NUAR Maps More Than 3.2 Million Kilometres of Underground Infrastructure Across Britain

Ordnance Survey has revealed that the National Underground Asset Register (NUAR) now contains mapping data for more than 3.2 million kilometres of underground pipes and cables across the UK, with local authorities already reporting major efficiency improvements through the system.

The government-backed digital platform provides secure and immediate access to underground asset information, helping organisations identify buried infrastructure before excavation work begins. Managed by Ordnance Survey on behalf of the Government, NUAR brings together data from sectors including telecommunications, energy, water, transport, highways and local authorities.

According to Ordnance Survey, more than 70% of local authorities and 90% of highways authorities have either joined or committed to sharing data through the system. Over 360 asset owners are already contributing information, with more than 80% of known underground assets currently mapped.

The platform has been developed to simplify the process of locating underground infrastructure. Previously, engineers and contractors often had to access several different systems to obtain information about buried assets, creating delays and inefficiencies.

Rob West, Acting Assistant Engineer at Coventry City Council, said NUAR had transformed the way teams access underground asset data. He explained that before the system was introduced, staff regularly had to navigate multiple provider platforms with different interfaces, while sometimes struggling to identify ownership of their own infrastructure assets.

As of March 2026, 62% of local authorities across England, Wales and Northern Ireland had already shared underground infrastructure data with NUAR. Including organisations that have formally committed to joining, participation rises to 74%. Among highways authorities in England and Wales, 81% have already supplied data, increasing to 91% when future participants are included.

Authorities are contributing information covering a wide range of infrastructure, including buried cables, traffic signals, illuminated road signs, parking meters, EV charging points, drainage systems, CCTV equipment and street lighting networks.

The availability of this information is expected to improve safety during excavation work while reducing disruption caused by accidental strikes on underground assets. Damage to highways drainage systems, for example, may not create immediate problems but can later contribute to severe flooding incidents affecting communities and local economies.

Durham County Council’s Drainage and Coastal Protection Manager, Brian Weatherall, described NUAR as a “game changer”, explaining that the system dramatically speeds up investigations and emergency response work. He noted that older methods of locating underground services could take weeks, whereas NUAR allows teams to identify buried infrastructure almost instantly.

The platform also helps reduce administrative workloads by replacing multiple manual enquiries with a single digital service. Officials say tasks that previously took days can now often be completed within minutes.

Lincolnshire County Council Traffic Manager Ashley Behan stated that the system provides a central source of information for all asset owners, helping streamline operations and deliver estimated time and efficiency savings of around 75% once fully implemented.

In addition to utility and highways data, some authorities are also sharing information relating to conservation areas and Tree Preservation Orders. This can help protect historic environments and environmentally sensitive areas during construction and excavation works.

Ordnance Survey representatives continue to encourage remaining authorities to join the platform, arguing that wider participation will further improve safety, efficiency and coordination across the underground infrastructure sector.