Case Study: Rochdale Borough Council achieves a 97% reduction in school admissions distance calculations with Ordnance Survey

Rochdale Borough Council - Customer Case Study

Rochdale Borough Council’s school admissions team faced a lengthy, manual process calculating distances for applications across dozens of schools — a task that could take more than 124 hours and often missed footpaths that affected allocation decisions. To address this, the council used OS data (OS MasterMap Integrated Transport Network Layer and the ITN Urban Paths Theme) alongside RouteFinder for MapInfo implemented with technology partner Higher Mapping Solutions.

By linking RouteFinder to the council’s Capita ONE pupil database and using OS MasterMap ITN data provided under the Public Sector Mapping Agreement, the admissions team automated batch routing and restricted routes to safe paths. The implementation reduced distance‑calculation time from 124 hours to under four hours (a 97% cut), improved accuracy and defensibility of allocations, and created potential for further uses such as bus‑pass eligibility and special educational needs transport planning — with OS data central to the results.

Rochdale Borough Council

Chris Swift

School Planning & Organisation Manager