The Federation of Piling Specialists (FPS) is delighted to announce that its innovative Piling Data Sharing Map has won the Best Use of Data – Application award at GE GeoTech 2026, held in London, on 1 October.
The award recognises the FPS’s commitment to improving how piling and geotechnical data is shared and used across the construction industry, helping to support better-informed decisions, greater efficiency and more sustainable approaches to foundation engineering.
The FPS Piling Data Sharing Map is an interactive digital platform that brings together information on completed piling projects across the UK, providing an accessible resource for contractors, consultants, designers and clients. By identifying locations where piling works have previously been undertaken, the platform helps users establish what information and experience may already exist, providing a valuable starting point for future project planning, technical enquiries and foundation design considerations.
Traditionally, much of the information generated during piling projects has remained fragmented across individual organisations, potentially limiting its value beyond the original project. The FPS initiative seeks to address this challenge by encouraging greater collaboration and establishing a more accessible picture of completed piling activity.
Importantly, the initiative also has considerable potential to support the industry’s growing focus on sustainability and the reuse of existing piled foundations.
Better access to historic project information, including pile testing records, as-built data and lessons learned, could help project teams make more informed decisions about whether existing foundations warrant further investigation for potential reuse. Where technically appropriate, reusing existing foundations could help reduce demand for new materials, minimise construction activity and lower embodied carbon.
Recognising the significance of the initiative, the GE GeoTech judging panel highlighted the platform’s long-term potential and its practical roadmap for future development.
The judges were particularly impressed by the opportunities for more regular sharing of pile test results, lessons learned and as-built information, alongside the platform’s scope for further development and scalability. They also recognised its realistic potential to deliver efficiencies and cost savings, with continued development expected to enhance quality, efficiency and project delivery across the sector.
The award represents an important achievement for the FPS and those involved in developing the platform. It also demonstrates the value of industry collaboration in addressing shared challenges and identifying practical opportunities for innovation.
Looking ahead, the FPS remains committed to encouraging the wider use of digital technologies and improved information sharing, helping the piling sector make better use of its collective knowledge and experience.
The FPS would like to thank everyone involved in developing and supporting the Piling Data Sharing Map.
The Piling Data Sharing Map can be viewed here: https://www.fps.org.uk/fps-projects-map/