Page summary
Intro
The purpose of QKEN is to discuss data quality and quality management issues.
Aim, objectives and mission of the KEN
- establish a network of data quality experts;
- support EuroGeographics policy towards European data interoperability;
- share knowledge amongst members; and
- promote experiences on quality.
Topics of interest
- Improving the usability of geospatial data (In conjunction with EuroSDR)
- Identification of what customers need with regards to quality metrics
- Identification of how best to present this information
- Creating a data quality model
- Issues with implementation
- Benchmarking within member organisations
Work plan
The QKEN is planning the following activities:
- Organise two plenary meetings a year
- Conduct webinars dates & topics to be announced
- Conduct the survey on the use of ISO 19100 Geographic information quality standards in NMCAs
The QKEN maintains a work plan which is updated annually: Long Term Plan (May 2026).
QKEN Documents
| Quality Management Questionnaire – Results from the questionnaire to investigate the extent of use of quality management in the NMCAs. |
April 2014 |
| Data Quality Questionnaire – Results from questionnaire of how QKEN members determine how quality is measured |
October 2013 |
| Report on the Use of the ISO 19100 Quality standards at the National Mapping and Cadastral Agencies Report on results from questionnaires carried out in 2004 and 2011 |
December 2012 |
| Guidelines for Implementing the ISO 19100 Geographic Information Quality Standards in National Mapping and Cadastral Agencies (2007) | 2007 |
Report on Reference Data Sets and Feature types in Europe. Report comprises two parts:
|
2005 |
| Handbook for implementing a quality management system Handbook for implementing a quality management system in NMCAs |
2000 |
QKEN Quality Practitioner Certificate
The Quality Practitioner Certificate is awarded to members of the Quality Knowledge Exchange Network (formerly the Quality Expert Group). The certificate is awarded in recognition of the member’s contribution and participation in the group’s activities.
The following are the criteria that must be met to be eligible for the Quality Practitioner Certificate:
- be an active member of the QKEN for a minimum of 3 years;
- attend 4 out of 8 plenary meetings;
- make 3 presentations at a plenary meeting, webinar or SDQ conference within a timeframe of 5 years;
- Be involved in an activity that results in a contribution published in the QKEN library, make 2 extra presentations or webinars within a timeframe of 5 years or organize an in-person meeting.
All FOUR criteria must be met.
Members can track their progress using this Activity Sheet, (updated June 2026, xls)
Upcoming events
Past Events
Past
Eurogeographics
Event
Event
27
May 2026
Meetings
Quality KEN in person Spring Plenary
More info
Past
Eurogeographics
Event
Event
02
Apr 2025
Meetings
Quality KEN Virtual Spring Plenary
More info
Past
Eurogeographics
Event
Event
03
Nov 2021
QKEN Autumn Virtual 2021 Plenary Meeting
More info
Past
Eurogeographics
Event
Event
20
Nov 2025
Conferences
Spatial Data Quality Conference
More info
Coordinating Committee
| Name | Organisation and Country |
|---|---|
| Karin Mertens (chair) | National Geographic Institute, Belgium |
| Tamàs Palya | Lechner non profit Ltd, Hungary |
| Anouk Huisman | Kadaster, The Netherlands |
| Raitis Boļšakovs | Latvian Geospatial Information Agency |
| Oliwia Marszałek | EuroGeographics Head Office |
| Fergus Fahey | Tailte Éireann, Ireland |