Open Maps For Europe 2 (OME2) offers new download option for harmonised high-value data prototype

Users of high-value large-scale geospatial data can now download the Open Maps For Europe 2 (OME2) prototype via www.mapsforeurope.org.

Version one of the prototype was launched earlier this year and provides 1: 10 000 scale authoritative administrative boundary and transport data for Belgium, France and The Netherlands. The new function enables the data to be downloaded by theme, country or administrative area using GeoPackage, an open format for geospatial information. Users preferring a web streaming service can continue to choose from WFS, WMS or WMTS.

Victoria Persson, Project Manager – Data Access and Integration at EuroGeographics, the not-for-profit membership association for Europe’s National Mapping, Cadastral and Land Registration Authorities which is coordinating the Project, said: “User needs are at the heart of OME2, and our aim is not only to promote access to high-value data but also its use.”

“The new download feature is particularly beneficial for those requiring ready-to-use authoritative data for desktop GIS and digital map production, such as the European institutions. The next release of data will be available by the end of 2024 and, by the end of 2025, the prototype is expected to cover 10 countries with three datasets that users have identified as key themes: administrative boundaries, transport and hydrography.”

“OME2 authoritative data from official national sources is harmonised across countries and available via the Open Maps For Europe interface under a single open licence. This saves users time, effort and resources as they no longer need to visit individual Member State geoportals to access specific datasets, spend significant resources connecting them, or agree to multiple licences.”

The OME2 project, co-funded by the European Union, is being delivered by a consortium comprising: EuroGeographics; National Geographic Institute, Belgium; National Institute of Geographic and Forest Information, France; Hellenic Cadastre; General Directorate for the Cadastre, Spain; and Cadastre, Land Registry and Mapping Agency, The Netherlands.

In addition to developing a new production process and technical specification for free-to-use, edge-matched data, it is also enhancing the five existing datasets, including the pilot Open Cadastral Map, available via Open Maps For Europe online interface, developed by IDOX France.

All users of OME2 data are encouraged to provide feedback on functionality and to share their case studies. The Project can be contacted through the Open Maps For Europe contact form.

EuroGeographics is an international not-for-profit organisation (AISBL/ IVZW under Belgian Law. BCE registration: 833 607 112) and the membership association for the European National Mapping, Cadastral and Land Registry Authorities.

The OME2 project is co-funded by the European Union. It is being delivered by a consortium comprising: EuroGeographics, the not-for-profit membership association for Europe’s National Mapping, Cadastral and Land Registration Authorities; National Geographic Institute, Belgium; National Institute of Geographic and Forest Information, France; Hellenic Cadastre; General Directorate for the Cadastre, Spain; and Cadastre, Land Registry and Mapping Agency, The Netherlands.

Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or European Commission. Neither the European Union nor the European Commission can be held responsible for them.

Official geospatial data helps Copernicus map out emergency responses to extreme weather

Official geospatial data is proving vital to emergency response as extreme weather conditions become more frequent.

Latvia, Portugal and Slovenia are just three examples where data from the national authorities responsible for geospatial, cadastre and land registration have been fundamental to activations of the Copernicus Emergency Management Service. The case studies published by EuroGeographics, the Association for Europe’s National Mapping, Cadastral and Land Registry Authorities, show the value of official geospatial information for evaluating and aiding wildfire recovery, assessing landslide risk in wake of heavy rainfall, and assessing damage from a record-breaking windstorm.

The official national data is provided through a framework agreement between the European Environment Agency (EEA) and EuroGeographics which streamlines the licensing process for three Copernicus Services: the Copernicus Emergency Mapping Service; the Copernicus Land Monitoring Service (CLMS); and the Copernicus Security Service (CSS), increasing the number of datasets available via the Copernicus Reference Data Access (CORDA) database.

Angela Baker, Head of Partnerships and Sustainability, EuroGeographics said: “The most recent bulletin from the Copernicus Climate Change Service (CS3) reveals that much of Europe experienced above-average precipitation with heavy rainfall, floods and associated damage in Central and Eastern regions in September 2024. However, severe wildfires were observed over the western and southern Iberian Peninsula where it was drier than average.”

“The new case studies we have published demonstrate how our agreement with the EEA is delivering authoritative national geospatial data to the Copernicus In-Situ Component to enable emergency response, risk and recovery for these types of extreme weather events. The framework licence is key to increasing the use of our members’ data and strengthening cooperation between National Mapping, Cadastral and Land Registration Authorities and Copernicus Services. We were delighted to highlight it as a practical solution for overcoming legal barriers to data access for disaster response and recovery, security and land services at the 14th Session of the United Nations Committee of Experts on Global Geospatial Information Management in New York.”

“Copernicus Services also have access to harmonised, value-added administrative boundary data through our agreement with Eurostat, as well as pan-European topographic, gazetteer and imagery datasets and services delivered through the Open Maps for Europe interface and the Open Maps For Europe 2 project (OME2).”

 Jose Miguel Rubio Iglesias, Copernicus In-Situ Data Expert, EEA added: “Without in-situ data, the Copernicus Programme simply cannot deliver its data, products and services. Our agreement with EuroGeographics facilitates access to geospatial information from official providers across Europe to help meet end user requirements regarding content and quality. It also allows for increased data delivery from EuroGeographics members in the future, ensuring that National Mapping, Cadastral and Land Registration Authorities are recognised for their essential contributions to Copernicus.”

The case studies focus on:

  • Latvia where authoritative data provided by the Latvian Geospatial Information Agency (LGIA) was essential for assessing forest damage in the aftermath of a record-breaking storm.
  • Portugal where national landscape data was provided by the Directorate General for the Territory to enable insights into the impact of one of the country’s biggest ever wildfires.
  • Slovenia where detailed height data provided by the Surveying and Mapping Authority was key to assessing the risk of landslides and soil erosion following heavy rainfall.

The case studies are available online.

EuroGeographics is an international not-for-profit organisation (AISBL/ IVZW under Belgian Law. BCE registration: 833 607 112) and the membership association for the European National Mapping, Cadastral and Land Registry Authorities.

The OME2 project is co-funded by the European Union. It is being delivered by a consortium comprising: EuroGeographics, the not-for-profit membership association for Europe’s National Mapping, Cadastral and Land Registration Authorities; National Geographic Institute, Belgium; National Institute of Geographic and Forest Information, France; Hellenic Cadastre; General Directorate for the Cadastre, Spain; and Cadastre, Land Registry and Agency, The Netherlands.

Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or European Commission. Neither the European Union nor the European Commission can be held responsible for them.

Open Maps For Europe was co-financed by the Connecting Europe Facility of the European Union and ended in 2022. It was coordinated by EuroGeographics, the voice of European National Mapping, Cadastral and Land Registration Authorities, in partnership with the National Geographic Institute (NGI) Belgium.

 

EuroGeographics President presents on geospatial ecosystem for sustainable development

EuroGeographics President, Tomaž Petek has spoken on the challenges of sustainable development facing members of the association, which represents European National Mapping, Cadastral and Land Registration Authorities, at two key conferences in the Balkan Region.

In his presentation, Mr Petek emphasised the significance of connecting different spatially defined information. Tthis allows users to conduct complex searches and analyses, and connect phenomena in space, creating the prerequisites for modern management of space and spatial resources.

More than 500 geodetic experts gathered to discuss digitalisation, sustainable development and integration at the First Assembly of Surveyors of Serbia and Republic of Srpska. Held between 13 to 15 October, the conference was jointly organized by the Republic Geodetic Authority of Serbia and the Administration for Property and Legal Affairs of the Republic of Srpska.

Delegates also focused on cadastre of the 21st century, mass real estate valuation, new technologies in geodesy and heard examples of best practice and innovation from a wide range of speakers. The event culminated in the adoption of a joint declaration and agreement on the necessity of institutional and organizational strengthening of geodetic institutions in order to ensure their efficiency, independence, sustainability and ability to respond to the complex requirements of modern society.

Mr Petek also spoke to around 100 participants from 58 different institutions, both domestic and international, academic institutions and the private sector at the spatial data infrastructure days in Federation of Bosnia and Hercegovina.

The conference was organised by the Federal Administration for Geodetic and Property Affairs as the coordinating body of the Spatial Data Infrastructure in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina with the support of the Swedish donor project, DELEF. It is a unique opportunity to bring together all entities in the field of spatial data infrastructure in the Federation of BiH, as well as other interested parties, international representatives, the academic sector, and a forum for discussion, exchange of opinions, experiences, examples of good practice as well as an overview of current events in the sector.

Introductory addresses were given by Mr Željko Obradović, Chairman of the Council for Spatial Data Infrastructure and the Director of the Federal Administration for Geodetic and Property and Legal Affairs; Mr Nedim Bukvić, representative of the Swedish Development Agency; and Mr Željko Nedić, Federal Minister of Physical Planning.

Importance of EU funding for pan-European authoritative geospatial data for Digital Europe’s Data Spaces

European Union (EU) funding is essential to ensure official pan-European geospatial data can be used in the development of Digital Europe’s Data Spaces.

In its response to the programme’s stakeholder consultation, EuroGeographics, the not-for-profit association for Europe’s National Mapping, Cadastral and Land Registration Authorities (NMCAs), has stressed that authoritative data is as important as the infrastructure upon which the data spaces will be built. It added that without appropriate longer-term funding mechanisms directly linked to EU policy areas, pan-European innovations, such as the award-winning Open Maps for Europe service, will not be feasible in the future.

Carol Agius, Head of Representation and Stakeholder Engagement, EuroGeographics said: “Digital Europe funding has enabled our members to deliver harmonised pan-European open data from more than 40 countries through the Open Maps For Europe project. By driving innovation, market development and growth to support the digital economy, this supports the Open Data and re-use of Public Sector Information (PSI) Directive.”

“Now, thanks to funding from the Digital Europe programme, we are continuing and enhancing this work through Open Maps for Europe 2 (OME2), which addresses the challenge of finding, easily accessing and licensing authoritative pan-European high-value geospatial data. Together with our members from Belgium, France, Greece, Spain and The Netherlands, we are part of the OME2 project consortium creating a new production process and technical specification to release a prototype for edge-matched, large-scale pan-European datasets covering 10 countries.”

“OME2 therefore directly supports the implementation of the European Strategy for Data – including the Open Data and re-use of PSI Directive, the opening of the high-value datasets, and the evolution of the INSPIRE Directive towards the GreenData4All initiative – and demonstrates how demand for geospatial information in all its common data spaces can be met.”

“Whilst organisations have a responsibility to be sustainable post-project, the challenge in relation to open data is securing the necessary funding to ensure the continuous release of up-to-date, harmonised and easily accessible information of at least the same or improved quality and quantity.”

“Programmes supporting digital transition, such as Digital Europe, should provide the solution so it is disappointing that the future strategic funding is linked to different policy areas; there is no mention of open data or the provision of data for the Data Spaces.  As a result, it is difficult for EuroGeographics and its members to link any future activity to the Digital Europe programme. This will stifle innovation, in particular the development of large-scale, high-value pan-European data from the European NMCAs, which OME2 feedback indicates is a stakeholder requirement.”

“If the European Commission would like further innovations within the data areas, there must be appropriate funding mechanisms that are directly linked to EU policy areas.”

In its submission, EuroGeographics also asked that particular importance is placed on Digital Europe’s response to stakeholder needs, as well as how it is adapting to the data requirements of business, citizens, and public administrations. It recommends that particular emphasis is put on the pan-European data requirements of these groups, which is beyond the national remit of NMCAs.

Read EuroGeographics response to the Commission Call for Evidence for an Interim evaluation of the Digital Europe programme. 

EuroGeographics is an international not-for-profit organisation (AISBL/ IVZW under Belgian Law. BCE registration: 833 607 112) and the membership association for the European National Mapping, Cadastral and Land Registry Authorities.

EuroGeographics is registered on the EU Transparency Register and bound by its code of conduct: TR 51080067776-74

The OME2 project is co-funded by the European Union. It is being delivered by a consortium comprising: EuroGeographics, the not-for-profit membership association for Europe’s National Mapping, Cadastral and Land Registration Authorities; National Geographic Institute, Belgium; National Institute of Geographic and Forest Information, France; Hellenic Cadastre; General Directorate for the Cadastre, Spain; and Cadastre, Land Registry and Mapping Agency, The Netherlands.

Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or European Commission. Neither the European Union nor the European Commission can be held responsible for them.

Latest Newsletter Published

Catch up on the latest news from EuroGeographics, including the Open Maps For Europe 2 (OME2) project, our updated pan-European datasets, and news from our members.

Member News: Western Balkans Region

General Manager of the Surveying and Mapping Authority of the Republic of Slovenia, Tomaž Petek presents on EuroGeographics in his capacity as President of the Association.

The traditional meeting of Heads and employees of geodetic administrations in the Western Balkans region took place recently in Banja Luka.

Organised by the Administration for Geodetic and Real Estate Legal Affairs of the Republic of Srpska, the 16th Regional Conference on Cadastre and Infrastructure for Spatial Information  also brought together representatives from donors, such as Kadaster Netherlands and the Swedish Agency for Cartography and Cadastre – Lantmateriet,  and representatives from international associations, including  EuroGeographics. 

In addition to the hosts from Republic of Srpska, the conference was also attended by representatives of the geodetic administrations of Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina (Administration of the Federation of BiH), Serbia, Northern Macedonia and Montenegro.

Topics for discussion were divided into three areas: geospatial data infrastructure, cadastral and geodetic infrastructure; the real estate market; and sustainable development.

The 2024 event also paid special attention to the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding and Cooperation in the field of cadastre, topographic research and cartography, geodetic networks and spatial data infrastructure, which was signed in 2019 in Neum. The Directors of cadastral and cartographic institutions discussed the possibilities of organising a regional project for building capacity.

General Manager of the Surveying and Mapping Authority of the Republic of Slovenia, Tomaž Petek presented the activities of EuroGeographics in his capacity as President of the Association. He also accepted a certificate of appreciation from the Administration for Geodetic and Real Estate Legal Affairs of the Republic of Srpska recognising its long-term collaboration and support in strengthening its capacities. Furthermore, the citation acknowledged that EuroGeographics efforts in promoting access to authoritative geospatial data have enhanced the Administration's activities and results, setting new standards in geospatial information management and land registration.

The conference concluded by recognising  the importance of this type of cooperation in the region and the commitment for even more systematic and lasting integration in the region in the future in the form of working groups and joint projects.

The next regional conference will be held in Montenegro in 2025.

Pan-European geospatial datasets from official national sources updated to meet user requirements

EuroGeographics has released updates for two pan-European datasets created using official data from its members, Europe’s National Mapping, Cadastral and Land Registration Authorities.

The seamless administrative boundary and topographic datasets are created by the not-for-profit organisation using a unique data integration process which harmonises national data to standard specifications.

Users wanting to geo-reference statistical information will benefit from the latest version of EuroBoundaryMap (EBM 2024) which supports interoperability with applications based on European Union LAU and NUTS codes. It also includes the new NUTS regulation that came into effect on 1 January, as well as major updates from France, Germany, Great Britain, Greece, Spain, Slovenia, Switzerland and Lithuania. Licensing information for EBM 2024, which is widely used within the European Institutions through EuroGeographics agreement with Eurostat, can be found at https://eurogeographics.org/maps-for-europe/licensing/.

“EBM 2024 provides a complete update of our pan-European geo-database for administrative and statistical units to meet user requirements and is accessible as a full coverage dataset or national datasets,” said Victoria Persson, Project Manager – Data Access and Integration, EuroGeographics.

“It enables the exact matching of administrative areas in 56 European countries and territories using geospatial data from 39 EuroGeographics members. Available at 1:100 000 scale, it contains geometry, names and codes of administrative and statistical units."

Working with Germany’s Federal Agency for Cartography and Geodesy (BKG), which manages the production of both datasets, EuroGeographics has also updated its 1:250 000 scale dataset, EuroRegionalMap (ERM), which covers 51 European countries and territories, to ensure it continues to meet user needs.

Tim Trautmann, Product Manager for EBM and ERM from BKG explained: “ERM has a long history, starting in the early 2000s, and today contains around 7 million objects in 60 layers. It is now available under an open licence via Open Maps For Europe, and we’re seeing users discovering and embracing new ways to benefit from the data.”

“Our survey showed that its main use is as a reference dataset for base mapping with users stressing the need for complete and up-to-date information. To meet these requirements, ERM 2024 improves the settlement, administrative boundary and hydrographic themes, and we have enabled EuroGeographics members to provide data outside the thematic update cycle, which improves the timeliness.”

“This update also addresses several user feedback issues related to positional accuracy and edge matching. An additional validation algorithm for edge-matching has been implemented to improve the boundary harmonisation, and we have re-evaluated quality requirements to focus on those that are most important for the main use cases. This work is continuing.”

The Open Maps For Europe 2 (OME2) project is enhancing the five existing Open Maps For Europe datasets available via www.mapsforeurope.org.  It is co-funded by the European Union and is being delivered by a consortium comprising: EuroGeographics; National Geographic Institute, Belgium; National Institute of Geographic and Forest Information, France; Hellenic Cadastre; General Directorate for the Cadastre, Spain; and Cadastre, Land Registry and Agency, The Netherlands.

EuroGeographics is an international not-for-profit organisation (AISBL/ IVZW under Belgian Law. BCE registration: 833 607 112) and the membership association for the European National Mapping, Cadastral and Land Registry Authorities.

The OME2 project is co-funded by the European Union. It is being delivered by a consortium comprising: EuroGeographics, the not-for-profit membership association for Europe’s National Mapping, Cadastral and Land Registration Authorities; National Geographic Institute, Belgium; National Institute of Geographic and Forest Information, France; Hellenic Cadastre; General Directorate for the Cadastre, Spain; and Cadastre, Land Registry and Agency, The Netherlands.

Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or European Commission. Neither the European Union nor the European Commission can be held responsible for them.

Open Maps For Europe was co-financed by the Connecting Europe Facility of the European Union and ended in 2022. It was coordinated by EuroGeographics, the voice of European National Mapping, Cadastral and Land Registration Authorities, in partnership with the National Geographic Institute (NGI) Belgium.

Member News: State Enterprise Centre of Registers, Lithuania

The State Enterprise Centre of Registers, Lithuania, which processes main national data, has developed and launched an advanced solution for signing electronic documents and verifying identity in the electronic environment. The LT ID mobile application enables its users to sign documents in the electronic environment with an e-signature in a quick and easy way; the representatives of companies or organisations can seal documents with e-seal; whereas the residents who want to use digital services, are able to confirm their identity in the electronic environment with just a few clicks.

“Today, many people cannot even imagine their lives without a digital environment where they can quickly order goods or services from any place, remotely enter a business transaction or deal with questions of concern in state institutions without the necessity to visit them physically. All this is possible with a qualified electronic identification tool. The LT ID launched by the Centre of Registers is an advanced and effective solution that will help people and businesses to use digital services smoothly and reap their full benefits,” says Adrijus Jusas, Director General of the Centre of Registers.

“Lithuania is amongst the EU leaders in digitalisation of state services. 84% of the population and 94% of companies are using these services. The public sector takes the lead in developing competitive solutions, and the LT ID launched by the Centre of Registers is an excellent example of this. Therefore, we will continue to invest in this area. We should be not only the deployers of mature digital solutions, but also their developers,” says Aušrinė Armonaitė, the Minister of the Economy and Innovation.

The LT ID mobile app is designed to identify a person in the electronic environment and securely sign documents with a remote qualified electronic signature or seal them. The LT ID remote qualified electronic signature and seal are generated in the infrastructure managed by the Centre of Registers, which complies with the EU requirements for the creation of qualified signatures and seals; therefore, this solution is not only simple but also secure and reliable one.

The LT ID - a reliable key to unlock the digital world

The LT ID e-signature can be used by all citizens of the Republic of Lithuania or persons who have a residence permit in Lithuania and are at least 14 years old. The LT ID seal is intended for the use of legal entities registered in Lithuania, i.e. companies, institutions, organisations, and the right to use an e-seal is granted to the head of a legal entity or a person authorised by them.

The LT ID is recognised as an EU-compliant tool for the creation of qualified electronic signatures and seals, as concluded by the Deutsche Telekom Security, a German company that has conducted an international audit. The distribution of qualified electronic signature and seal certificates in the LT ID mobile app has been authorised by the Communications Regulatory Authority of the Republic of Lithuania. E-signature and seal certificates as well as electronic documents signed using the LT ID are recognised in all EU countries. The e-signature certificate issued by the LT ID can be used for reliable identification of a person in the electronic environment both in Lithuania and across the EU.

Benefits and operating principle

The LT ID is an e-signature of a natural person and/or e-seal of a legal entity in one mobile application. Thus, e.g., a company manager can not only sign electronic documents on their smart device with a single application, but also electronically seal their documents on behalf of the company, as well as confirm their identity in the electronic environment and use electronic services as a natural person.

Currently, the LT ID can be used for signing electronic documents in the GoSign signing platform, for logging in and performing actions in the Self Service of the Centre of Registers and other systems of the Centre of Registers. Soon, this tool will be available for using electronic services in the E-Government Gateway as well as in the electronic document signing platform Mark Sign. In future, the list of service providers is planned to expand and include the most relevant electronic service providers for the residents and businesses.

The operating principle of the LT ID is rather simple: when the holders of e-signature or e-seal certificate initiate the signing process in the electronic environment, a notification pops up in the mobile application asking to enter the created PIN code. Then, the documents are signed with e-signature or sealed with e-seal.

How to become a user?

Becoming a LT ID user is very easy - you just need to download a free mobile application from one of the mobile application stores (Google Play or App Store) and create the desired e-signature or e-seal certificate by following the wizard in the app. The LT ID users only need to have a mobile device with an Internet connection; no additional devices for creating an e-signature (USB, smart or SIM cards) are required.

To create the LT ID e-signature or e-seal remotely, the mobile app user must have one of the following qualified means of identity verification: a mobile e-signature, a qualified e-signature stored on the USB device or a smartcard.

Those who do not have any of the above means can become the LT ID users by visiting the nearest Customer Service Unit of the Centre of Registers, where specialists will confirm the identity of the customer, help them install the LT ID application and enjoy its benefits.

The LT ID electronic signature and seal certificates are issued for 5 years.

More information on the benefits and possibilities of the LT ID is available at www.ltid.lt.

 

Latest Newsletter Published: OME2 Special Issue

Our latest newsletter focuses on the Open Maps For Europe 2 (OME2) project, and in particular the first release of a prototype for harmonised large-scale, high-value data. It also calls for feedback on version one which provides 1: 10 000 scale authoritative administrative boundary and transport data for Belgium, France and The Netherlands.

Read and subscribe to the newsletter.

The OME2 project is co-funded by the European Union. It is being delivered by a consortium comprising: EuroGeographics; National Geographic Institute, Belgium; National Institute of Geographic and Forest Information, France; Hellenic Cadastre; General Directorate for the Cadastre, Spain; and Cadastre, Land Registry and Mapping Agency, The Netherlands.

Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or European Commission. Neither the European Union nor the European Commission can be held responsible for them.

 

Open Maps For Europe 2 Project releases first prototype for harmonised high-value data

The Open Maps For Europe 2 (OME2) project has today (28 May 2024) announced the first release of a prototype for harmonised large-scale, high-value data.

OME2 Prototype Maastricht border.

Available via www.mapsforeurope.org, version one provides 1: 10 000 scale authoritative administrative boundary and transport data for Belgium, France and The Netherlands. It is the first dataset created using the new production process, developed by several OME2 Consortium members led by National Institute of Geographic and Forest Information (IGN France), to deliver edge-matched official geospatial information from multiple national sources. The image right shows the Maastricht border.

In addition to IGN France, the project partners comprise: EuroGeographics, the not-for-profit association for Europe’s National Mapping, Cadastral and Land Registration Authorities; National Geographic Institute, Belgium; Hellenic Cadastre; General Directorate for the Cadastre, Spain; and Cadastre, Land Registry and Mapping Agency, The Netherlands. Images below show: La Defense, Paris; Brussels; and Amsterdam.

OME2 Prototype La Defense, Paris.

“This is a really exciting milestone that will benefit national providers of geospatial data and users alike,” said Victoria Persson, Project Manager – Data Access and Integration, EuroGeographics.

“The prototype is aligned to key EU policies, as well as UN core geospatial data recommendations for local level actions, and provides large-scale administrative boundary information as well as transport and railway networks, ports and airports.”

“The authoritative data is harmonised across countries and available via the Open Maps For Europe interface. This saves users time, effort and resources as they will no longer need to visit individual Member State geoportals to access specific datasets, spend significant resources connecting them, or agree to multiple licences.”

OME2 Prototype Brussels.

She continued: “Our members are recognised as important enablers of cross-border data applications and services. By automating the production process, OME2 now transforms their national data to meet the specifications for high-value pan-European datasets. Members simply complete a conversion table which typically takes just a few days, significantly reducing the time and resources required. Additional work is then only needed in the rare event that the data structure changes. The process also responds to user needs by enabling annual updates.”

“Our members can re-use these techniques nationally and exchange good practices to advance the data sharing tools needed to deliver free-flowing, interoperable data for the single market. In doing so, OME2 demonstrates how demand for geospatial information in all common data spaces of the European Strategy for Data can be met.”

By the end of 2025, the OME2 prototype is expected to cover 10 countries with three key themes identified by users and defined as high value by the European Commission – administrative boundaries, transport and hydrography. The project, which is co-funded by the European Union, is also enhancing the five existing Open Maps For Europe datasets, including the pilot Open Cadastral Map.

OME2 Prototype Amsterdam.

EuroGeographics is an international not-for-profit organisation (AISBL/ IVZW under Belgian Law. BCE registration: 833 607 112) and the membership association for the European National Mapping, Cadastral and Land Registry Authorities.

The OME2 project is co-funded by the European Union. It is being delivered by a consortium comprising: EuroGeographics, the not-for-profit membership association for Europe’s National Mapping, Cadastral and Land Registration Authorities; National Geographic Institute, Belgium; National Institute of Geographic and Forest Information, France; Hellenic Cadastre; General Directorate for the Cadastre, Spain; and Cadastre, Land Registry and Mapping Agency, The Netherlands.

Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or European Commission. Neither the European Union nor the European Commission can be held responsible for them.