The Geospatial Commission has appointed Atkins to work with Ordnance Survey to create a digital map known as the National Underground Asset Register (NUAR).
The NUAR concept was developed as part of Northumbrian’s Innovation Festival and trialled in the northeast of England and London to map the underground pipes and cables.
OS and Atkins will work with 1Spatial to build the nationwide geospatial platform that is designed to minimise utility strikes by showing users where underground assets are located.
The project has come together to share data between utility companies and local authorities to improve efficiencies in construction and development, reduce disruption and improve safety.
An estimated £2.4 billion is lost annually because of pipe and cable strikes.
“By harnessing technology to enable data sharing, we’re able to transform how we deliver projects and infrastructure by unlocking improvements in safety, certainty and efficiency,” Guy Ledger, digital director at Atkins, said.
The NUAR will be built over the next three years, beginning with expanding the pilot work undertaken in the northeast and London, before adding Wales.