National Agency of Public Registry
“Smart and informed decision- making is backed by easy access to geospatial data across different agencies. As part of Georgia’s EU integration goals, we’re putting together the rules and tools— following the INSPIRE Directive— to guide the development of Georgia’s National Spatial Data Infrastructure.”
David Devidze
Chairman, National Agency of Public Registry, Georgia
Georgia’s Law on National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI) is creating a robust legal foundation and reinforcing geospatial arrangements in the country.
Adopted by the Parliament of Georgia in November 2023, it empowers the development of a functional NSDI. Prior to its enactment, significant groundwork was laid with support from Sweden and Norway. Notably, the implementation of the UN-adopted Integrated Geospatial Information Framework (IGIF) project supported by Norway contributed to NSDI development. Intensive works were also conducted by the National Agency of Public Registry (NAPR) to strengthen geospatial direction. This included aligning core geospatial data production with international standards, the creation of a citizen’s map portal, and the drafting of crucial legislative and policy documents.
These achievements formed a robust foundation, prompting the inclusion of NSDI development as a priority on the government agenda, and ultimately leading to the adoption of the Law. Notably, the ongoing World Bank-funded project GRAIL, initiated in October 2023, aligns with these efforts, further supporting the geoportal development and operationalization of NSDI.
The development and review process of the draft law on NSDI, which was supported by the Ministry of Justice of Georgia, involved a comprehensive analysis of 10 different laws along with the active engagement, collaboration and consultation with the key stakeholders of NSDI, including government authorities and agencies.
The study of use cases and Social-Economic Impact Analysis (SEIA) conducted in Georgia within the IGIF project, showed that the development of a NSDI plays a pivotal role in cultivating a more sustainable, efficient, and knowledgeable society, yielding positive social, economic and environmental impacts across various sectors.
The newly enacted law, which establishes the governance model for NSDI, outlines the mandates and responsibilities of NSDI subjects, facilitates the development and adoption of policy and legal documents, oversees the creation of a geoportal and relevant technical infrastructure, and sets timelines for the implementation of necessary operational actions. This comprehensive framework aims to support the establishment of a well-functioning NSDI, enabling the realisation of widespread cross-sectoral benefits for government, the private sector, and citizens.
Benefits
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Enhances evidence-based decision- making across government sectors and empowers citizens to make informed decisions about property transactions, location-based services, and emergency planning through easy access to standardised geospatial data.
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Improves efficiency of public services, such as land administration, taxation, and emergency response.
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Reduces costs and promotes sustainable development by enabling efficient planning and management of infrastructure projects.
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Encourages innovation and the development of value-added services in sectors such as real estate, retail, and urban planning.
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Reduces risks for businesses by enabling better market analysis, site selection, and planning for construction and infrastructure projects.
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Enhances access to location-based public services directly improving citizens’ quality of life, including efficient navigation and emergency response.
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Contributes to transparent and accountable governance, promoting citizen trust in government initiatives.
- Fosters EU integration of Georgia through conformance with the INSPIRE Directive and aligning with European standards.