Ordnance Survey uses detailed mapping to monitor Britain's climate risks

Ordnance Survey, founded 230 years ago, now leverages a massive geographic database to track climate-related changes across the UK. Tom Gray explains that the agency’s maps highlight likely subsidence zones, wildfire-susceptible rural properties and flood hotspots, supporting emergency services in pinpointing access routes. Drone operators, including Helen Jones, fly over coastal erosion sites such as the Isle of Wight to quickly update maps, enabling authorities to anticipate utility shutdowns and evacuations.

The collected footage is processed by specialists like Sean Kennedy, who add detailed objects—from buildings to street furniture—to the digital maps with centimetre accuracy. This granular information helps planners prepare for extreme weather events, including the record-dry July of 2026.