New records have revealed that the government is utilising AI and technology to enhance public services.
AI and satellite images are being used to predict how natural habitats are changing across the country, so more current data can be used to accelerate planning proposals.
Satellite images and machine learning are being used by Natural England to build a detailed map of “Living England”, which shows the current extent of habitats across the country. Changes to habitats will now be tracked more efficiently compared to the manual surveys of the past. It is hoped this will speed up decisions around planning and land use, while at the same time, better protect nature.
Details of this project and 13 others have been released to show how AI and algorithmic tools are used to speed up decision making and improve public services. Other examples include how AI is being used to better predict the weather and keep standards high at MOT testing centres.
Natural England’s Chief Scientist, Professor Sallie Bailey said: "Nature restoration, development and economic growth are not opposing forces - they can and must work together to create a sustainable future for both people and wildlife.
"Our Living England project is harnessing the power of AI to inform and support planning decisions far more efficiently. This means we can make the biggest impact for Nature recovery, while helping to deliver the new homes and infrastructure the country needs."
The news comes as the government has published a new AI Playbook, which gives public sector technical experts top tips and guiding principles on how to replicate this work and build AI to help their organisations fix services for citizens.
The Playbook will guide civil servants on how to buy and manage the development of AI technology in their departments and encouraged to work with AI companies closely so the technology can be put to work more quickly.
The playbook outlines ten principles civil servants building AI follow, making sure they have meaningful human control at the right stages; choose the right tool for the right job and avoid using AI where more basic technology can fulfil the same task; and work with teams responsible for buying technology right from the start, to make sure agreements struck with private sector companies.
Natural England’s chief scientist, Professor Sallie Bailey said: "Nature restoration, development and economic growth are not opposing forces - they can and must work together to create a sustainable future for both people and wildlife.
"Our Living England project is harnessing the power of AI to inform and support planning decisions far more efficiently. This means we can make the biggest impact for Nature recovery, while helping to deliver the new homes and infrastructure the country needs."
