Scottish Power is spending £1.7m on a geographic information system (GIS) to streamline internal processes and improve information available to third parties.

Map-based information will now be provided to relevant organisations such as local authorities via the internet, significantly cutting the cost of paper distribution.

And the company's asset data will be migrated to a central database under a jointly defined quality assurance programme.

The system from GIS provider ESRI (UK) will improve overall efficiency, said Scottish Poer spatial and mobile delivery manager Dave Clarke.

"The technology will help us manage all our assets more effectively while providing the whole organisation with easier access to enterprise-critical asset data.

"It will also support our drive for enhanced customer service and improved operational efficiency."