| Citation | David Rhind's distinction as the leading UK scholar and a pioneer in the computer handling and analysis of cartographic and geographic information was recognised by his appointment as the first scientist Director General of the Ordnance Survey (OS). At Edinburgh ('68/'69) he created the first geological borehole database and his work on digital mapping in the Experimental Cartography Unit was the first outside the US military. At Durham and Birkbeck ('74/'92) he developed data handling by automated cartography, notably in the creation of the CORINE environmental information system. He was Adviser to the OS Review Committee ('78/'79) and to the House of Lords Select Committee Inquiry into Digital Mapping and Remote Sensing ('83/'84), Member of the Chorley Committee on Handling Geographic Information ('85/'87), Vice?President of the International Cartographic Association ('86/'91) and Chairman of the Society's OS Scientific Committee ('89/'91). At OS he oversaw the completion of digital coverage of Great Britain, the first country to be so covered, promoted its application in many fields and strengthened OS's role in research and development. |