UK digital drainage map launches

29 February 2012, source edie newsroom

A new digital map of the UK has been launched by the British Geological Survey (BGS) in a bid to help planners, developers and local authorities reduce urban flooding.

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The interactive sustainable drainage systems (SuDs) map identifies areas where rainfall can soak into the ground through SuDs, such as soakaways, infiltration basins and permeable paving, thus decreasing the chance of flooding and watercourse pollution.

According to the BGS, because SuDS are highly dependent on the properties of the ground, a map conveying drainage information will be crucial to decision-making, in particular for businesses making planning proposals.

Miller Homes and Home Builders Federation (HBF) divisional development director Stephen Wiebeldski, said: "Since the first iteration of the SuDS Standards, the HBF has championed the cause and effectiveness of SuDS Infiltration Mapping.

"This is an important first step, linked to the desk study process, whereby both the SuDS Approval Body (SAB) and the developer can draw upon important and highly relevant geological and hydrogeological information to inform the subsequent site evaluation process."

A free demo of the map can be viewed here.

Carys Matthews