Trap Streets

Dear Sir or Madam

Ordnance Survey reference: 72203

Thank you for your email dated 23 September 2009 requesting: I'm
interested in trap streets put into maps. These are deliberate errors
introduced into maps to catch and trace those who use unlicensed maps.

I'm curious as to how many there are, where they are placed (roughly),
what your policy is on trap streets, who determines where they are placed,
the nature of changes to maps, details. An index of documents containing
information on these trap streets would be fine.

I am pleased to provide the following in response to your request;
Ordnance Survey seeks to collect accurate and comprehensive information on
the official names of all roads and streets which have them. Street names
are recorded from the physical name tablet where these are publicly
displayed along the road. Otherwise local enquiry, validated by Local
Authority verification, is used.

Streets and roads are occasionally renamed by relevant authorities and new
names are incorporated into Ordnance Survey mapping as soon as convenient
following Ordnance Survey becoming aware of any change. Any inadvertent
errors or unrecorded changes which are brought to the attention of
Ordnance Survey are amended as soon as convenient.

Ordnance Survey does not deliberately misrepresent street names, and has
no policy or documents relating to this therefore is unable to help you
with your enquiry as we do not hold this information.

Please note that your enquiry has been processed to Freedom of Information
guidelines. If you are unhappy with our response, you may raise an appeal
to our Appeals Officer at:

Complaints Team

Customer Service Centre

Ordnance Survey

Romsey Road

SOUTHAMPTON

SO16 4GU

Please include the reference number above. The Appeals Officer will ensure
that the process has been followed correctly, questioning any decisions
taken regarding the original response and recommending disclosure of
additional information if appropriate.

Thank you for your enquiry.

Yours sincerely

Tony Gray

Information Rights Manager

(Freedom of Information)

Ordnance Survey

C454, Romsey Road, SOUTHAMPTON, United Kingdom, SO16 4GU
Phone: +44 (0)8456 05 05 05 Fax: +44 (0) 23 8079 2615

[1]http://www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/ | [2][Ordnance Survey request email]

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Ordnance Survey
Romsey Road
Southampton SO16 4GU
Tel: 08456 050505
http://www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk

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