Worcester-based IT firm Postcode Anywhere unveils a new range of web-based services today, designed to help Local Government Authorities make the most of the Integrated Transport Network (ITN) Layer data, part of Ordnance Survey's MasterMap.

Local Government Authorities (LGAs) can access ITN data, which can be used to help plan strategic services, under the Mapping Services Agreement. Usually this entails the need for specialist Geographic Information System software, but Postcode Anywhere is now offering a unique, web-based, solution.

Postcode Anywhere's new route optimisation web service cuts journey times and fuel cost across complex journeys (with multiple stop-offs) by over 20%.

Postcode Anywhere MD Guy Mucklow said: "Postcode Anywhere's service allows LGAs to tap into the data they're entitled to use under the Mapping Services Agreement in a far easier way and cost effective way. "By opening up the data for use through a web service, Postcode Anywhere gives local government the tools it needs to drive service delivery to the next level."

Chief Architect Richard Geary added: "Possible applications of the Postcode Anywhere services range from planning transportation routes to calculating or redefining catchment areas such as school bus pass entitlement.

"By making use of this kind of technology, government can start to realise the value of these datasets. We still read in the press about school bus controversies and so-called "postcode lotteries" - often a result of inaccurate reporting tools.

"The days of taking a wooden trundle-wheel out of the back of the closet to settle boundary disputes should be in the distant past, but they're still here with us to this day.

"Now Postcode Anywhere has built in reliable, useful ways to access and manipulate the data, LGAs can deal with these kinds of issues by clicking a mouse or typing out a few postcodes."

Tom Satterthwaite, Ordnance Survey Product Manager for transport, comments: "Many Local Authorities are already reaping the benefits of using ITN data, but what this service offers is the opportunity to access it via the web - something which has never been possible before. I think many local councils will be very excited by the prospect."

The new web services include:

• Distance - Works out the distance between two locations, either "as-the-crow-flies" or by road, using the quickest or shortest route. 'Polylines' and 'TOIDs' which allow the route to be placed on a map are optional
• Nearest - Retrieves an ordered list of nearest locations, within a given radius of a grid reference or postcode
• Single Vehicle Optimise - Re-sequences a set of locations to obtain the shortest route that visits them all

Postcode Anywhere's new route planning service can be found at: http://www.postcodeanywhere.co.uk/route-planner-services/api.aspx. Users wishing to trial the services will need a data licence as given under the Pan Government or Mapping Services Agreement.