‘Location is the obvious way to connect data’: I spoke to Ordnance Survey CEO Nick Bolton on the challenges of turning a 225-year-old institution into an AI powerhouse
As it celebrates its 225th birthday, the Ordnance Survey is becoming an AI superpower.
Ordnance Survey (OS) is one of the UK's oldest institutions, having been established as a branch of the military in 1791. Its iconic orange-backed maps have been a staple of family camping trips for generations. However, as technology advances, OS is transforming itself into a key player in national infrastructure and AI. CEO Nick Bolton spoke to the company's journey in adapting to these changes.
Bolton emphasizes that AI has been a part of OS since its early days, with the company using computer technology to enhance its mapping processes since the 1970s. Today, OS leverages AI technology, using it to extract features from aerial images - data that is particularly valuable for training neural networks. Bolton stresses that AI is not just about large language models, but also about automation and efficiency.
The CEO also discusses the concept of agentic AI, where OS aims to share its extensive data with partners in both the public and private sectors. The company has faced questions about this for years, and Bolton notes that trust, authority, and reliability are crucial elements that must remain consistent even in the AI age. Secure access and the ability to trace decisions back to concrete data are also vital considerations for OS.
Bolton points out that AI usage at OS is gradual, an "organic process" that requires human oversight to ensure accuracy and reliability. The data is used across a wide range of applications, including government agencies, utility networks, construction firms, and homebuyers. OS collaborates with various partners to provide valuable geographical and location insights.
As a government-owned entity, OS works with national bodies such as the Office for National Statistics, HM Land Registry, and the National Underground Asset Register. The built environment relies on the cooperation between public and private sectors, and OS plays a significant role in this interconnected ecosystem.
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