Case Study: Lowland Search Dogs (LSDogs) achieves faster, more coordinated missing-person searches with Ordnance Survey digital mapping

LSDogs - Customer Case Study

Lowland Search Dogs (LSDogs), a UK voluntary search-and-rescue organisation, faced the challenge of quickly locating vulnerable missing people across lowland areas where fast access to detailed, up‑to‑date maps and effective inter-agency communication are vital. In June 2011 LSDogs joined the Public Sector Mapping Agreement to access Ordnance Survey digital map data, including OS MasterMap® Topography Layer and various scale raster products, replacing their previous reliance on paper maps.

Ordnance Survey’s digital mapping delivered via handheld GPS devices enabled coordinators and dog handlers to navigate, assign search areas and share identical map data with police and other services, improving coordination and reducing search response times. Using the OS data, teams can manage much larger, Great Britain‑wide and cross‑border searches more effectively; a single dog can cover 50–80 acres with high detection probability in about an hour to 90 minutes, and LSDogs reports faster, more efficient searches and better inter-agency communication.

LSDogs

Séamus Kearns

Chairman