Ordnance Survey have released a mapping tool that gives free access to its vast wealth of data to anyone who wants to use it, including third-party commercial services. The OS have been sitting on a goldmine of data for two centuries that could prove incredibly valuable to a wide variety of companies and entrepreneurial individuals. By opening access to over 460 million different types of recorded features – ranging from church towers to business rates – the OS is hoping to stimulate innovation in the digital economy.

The map making organisation, held dear by gaiter-clad ramblers, has just transitioned from a government trading fund into a fully government owned company, giving the government far more control over the map maker and potentially paving the way for privatisation. Happy mapping.