Need greater accuracy
• Need cartographic subtlety
• Complex technology landscape
• Licensing?
• “I want something that looks like
Google Maps, but uses OS data”

14. The Power
of the
Image PSMA
2011
• Public Sector Mapping Agreement
• 10 year agreement
• Public sector bodies in England &
Wales
• GB coverage, free at point of use
• Allows data sharing

15. The Power
of the
Image PSMA products
2011
• OS MasterMap Topography Layer
• OS MasterMap Integrated Transport
Network
• 1:10,000 raster (until 31 March 2013)
• OS VectorMap Local
• 1:25,000 raster
• 1:50,000 raster
• Code-Point
• Code-Point with Polygons
• OS OpenData
• National Address Gazetteer

16. The Power
of the
Image Our workflow
2011
Prepare
Import Render
& Style

17. The Power
of the
Image viaEuropa
2011

18. The Power
of the
Image viaEuropa
2011

19. The Power
of the
Image viaEuropa
2011

20. The Power
of the
Image Examples
2011
• OpenLayers
• Bing Maps
• Google Maps
• ESRI Silverlight API
• MapInfo Professional/ProViewer
• ArcGIS Desktop
• Cadcorp

21. The Power
of the
Image Universal access
2011
• Support for those with a colour
vision deficiency
• 1 in 12 males
• 1 in 100 females
• Build accessibility in from outset
• Avoid extra time & costs later

22. The Power
of the
Image Universal access
2011
Contains Ordnance Survey data © Crown copyright and database right 2010

23. The Power
of the
Image Universal access
2011
Contains Ordnance Survey data © Crown copyright and database right 2010

24. The Power
of the
Image Universal access
2011
Contains Ordnance Survey data © Crown copyright and database right 2010

25. The Power
of the
Image Universal access
2011
Contains Ordnance Survey data © Crown copyright and database right 2010

26. The Power
of the
Image Summary
2011
• Consider the needs of your users
• Who, why, what, when, how
• Consistency across levels
• Adopt a scalable approach
• “Good designers decorate, great
designers communicate” Cameron
Moll, (Designer/Speaker/Author)

27. The Power
of the
Image Thanks & Questions?
2011
dhill@europa.uk.com
@duncanjfhill
www.viaeuropa.uk.com