Land and Property Services puts Fermanagh on the map

A locally produced Ordnance Survey Map has won international recognition at a Gala Dinner in Belfast.

The Lough Erne Activity Map, produced by Land & Property Services (LPS), received a Gold Award at the International Map Trader Association Dinner on Saturday night.

The “Best Folded Map” Gold Award was presented to LPS for the map which caters for outdoor enthusiasts visiting this region of Fermanagh.

Commenting on the award, John Wilkinson, Chief Executive of Land & Property Services, said: “We are honoured to receive this accolade. The Lough Erne Activity Map, as with the others in the series, is of exceptional quality and a great resource for tourists in Northern Ireland.

“A unique and important safety feature of the map is the inclusion of every marker buoy on the Lough to assist anyone navigating the Lough itself. This feature was captured in collaboration with Waterways Ireland, using the latest Global Positioning Satellite Technology (GPS).”

The Gala Dinner in Belfast marked the end of the first International Map Traders Association’s Conference and Trade Show to be held in Belfast. The event, which attracted visitors from across the world, was hosted by Land & Property Services, the agency responsible for mapping and Geographic Information (GI) in Northern Ireland.

Speaking about the theme of the conference, Mr Wilkinson continued: “Mapping data has a broad impact on our economy. Digital mapping data can be combined with sophisticated GI systems to provide local business leaders and government bodies with a powerful decision making tool.

“Under the Programme for Government a GI Strategy for Northern Ireland was published which seeks to encourage the uptake of GI and highlights the significant role it can play not only in relation to public and private sector business but also in the everyday lives of the citizens of Northern Ireland.”

The Lough Erne Activity Map is one of a series of five activity maps produced under the banner “Ordnance Survey of Northern Ireland”. Other maps in the series are the Glens of Antrim, the Sperrins, Strangford Lough and the Mournes.

Notes to Editors:

1. Land & Property Services is responsible for all mapping, land registration, valuation and rating revenue and benefits in Northern Ireland. LPS is a member of International Map Trade Association and one of its conference sponsors.
2. Further information on LPS may be obtained from its website on www.lpsni.gov.uk or by contacting LPS Marketing and Communications Team on 028 9025 5738.
3. International Map Trade Association represents the commercial interests of the global mapping and spatial information industry. IMTA boasts members from more than 50 countries on six continents, representing over 800 companies and organisations.
4. The International Map Trade Association (IMTA) Europe, Africa and Middle East Conference and Trade Show was held at the Waterfront Hall, Belfast on 20 - 21 February 2009.
5. Delegates attending the two day conference and trade show at the Waterfront Hall, Belfast, had the opportunity to attend workshops and seminars including presentations on national mapping agencies; digital rights, historical perspective of mapping, future trends and past milestones.
6. Further information on IMTA or the conference may be obtained via their website www.maptrade.org.
7. Media enquiries to DFP Communications Office on 028 9052 7374 or 028 9052 27375. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.