THE rise of Google as a mapping force across the globe poses a major threat to one Southampton institution – Ordnance Survey.

The two powerful forces in web mapping have been squaring up for a battle over the past few years as the search engine giant reinvents the idea of a conventional map.

For many, logging onto Google Maps to find locations or print off directions is now second nature.

Google, like many in-car satellite navigation companies, creates its maps using data from the OS and other agencies.

However, the danger for the OS is that commercial or public service map users, such as councils, start using Google – which is free – instead of OS.

This has already happened at some local authorities, such as Brent Council in north London, while Southampton City Council has stayed faithful to the OS, which employs 1,000 people at its Maybush headquarters.

The dilemma was highlighted recently when Bournemouth Borough Council recently decided against switching to Google.

The council said Google could at any time restrict its use of the online service, or introduce charges without prior notification.

Any data uploaded to the council map would have also become available to any company or individual who provide syndicated services with Google.

The council’s web developer Pete Olding said: “I don’t think we should put ourselves in a position where a major element of the website is in the hands of a third party.”

OS bosses have launched a £20m cost-cutting drive that will allow the organisation to give away mapping information to charities and community groups and reduce charges for businesses.