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Council Wins Ordnance Survey Innovation Award |
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Written by Vector1Media
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Thursday, 20 November 2008 |
PR - Sandwell Borough Council has scooped the Ordnance
Survey award for most innovative use of geographic
information. The Council’s “Gaming the Tibby” project was honoured at the mapping
agency’s Local Government and Emergency Services conference, which highlights
the very best uses of digital mapping data.
“Gaming the Tibby” – an interactive game designed to engage the young
people of the Tibbington estate – invites players to enter a
'virtual environment'. There they can use a huge range of building tools to
present their thoughts and opinions about the area’s
regeneration.
The project is believed to be the first use of Ordnance
Survey data to create an interactive game that represents a real geographic
site. What’s more, since each player’s output directly feeds into a ‘masterplanning’ process to
consider the real regeneration of the estate, it provides a direct link to
decision making at the highest level.
Derek Rowley, Sandwell's Cabinet Member for Safer Communities, comments: “We’re delighted that Ordnance Survey
has recognised our work.
Ordnance Survey data forms the basis of the game and helps draw young
people in; they recognise their estate and that enables them to give their
thoughts and opinions about regeneration, in a great fun
environment.”
Ian Carter, from Ordnance Survey, adds “‘Gaming the Tibby’ is an outstandingly successful
and innovative project. Never before has computer
gaming technology come together with community consultation in this way.
“The
end result has helped the council to get the opinions of people who wouldn't
usually speak out. Once again it demonstrates that the power of geographic
information is enormous and wide ranging.”
Other
winners on the night included West Midlands Fire Service and Walsall Council.
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Vector1Media |
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