CLG appoints Infoterra Ltd for implementation.....

28 March 2008, 9:43am

CLG appoints Infoterra Ltd for implementation of Phase 2 of the Green Spaces database project

Infoterra Ltd,has been appointed by the Department for Communities and Local Government (CLG) to implement Phase 2 of the Green Spaces project, with its partner Dr. Andrew Harrison of LandInform Ltd. In 2002 the government announced its commitment to develop a national database of green spaces in urban areas through the policy statement 'Living Places: Cleaner, Safer, Greener'.

Information on green spaces is vital for strategic planning & investment, and in reducing the need for ad-hoc surveys/data audits in relation to PPG17* requirements. Phase 1 of the Green Spaces project focused on data collection and quality improvement, as well as the development of a pilot web GIS interface. The requirements of Phase 2 focus on access, maintenance, together with further development. This includes:

* Improving the availability of information on all green spaces through the provision of a web mapping application and, where licensing allows, through the availability of information for download

* Maintenance of the knowledge base and capture of stakeholder comments/feedback

* Using the data to explore the quality of green space

This service aims to deliver valuable information to a number of user groups with different requirements; CLG and other national central government bodies, local government and non-governmental organisations, as well as the general public.

"CLG is very excited about this project and its potential for both information dissemination and collaborative data management. It is very important that we make available the information which has already been captured on Green Spaces, and involve all stakeholders in ensuring that it is used and maintained," commented Jonathan Rhind, for the Department for Communities and Local Government.

Infoterra is highly experienced in the issues associated with the collation, dissemination and use of geospatial information, and has undertaken numerous projects involving land data. Also, Infoterra has expertise in the design and development of web-based solutions for both the public and professional users. "This project is exciting as it illustrates current changes both in terms of policy issues associated with the local environment and green spaces, as well as the developments in web applications and information exchange," added Dr. John Wills, Consultant for Infoterra Ltd.

Note: * PPG17 is the Planning and Policy Guidance note 17 on Sport and Recreation, which describes the role of the planning system in assessing opportunities and needs for sport/recreation provision and safeguarding open space which has recreational value.
For more information, please visit www.planningportal.gov.uk/england/professionals/en/1021020428004.html

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