NMA Support

How OSi will help Eligible Bodies to access and use GIS

There are a large number of Eligible Bodies¹ that can avail of OSi data through the National Mapping Agreement. These bodies range from key Government departments, all non-commercial State –Sponsored Bodies and Agencies, and 3rd-level educational bodies.

This is a significant number of clients. Many already use GIS, while many may have no previous experience, and OSi intends to support both categories equally well. So with the diversity of needs and abilities of so many clients, OSi needs to manage their own supply and support resources carefully to ensure that each client body gets the support services it needs.

It’s not just about providing digital data; OSi recognises that many bodies will need some support and guidance to establish a GIS system, maintain that system, and most importantly, get maximum benefit out of it.

Here’s what we intend to do:

Supply:

OSi will appoint one of its trained team to be the principal contact or account manager with each Eligible Body. That person will act as a liaison officer for that body, ensuring that there is a practical understanding on both sides as to what the Eligible Body’s needs are, and how best those needs will be met, from within OSi resources, and that it is delivered as agreed.

Broadly, OSi and the Eligible Body will agree a practical working understanding, where there is clarity regarding the scope, nature and timeframe of data and service delivery.

Installation:

Eligible Bodies will have varying capabilities in the use of GIS, reflecting their past experience. OSi will be happy to offer advice on how bodies begin or expand their use of OSi data. Without favouring any particular supplier, OSi will guide clients to source technical advice on hardware, software, storage, and perhaps most  importantly, staff training in using GIS as a tool. This advice will be channeled through the OSi liaison officer.

Support:

The liaison officer will be there to channel any day-to-day issues about data quality, delivery issues and GIS advice and so on. By maintaining a direct personal link between OSi and the GIS teams, we plan to maintain a responsive and effective ongoing support service.

Useful Links:

¹An “Eligible Body” is a State Body as described in the National Mapping Agreement, being eligible to avail of OSi products, data and services, for which there is no direct charge to that body.

Download Presentations from the NMA Information meetings

¹An “Eligible Body” is a State Body as described in the National Mapping Agreement, being eligible to avail of OSi products, data and services, for which there is no direct charge to that body.