Connecting Cumbria releases another broadband map
Getting maps right is never easy, and Connecting Cumbria is having a second bite at the cherry after the issues where approval from BDUK/PAC was claimed for the previous version. In addition to the jpg on the web page itself, a higher resolution PDF version is available.
Unfortunately the PDF version while a lot higher resolution does not provide any greater detail if you zoom in. Cumbria is far from the first council to produce a map that gives a good overview of the project area, but actual little detail for home owners who may know their address but not be used to finding its exact position on a map that has none of the usual roads and water features.
With Berkshire able to publish the specific cabinets that they are surveying, it is possible that the lack of data from some councils is down to a council not having grasped that in the modern information age, a lot more information and progress is expected.
Comments
You know, the 7 digit post code data the councils demand off the altnets before they will release theirs to BDUK but never actually do... which is why none of the altnets get the funding and why BT get it all, and why the next tranche of funding will probably go down the same old copper mine.
Except that this map appears to be produced using the 7 digit postcode data, since adjacent postcodes with different status appear as different colours on the map.
Cumbria CC must have the data on cabinets to be upgraded/surveyed. Why don't they simply publish the list. Anyone would think that they are trying to hide something!
This second attempt by CCC and the Connecting Cumbria project still falls far, far short of providing an adequate response to communities requests for coverage information. There is more resolution in the PDF version than the previous "map" and it is scaled properly. But it lacks any geographic detail, it also has insufficient resolution to allow fex. the coverage and speed information for say postcode area LA22 9TA versus postcode area LA22 9RS. 2/10 CCC.
If the map had the partial postcode that each area represented drawn on the map it would help.
Are councils any better at mapping other services?
If CCC took a quick look over the border in North Yorkshire they might learn a thing or two about maps and detail. http://www.superfastnorthyorkshire.com/where-and-when
Is that drill through detail new on the North Yorkshire map?
No. It has been there for some time.
If they had the 7 digit postcode data that Margaret Hodge is waiting for there are loads of folk could produce an accurate map ...