Ordnance Survey seeks tech to ‘print any map, in any size, on any surface’

Mapping agency looks for external developer to help with project to replace printing platform

Ordnance Survey is looking to spend up to £200,000 on developing a technology “that can print any map, in any size, on any surface”.

The national mapping agency has issued a contract notice looking for external developers that can work with OS to help create a platform to replace an existing printing system. 

“The aim of the project is to work with a third-party development team to create a robust and maintained replacement system that can print any map, in any size, on any surface,” Ordnance Survey said. “It will possess the capability of the original system, but will also be flexible, supported, extensible and fully documented and understood.”

The new system should be primarily designed to handle orders from Ordnance Survey’s online shop, “but should also have the potential to do so from other retailer websites, creating bespoke map images and then providing them to one of a number of suppliers”, the mapping agency said.


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The construction of a platform with enhanced functionality comes as OS plans to trial the sale of new paper products, as well as potential other wares for which there is demand from consumers.

“OS would like to trial and produce an expanded range of personalised paper products – [such as] different paper formats, different sizes, different map styles, [and] maps with routes – and also provide opportunities to print our mapping on other surfaces where there is an established or emerging customer need.”

Ordnance Survey is looking to award a 12-month contract, to commence later this year. It will be worth an estimated £200,000 to the chosen supplier.

Bids are open until 5 June. 

 

Sam Trendall

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