HCA has launched SIGnet, a new mapping tool combining GIS spatial data from many different sources in a single place.
SIGnet – the Spatial Intelligence Geographic network – is a free resource developed by the HCA to bring together data from organisations such as Ordnance Survey, the Office for National Statistics, Local Authorities, and the Environment Agency in a single place, allowing it to be viewed on a map and printed as plans or spreadsheet tables.
SIGnet is a web-based Geographic Information System which has been launched following testing by 11 local authorities over a 7 month pilot period. It displays spatially referenced data – information which can be located at a specific point on the ground – such as a site boundary, the location of a specific hospital, school or other piece of infrastructure, or population statistics linked to a given area. Local Authorities can look at data on a county-wide basis or drill down to an individual street level, and by using data that has been spatially referenced, SIGnet can help identify relationships between these datasets.
The tool provides a platform to share data across government departments and local authorities, increase transparency by making it easier to access information and puts the power of spatial analysis in the hands of organisations that do not have access to a geographic information system, as well as being of additional value to those that do.
SIGnet can help local authorities look at available land compared with planning constraints and infrastructure when plannign new development, or map empty homes hotspots compared with statistics on housing need
SIGnet can save local authorities money by reducing the need for their own GIS hardware and software and associated training costs
SIGnet includes the Empty Homes Mapping Toolkit launched by the HCA earlier this month and is accessible for free
Those interested in accessing SIGnet should email SIGnet@hca.gsx.gov.uk for more information.
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