Official geospatial data from Europe's National Mapping, Cadastral and Land Registration Authorities has a key role to play in achieving the aims of the European Union (EU) Green Deal. This is particularly true for the three new proposals to stop deforestation, innovate sustainable waste management and make soils healthy for people, nature and climate adopted this week by the European Commission.
Whether visualising information on national and pan-European maps to monitor progress, or providing access to relevant information, such as geographic coordinates, our members data provides a vital tool for sustainability, biodiversity and a circular economy.
For example, in France IGN - French Mapping Agency (Institut Géographique National) supports the national soil artificialisation observatory and is delivering large-scale land use and land cover data for the measurement of soil artificialisation. There are many benefits, including promoting a shared diagnosis of the process of soil artificialisation for the preservation of biodiversity, food autonomy and the fight against global warming. You can read the full case study here.
We firmly believe that there are few things more powerful than location; it not only tells us where things happen but also provides the link between information and action. Geospatial data is at the core of all environmental actions ‘on the ground’ and has a wider use in supporting policies. All too often, however borders prove to be obstacles in translating national benefits into international policy success - geospatial data is the only smart way to work beyond the notion of border and be efficient.
Together with our members, we provide the only interoperable pan-European datasets created using official authoritative geospatial data. All are updated annually and harmonised to standard specifications, so users can be confident that the information provided is consistent, comparable and easily shared — regardless of its national source. Members’ foresight in creating datasets covering geographical Europe has already delivered huge value for users requiring cross-border information, and they continue to support both national and international policy through their strategic vision of a society empowered by the use of their trusted geospatial services.