EMAGIN, the Equestrian Mapping and Geographical Information Network, was launched on Sunday, 23 September 2007 by The British Horse Society at its Diamond Jubilee National Access Conference.
The system, the latest exciting initiative from the BHS, includes the unique 'Where to Ride' service. It allows people to find their nearest off-road riding opportunities and what the Society has to offer in their area, such as BHS Approved establishments or training venues.
'Where to Ride' is free to the public, and can also tell people which Ordnance Survey maps they need for their area to further their investigations. Contact the BHS on 01926 707812 or emagin@bhs.org.uk to use this service.
EMAGIN incorporates the in-house Geographical Information System (GIS), several layers of specific Ordnance Survey maps and specific data uploaded by hand.
The programme works on the same principle as layering several pages of tracing paper on top of one another to view and analyse data. Once these layers are combined, it is possible to analyse the information, producing statistics, tables and graphs, and imagery, if required.
GIS representatives within the BHS regularly send through data from their departments for upload on the system, allowing the production of a monthly summary of BHS statistics.
The system has already helped in a wide range of projects, such as the formation of the new Emergency Services Protocol, preparation for major Public Inquiries, and providing detailed maps of the recent Foot and Mouth restriction zones. More than 550 miles of BHS promoted routes have also been uploaded.
Award winning retired BHS volunteer Brenda Wickham MBE said: "The BHS GIS System will be of enormous benefit to all riders who are planning to ride one of the Ride UK routes, as any alterations in the routes will be instantly available. It has already been helpful in the development of the Prince Llywelyn and the Sea Horse Ride, both of which opened this year. It also gives a chance for greater publicity for all the Ride UK routes, which grow even more popular each year."
In June this year, Awards for All, (supported by the Arts Council, the Big Lottery Fund, the Heritage Lottery Fund and Sport England), awarded the project £8,115, giving it a huge boost. It allowed the system to become mobile, and in turn, more accessible and beneficial to members of the public and their local communities.
From now on, EMAGIN will be present at many of the major equestrian events throughout Britain, starting with Your Horse Live 2007. At these events, members of the public can view EMAGIN on a one-to-one basis receiving a range of advice and help on off-road riding and BHS activities in their local area.
Next year, dependent on funding, the BHS hopes to implement the next stage which will be to launch EMAGIN online.
Date: 28 Sep 2007
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