OS becomes operator of National Underground Asset Register beta service

The Geospatial Commission has confirmed Ordnance Survey as the future operator of the National Underground Asset Register (NUAR). The register provides information about buried water, gas, electricity and telecommunications pipes and cables.

Currently contractors must contact multiple organisations and wait on average over six days just to get the information they need about underground services.

With NUAR, they can get that information instantly allowing planners and contractors to carry out their work effectively and safely by reducing accidental strikes on underground pipes and cables.

The Geospatial Commission will retain long-term policy and performance oversight of the service. The OS Board has agreed to operate NUAR as part of its public task and on a cost recovery basis.

In the upcoming months, the services will begin transitioning from AtkinsRéalis, who collaborated with the Geospatial Commission on NUAR’s early development.

Plans are in place for NUAR to evolve from its current status as a “minimum viable product”, where use is constrained to testing and feedback, into a public beta service by spring 2025.

From that point NUAR will be able to be used in real-life situations by any eligible asset owners, their contractors and accredited surveyors to help ensure safe digging and excavation.

Nick Bolton, Chief Executive Officer, Ordnance Survey said, “We are excited to apply our expertise in mapping Great Britain above ground, to the infrastructure below it.

“This innovative digital map shows how collaboration, between private sector and government, can bring huge economic benefit to the nation. Being trusted to operate a critical national asset, such as NUAR, is recognition of our enduring capabilities and we are delighted to be responsible for running this service.”