CHANGING THE LANDSCAPE FOR BUSINESS AND COMMUNITIES

Dublin, 29 November 2011: From today, private companies, public bodies, academic institutions, media and citizens will have access to a unique new website which will change how important decisions are made. DecisionMap.ie is the result of a collaboration between Ordnance Survey Ireland (OSi) and Twelve Horses digital agency.

The website allows users to view and analyse demographic data from a range of different sources with reference to a map viewer that helps users relate that data to a place, and through ground breaking data visualisation techniques, that helps users understand more about the data. OSi and Twelve Horses are calling this the creation of a single information map.

This data already exists from other sources, such as census data, the live register and local authority data. The beauty of this system is that it synthesises these multiple data sources in one single location. Access to the site will be free.

"This website will make it very easy to access complex data and to analyse it," said Geraldine Ruane, Chief Executive, OSi. "It will be a powerful decision-making tool. We bring together authoritative data from a number of sources, and viewing this data on our information maps will help to highlight patterns that would otherwise be difficult to spot. For example, if you were an incoming business looking for a place to locate, you'd be able to look at an area and view on one easy-to-read map the number of third-level graduates, the level of unemployment, the number of houses and other socio-economic data."

"Ghost estates" provide an example of how this website could be used in decision-making. Currently, the data on these estates is compiled by the Housing Agency of the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government in the Unfinished Houses Developments Register. By incorporating this data into DecisionMap.ie, it can then be put in the context of other important decision-making criteria such as geographic location, infrastructure, population and employment trends. The ability to bring these multiple sources of data together in a single information map enables better and more efficient decisions to be made based on the demographics of the area. Similarly, businesses will now be able to identify customers and patterns with precision, allowing for the greater tailoring of marketing strategies.

Mr Hugh Mangan, Business and Marketing Manager, OSi said:

"DecisionMap.ie is a new way to view complex statistical data online, in a simple and intuitive manner. The aim of DecisionMap.ie is to promote the use of authoritative data as a driver for efficiency and reform by putting the data in the hands of the people who need it most. Users will be able to compare and contrast data in a number of different ways, from unemployment levels in a particular area to population trends from current and previous CSO statistics. The benefits of this collaboration between public and private sector are quite significant."

"For the first time, in advance of the release of the Census 2011, users will have a say in how the system develops so that it delivers benefits to them, regardless of whether their business is concerned with identifying and connecting with new customers, or targeting public services for the best locations."

This means that the website will constantly evolve in response to the user's requirements.

"DecisionMap.ie is a collaborative project with a difference," said Ms Gabrielle Stafford, Managing Director, Twelve Horses. "We call it an 'evolutionary public service' as the way people interact with the website will help us to adapt and develop the site in response to the user's requirements. This is quite unique for a public service website but we want this to be a service that everyone can use and interact with, from industry and public sector organisations to media and the general public."

OSi and Twelve Horses decided to partner on this project as both organisations saw the benefits of combining their expertise and resources to provide a unique service to the public.

"We're delighted to have delivered something so innovative in collaboration with a leading-edge digital agency," said Geraldine Ruane. "OSi is the National Mapping Agency and our expertise is providing accurate and up-to-date geographic data which is relied upon by Government, business and the public. With this website, we have combined our resources and expertise with that of a cutting-edge digital agency to provide a unique service that is not available anywhere else in Ireland. It really shows the opportunities that can be created when public and private sectors come together."

The website is free to use and free to access and is available at www.decisionmap.ie.

For media queries, please contact:

Hugh Mangan OSi: 087 410 1820
Eimear Hurley: 087 641 8491

Notes to Editors:

Case Study 1:

DecisionMap.ie helps to match demographic data with geographic information. For example, if a retailer wanted to identify the best location for a new premise, he could use DecisionMap.ie to help identify the type of customer he wants to attract by viewing the census information on population, education and social-class etc. He can then easily identify the areas with the highest density of his target customer group and use the map viewer to understand a more about the local geography and infrastructure. By understanding the neighbourhood the retailer can make decisions about the best way to connect with these new potential customers.

Case Study 2:

DecisionMap.ie allows front line managers easy access to complex statistical data that otherwise might be difficult to access and interpret. For example, if a public health worker wanted to plan a health intervention in an area of concern, they could use DecisionMap.ie to view the relevant census data such as age, car ownership, modes of transport etc to help build the case that the that the intervention would have to be delivered at a local level, because the underlying demographic suggested that the target population would be unable to travel to a centralised location. DecisionMap.ie has simplified access to the data required to make this case, and the interface is intuitive and allows users to share their findings, which can be included in business case reports to support recommendations.