Data quality top priority as national providers of geospatial information adopt pragmatic approach to AI

Artificial intelligence (AI) is an opportunity to improve efficiency but data quality must be maintained to ensure accuracy is not compromised, say national providers of geospatial information.

More than half of the participants in third joint EuroGeographics – EuroSDR workshop said they were testing AI, or confirmed its small scale or moderate use within their organisations. They also identified machine learning as the most relevant technology for their activities, and cited security and accuracy as key issues that AI policy frameworks should consider.

“There is no doubt that AI is a technological game changer, indeed the majority of delegates agreed that it is inevitable that they would be using it extensively in the near future,” said Carol Agius, Head of Representation and Stakeholder Engagement, EuroGeographics which represents Europe’s National Mapping, Cadastral and Land Registry Authorities (NMCAs).

“As trusted providers of official geospatial information, the challenge for our members is to balance efficiency benefits with measures to ensure the continued accuracy, high quality and reliability of their data. Our discussions show that they are taking a prudent and pragmatic approach to the use of AI rather than falling for the hype.”

Joep Crompvoets, Secretary General of EuroSDR added: “The workshop’s discussions show that AI is not a silver bullet but a complimentary tool for the traditional methods used by NMCAs. To gain maximum benefit, they should invest in and use the technology by adopting a culture of GeoAI throughout their organisation.”

The 2023 workshop was organised by not-for-profit organisations, EuroGeographics, and EuroSDR, the European Spatial Data Research network that links NMCAs with Research Institutes and Universities.

It continued the conversation of AI within the context of NMCAs from events held in 2021 and 2022, and brought together producers, users, academia and software suppliers to debate spatial data quality, with a particular focus on the impact of new technologies.

Presentations are available here.

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.

Role of trusted location data pinpointed as valuable resource to build a better future for all

Data from official national sources is one of Europe’s most valuable resources in achieving a sustainable, safer and fairer society, MEPs have heard.

Cristian Bușoi, MEP and Chair of Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE) highlights the importance of trusted data for the SDGs.

The showcase by members of EuroGeographics, the not-for-profit membership association for Europe’s National Mapping, Cadastral and Land Registry Authorities, highlighted their role providing fundamental information to implement the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It featured examples from Belgium, France, Germany and The Netherlands to demonstrate how location connects people with place for sustainable development, tackling climate change, creating digital twins, and developing intelligent transport systems.

Opening the event in the European Parliament, host Cristian Bușoi, MEP and Chair of Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE) said: “Data holds tremendous importance for implementation of the SDGs; it enables us to monitor progress and shows us precisely where to intervene to gain momentum.”

“I commend the commitment of EuroGeographics, national geospatial information providers, and the UN-GGIM: Europe Executive Committee, to shape a stronger and more inclusive post 2030 development framework.”

“The European Union is putting great effort into enabling European citizens to live in dignity and peace, in a clean environment, and in economic prosperity. Full implementation of the UN’s 2030 Agenda is crucial to strengthen resilience and prepare for future potential shocks as we embark on the twin green and digital transitions.”

Colin Bray, President of EuroGeographics said: “The UN recognises that a strong global geospatial infrastructure is an essential enabler for achieving its 2030 Agenda.”

“To fully realise the benefits, we encourage even greater use of official geospatial data for the global indicators of the SDGs. And we strongly believe that geospatial information should be an integral component of the next development framework.”

“The Sustainable Development Goals Report 2023 Special Edition highlights data challenges, calls for more inclusive data for development, and states the need to strengthen coordination within national data ecosystems. The UN-endorsed Integrated Geospatial Information Framework – or IGIF, which is being implemented by many of our members, helps to address these issues.”

“The EuroGeographics-led project, Open Maps For Europe 2 (OME2) supports the ambitions of the IGIF by aligning the technical specifications for large-scale open data with the core recommendations for content proposed by UN-GGIM: Europe.”

OME2 provides a foundation for future pan-European high-value datasets. It is developing a new production process and technical specification for free-to-use, edge-matched, interoperable data under a single open licence to create a prototype dataset covering 10 countries. The data will be delivered via the user interface built by the award-winning Open Maps For Europe project which was completed in 2022. The two-year project is co-funded by the European Union.

Tomaz Petek, Chair of the European regional committee of experts for United Nations Global Geospatial Information Management – UN-GGIM: Europe, added: “Our work on the Sustainable Development Goals showcases the added value of integrating geospatial information with other data to address the indicators, and provides technical and methodological solutions for common challenges.”

“The integration of geospatial data in the next development framework will not only make it stronger and more inclusive, but will also help realise the aspirations held by people around the world for a better future. UN-GGIM: Europe is committed to playing its part in accelerating the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals for present and future generations, turning our world towards a sustainable and resilient path by 2030.”

Mr Bray concluded: “Together with our members, we believe in a society empowered by the use of trusted geospatial data and services. Data from official national sources is therefore one of Europe’s most valuable resources in gaining momentum towards a sustainable, safer and fairer society.”

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.

OME2 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.

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

The contents of this publication are the sole responsibility of EuroGeographics and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the European Union.

New head of EuroGeographics to focus on enabling access to high-value geospatial data from official national sources

Sallie Payne Snell has been appointed Secretary General and Executive Director of EuroGeographics

EuroGeographics has today (12 October 2023) announced Sallie Payne Snell as its new Secretary General and Executive Director.

Sallie, who previously led operations at the not-for-profit membership association, has an in-depth understanding of the technological, legislative and operational challenges and opportunities facing National Mapping, Cadastral and Land Information Authorities.

Commenting on her appointment, she said: “It is a privilege to represent official providers of the trusted geospatial information that is fundamental to the everyday lives of people across Europe.”

“My focus is on enabling access to members’ high-value data and expertise for the public good through its integration into the infrastructures we rely upon as a modern society.”

“EuroGeographics and its members are already delivering high-value pan-European data through the Open Maps for Europe interface. We look forward to building on this success through the OME2 project, which is co-funded by the European Union and responds to user needs for large-scale open data.”

President of EuroGeographics, Colin Bray added: “We are delighted that Sallie will lead EuroGeographics as we take our next steps in realising its vision of a society empowered by the use of trusted geospatial services from official national sources.”

“Sallie is a great champion of members’ data and expertise, and her extensive experience in relationship management will be key to further establishing partnerships with those who share our goal of using geospatial data for the public good. These collaborations are vital for meeting user requirements and finding solutions to common challenges.”

Sallie’s previous positions include Deputy Director, Association for Geographic Information, and International Stakeholder Relationship Manager, Ordnance Survey.  She holds a BSc in geographical science.

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.

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 calls for integration of trusted geospatial data in next global development framework

Geospatial data should be integrated into the next development framework to strengthen and make it more inclusive beyond the 2030 Agenda, says EuroGeographics.

The not-for-profit membership association for European National Mapping, Cadastral and Land Registration Authorities was speaking at the thirteenth session of the United Nations Committee of Experts on Global Geospatial Information Management (UN-GGIM).

During a series of interventions, EuroGeographics reiterated its commitment to sharing its extensive knowledge exchange network with the Committee, as well as offering support in facilitating access to official high-value European geospatial data and demonstrating its contribution to the public good. The Association also welcomed a new paper on authoritative data by UN-GGIM’s Working Group on Policy and Legal Frameworks for Geospatial Information, adding that it provides a thorough global understanding of the meaning.

“As the Member Association representing the European organisations nationally mandated to produce geospatial information, we strongly believe in a society empowered by trusted authoritative data from official national sources,” said Sallie Payne Snell, Acting Secretary General and Executive Director, EuroGeographics.

“Our collaboration with the United Nations Statistical Division provides a platform for sharing expertise and experience to unlock the power of geospatial data to benefit people and planet. We have extensive experience in establishing partnerships with those who share our goal and, to further support the Committee’s activities, we are committed to providing access to our knowledge exchange programme which links different players within the wider data ecosystem.”

Carol Agius, Head of Representation and Stakeholder Engagement, EuroGeographics, added: “The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Report 2023 Special Edition highlights the data challenge for the SDGs and calls for more inclusive data for development. We agree with the Committee of Experts that more effort should be invested in coordinating and collating data for the SDGs to address both the information and digital divide.”

“As national providers of official geospatial information in Europe, our members’ data enables the connection between people and place, and plays a key role in measuring where progress is, or is not, being made. EuroGeographics therefore suggests to the Committee of Experts that geospatial data should be an integral component of the next development framework, and offers its support in enabling access to official high-value European geospatial data, sharing expertise and best practice, and demonstrating the use and value of location to provide a stronger and more inclusive development framework beyond the 2030 Agenda. “

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.

Balancing demand for open data with data security is key challenge say European Cadastral Agencies

Meeting the challenge of balancing demand for open government data with data security is a key issue for European National Mapping, Cadastral and Land Registration Authorities (NMCAs), a survey has found.

Of the 26 organisations responding to a joint questionnaire by EuroGeographics and the Permanent Committee on Cadastre in the European Union (PCC), 20 reported conflicts between data openness and security increasing arising from increasing requirements for confidentiality, accuracy and availability.

“Information from cadastral authorities is one of the most valuable resources for a functioning society and is fundamental to the four priorities of Sweden’s EU Presidency: security, resilience, prosperity and democracy,” says Dr Daniel Steudler, Chair of EuroGeographics Cadastre and Land Registry Knowledge Exchange Network (KEN).

“Securing land ownership is the foundation of a market economy and there is a clear need for robustness and resilience of basic infrastructures in times of uncertainty, particularly to prevent and manage catastrophic consequences, such as landslides, flooding and wildfires.”

“To meet the needs of society, co-operation and interconnectivity is key. Information must be readily available, interoperable, and adapted towards digital processes. Data protection therefore presents a real challenge in meeting the demand for cadastral open data.”

“National geoportals, Web Mapping Services (WMS) and National Geodata Infrastructures are just some of the ways in which NMCAs are overcoming issues in co-operating and co-ordinating the sharing of geodata between different authorities.”

Members of EuroGeographics are also working together to deliver pan-European open data through the Open Maps For Europe interface. This includes an Open Cadastral Map prototype which currently provides large-scale coverage for six countries.

This first iteration, developed under the award-winning Open Maps For Europe project, which is co-financed by the Connecting Europe Facility of the European Union, includes Poland, The Netherlands, Czech Republic, Spain, Denmark and Slovenia. The map takes INSPIRE open data and allows the user to find out what is available from national sources in one place before obtaining the data from the official provider. The cadastral map comprises four layers: Administrative Units, Cadastral Parcels (and Cadastral Zones), Buildings (and Building Parts) and Addresses.

The prototype will be enhanced by Open Maps For Europe 2 (OME2) which is co-funded by the European Union.

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.

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.

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.

EuroGeographics invites case studies and quality feedback for medium-scale pan-European open data

EuroGeographics is calling for case studies from users of its medium-scale pan-European topographic open dataset, EuroRegionalMap.

The not-for-profit association for European National Mapping, Cadastral and Land Registration Authorities is also asking for feedback on the quality of the dataset available via the Open Maps For Europe online interface. EuroRegionalMap production is coordinated by the Federal Agency for Cartography and Geodesy (BKG), Germany.

Victoria Persson, Project Manager – Data Access and Integration, EuroGeographics, explains: “EuroRegionalMap, which consists of nearly 7 million objects in 60 layers and seven themes, is produced using our unique data integration process. This harmonises and edge-matches authoritative national geospatial information from 33 members. Quality is assured via an extensive validation test suite.”

“Traditionally, this dataset has been used for backdrop visualisation and cartographic publishing, for spatial analysis, and in combination with other datasets for marketing planning and socio-economic analysis, environmental analysis, and transport management. Now it is available under an open licence, users are embracing new ways to benefit from the data. We are therefore inviting them to share their case studies and feedback on quality so we can better understand – and meet – their needs.”

Case studies and feedback can be submitted via this short questionnaire.

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.

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.

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.

EuroGeographics and International Cartographic Association agree collaboration to unlock power of location

Tim Trainor, International Cartographic Association, President is pictured (left) with Colin Bray, President, EuroGeographics

Experts in authoritative geospatial data, cartography and GIScience have today (29 August 2023) announced a new international collaboration to demonstrate the power of location.

Members of EuroGeographics, the not-for-profit association for European National Mapping, Cadastral and Land Registration Authorities, and the International Cartographic Association (ICA) will use their collective expertise to support the public good. As a result, they will focus on advocating for the widespread use of information about location by promoting its social, environmental and economic value in solving global issues.

Colin Bray, President of EuroGeographics, said: “As the national authorities for official high-value geospatial information in Europe, high quality and reliability is the calling card of EuroGeographics members. In an ever-changing world, they play a key role in helping to address global and regional issues that extend beyond borders.”

“This requires cooperation to ensure an effective collective response. We are therefore delighted to announce a closer collaboration with the ICA on activities of mutual interest. By sharing opportunities for knowledge exchange and best practice, we will further support our vision of a society empowered by the use of trusted geospatial services.”

Tim Trainor, ICA President added: “We are delighted to have signed a letter of collaboration with EuroGeographics. By working together, our two Associations can contribute to the understanding and solution of world problems by ensuring our respective expertise is employed to maximum effect and full potential for the benefit of society.”

“We look forward to collaborating with Europe’s official sources of national geospatial data to demonstrate the use of Cartography and GI science in decision-making processes and fostering the national and international use of geospatially referenced environmental, economic and social information.”

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.

To find out more about the International Cartographic Association, please visit https://icaci.org/