Fellows will be sad to learn that David Rhind has passed away at the age of 81.
David was a geographer and earth scientist who pioneered the computer handling and analysis of the United Kingdom’s cartographic and other geographical data. As the first scientific director general of the Ordnance Survey, he completed the construction of the world’s first entirely digital national topographic database.
David played a major role in the development of UK official statistics, particularly in relation to their regulation and governance. As both a fellow of the Royal Society and of the British Academy, he brought immense experience of the worlds of science, arts, and management. David held a range of senior roles and appointments over his long career, including vice-chancellor of City University, non-executive director of the Bank of England, chair of Nuffield Foundation Trustees, governor of the National Institute of Economic and Social Research, and chair of the UK Data Forum. He was chair of the Statistics Commission from 2003–2008. David received a CBE in 2001 for services to geographical and social sciences.
Past RSS president, Denise Lievesley said ‘David Rhind’s death is such a sad occasion. He was a warm and loyal friend to the statistical community. David was committed to ensuring the utility of information with a particular focus on the geographical aspects of data. Of particular note is his wise chairmanship of the UK Statistical Commission, the forerunner of the UK Statistical Authority, a role in which David demonstrated his ability to weave the tricky path between calling the official statisticians to account and supporting them in their work’.
Our sincere condolences go out to David’s family and friends at this time. A full obituary will be published in a forthcoming edition of our Series A journal.