The Ministry of Defence has recently signed a significant contract with Esri UK, solidifying their strategic partnership. This agreement will enable UK Armed Forces personnel to access critical geographic information systems, empowering them with accurate and timely data across various networks and devices. With the aim of achieving an information advantage and expediting decision-making cycles, this contract marks a crucial step in the MOD’s digital transformation journey.
Enhancing Digital Transformation through Geographic Information Systems:
The new Enterprise Agreement focuses on the continuation and supply of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to the MOD. This will support their digital transformation efforts, ensuring personnel have access to advanced tools and capabilities to analyze and visualize data effectively. Esri UK’s world-leading GIS platform, ArcGIS, will be available to military personnel, facilitating collaboration, and providing contextual tools for better insights.
Broader Access and Improved Operations:
With this partnership, the MOD aims to enhance the provision of live instant Geographic Information to British troops deployed in remote locations worldwide. The agreement will offer broader access to location-based technologies and services, enabling efficient field operations, mapping, data science, imagery, and data collection and management. This will greatly benefit front-line units as well as Defence Intelligence analysts based in the UK.
Strategic Importance and Cost Savings:
Esri UK, as the Ministry of Defence’s Strategic Geospatial Partner, plays a vital role in supporting the MOD’s digital transformation objectives. This partnership is expected to generate savings of £21 million over the next three years while delivering critical operational outcomes. By leveraging the scale of the defence enterprise, the MOD aims to address digital spending effectively.
Key Players and Commitment to Success:
The collaboration between the MOD and Esri UK will involve the close cooperation of both organizations. Major General Richard Spencer, Director of Delivery of Intelligence and Expeditionary Services in Defence Digital, expressed satisfaction with the ongoing partnership, emphasizing Esri UK’s role in the digital transformation of all aspects of the MOD’s operations. Victoria Cope, Defence Digital Commercial Director, Enterprise, highlighted the agreement’s cost-saving benefits and strategic approach to digital spending. Peter Wilkinson, Managing Director at Esri UK, affirmed the company’s commitment to supporting the MOD’s objectives, such as building location infrastructure, expanding capabilities across the enterprise, and creating an ecosystem of solutions for seamless information exchange.
Source: Gov[Dot]UK
