The Stirling-based mapping and data systems firm thinkWhere is helping one of Scotland’s best known Highland estates create digital maps of land holdings using the latest web technology.
Originally introduced for land registration, Atholl Estates is now using the open source software to create, store, analyse and share a wide range of map-related information. Applications of the mapping system include farming, habitat assessment and utilities and infrastructure management.
Atholl Estates consists of three main blocks of land, the largest to the north and east of the village of Blair Atholl in Perthshire Scotland. Dating back to the 13th century and centred on the famous landmark of Blair Castle, the estate covers 143,000 acres and employs around 75 full time and 60 seasonal staff.
thinkWhere worked with Atholl Estates to implement a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) called QGIS. It also provided training for key personnel, undertook data capture and conversion exercises, and is delivering ongoing technical support.
“Prior to the implementation of QGIS we had a standalone mapping tool which was only used for forestry applications,” said Andrew Bruce-Wootton, Chief Executive of Atholl Estates. “However a new land registration process, being promoted by Registers of Scotland, and changing operational needs meant we needed to consider our use of spatial data and technology.”
Atholl Estates undertook a review of available systems including networking with other organisations and estates before selecting QGIS. “We discovered QGIS was used extensively within the land management sector and feedback was very positive. We also knew we could access data services, training and support from thinkWhere, which would be crucial to the successful uptake and ongoing use of the software,” added Bruce-Wootten.
thinkWhere helped set-up the cross-platform QGIS and undertook the process of transferring existing paper and digital records, including those already held within the forestry software, to the new system. The land registration involved mapping estate boundaries using existing plans and local knowledge to create a digital location-referenced record of land and property.
“Working with thinkWhere has been a bit like having our own IT department which just isn’t practical for an organisation of our size and nature. They are responsive, informed and available and the skills they have imparted are allowing us to get the most out of the software and data,” said Bruce-Wootton.
Related posts
Interviews
Comment
Why innovation and marketing are the perfect partners to make changes that matter
With the rapid evolution of traditional marketing and the appearance of digital marketing, technology and innovation has become part of any marketer’s life without the need of working for a…
Transitioning to a four-day week – CEO’s vow to strike a healthier balance in the workplace
I came to Scotland nearly 20 years ago from Ireland, with no contacts but a lot of determination. While Ireland will always be my home, Scotland has given me amazing…
Women Lead: The female-led company championing intuitive working
Over the last two years, the pandemic forced a shift to more remote and flexible working practices. Whilst we might be seeing a “return to normal”, some companies are choosing…
Women Lead: My passion for young people to consider a career in digital
Twenty years ago, I stumbled across my career in digital marketing almost by accident. It was during my honours degree in marketing at Glasgow Caledonian University. I was on work…
Women Lead: Inclusive Silicon Valley cohort gives hope to entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds
Things are happening on the Scottish tech scene. Big and small initiatives are creating a fantastic ripple effect on the sector, bottom up and top down, thanks to the recommendations…
Women Lead: The story of an entrepreneurial scientist
I first arrived in Scotland over 20 years ago. I had £75 in my wallet and a scholarship offer to do a PhD at the University of Edinburgh. Sometimes I…
Please mind the gap… or healthcare may fall
Imagine sharing a lengthy train journey with others. From beginning to end, imagine how often you might hear ‘mind the gap’ messages about embarking and disembarking safely. Picture how navigating…
Women Lead: My journey from Dragons’ Den to Silicon Valley
Following her appearance on Dragons’ Den, Sheila Hogan, serial entrepreneur, founder and chief executive of digital legacy vault, Biscuit Tin, shares her experience of her time in the Den and…