The Ordnance Survey (OS) has taken a unique approach to emergency response by adding thousands of local nicknames for UK landmarks to a database for the use of emergency services. These unofficial names, such as Stinky Bay, Sausage Island, and Crazy Mary’s Hole, have been passed down through generations and provide a source of amusement for locals.
The OS Vernacular Names Tool (VNT) now contains over 9,000 of these quirky monikers, allowing emergency responders to quickly and accurately locate specific locations in times of crisis. This tool was developed to replace the Fintan mapping tool, which was created over a decade ago for HM Coastguard.
One user of the VNT, the Welsh ambulance service, has found the tool to be incredibly useful and easy to use. By inputting these vernacular names into the system, responders can ensure they arrive at the scene of an incident promptly and effectively.
In a recent visit to the OS headquarters in Southampton, Princess Anne even added a new nickname to the database – “the wedding cake” for the Queen Victoria memorial opposite Buckingham Palace. John Kimmance, the managing director of OS national mapping services, emphasized the importance of these nicknames in emergency situations, stating that they could truly mean the difference between life and death.
Overall, the integration of local nicknames into the emergency response system showcases the importance of community knowledge and collaboration in ensuring the safety and well-being of individuals in need.