David Rhind

David Rhind served as director-general and chief executive of Ordnance Survey, Great Britain's national mapping agency, where he oversaw the modernization of the country's geographic data infrastructure. His leadership came during a period of significant technological transition from traditional surveying to digital geographic information systems.

Rhind was a professor of geography and contributed extensively to the development of geographic information science as an academic discipline. He held positions at institutions including the University of Durham and Birkbeck, University of London, bridging academic research and practical mapping applications.

Rhind is recognized as one of the pioneers of geographic information systems in the UK, particularly for advancing the use of digital spatial data in government and public policy. His work helped establish the foundations for modern national spatial data infrastructures used by agencies worldwide.

Yes, after his time at Ordnance Survey, Rhind became involved in broader public information policy and data governance, including work with the UK Office for National Statistics and advisory roles on data quality and access. His expertise extended from cartographic data to the wider management of public sector information.