OME2 unlocks pan-European high-value data and calls for EU commitment to long-term funding

Open Maps For Europe 2 (OME2) has unlocked one of Europe's most valuable assets by turning EU rules for high-value data into a seamless cross-border solution for governments, businesses, and citizens.
 
The OME2 pan-European prototype harmonises and edge-matches official geospatial data from national mapping, land registration and cadastral agencies into a single dataset. This fulfils a long-standing EU requirement for streamlined access to authoritative cross-border information without navigating multiple national portals or complex data integration.  
 
The final version – unveiled at a showcase for policymakers in Brussels – provides 1: 10 000 scale authoritative administrative boundary, transport and hydrographic data for Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Luxembourg, Spain, Switzerland and The Netherlands.
 
OME2 is being delivered by a consortium comprising: EuroGeographics, the not-for-profit association representing the European National Mapping, Cadastral and Land Registration Authorities; National Geographic Institute, Belgium; National Institute of Geographic and Forest Information, France (IGN France); Hellenic Cadastre; General Directorate for the Cadastre, Spain; and Cadastre, Land Registry and Mapping Agency (Kadaster), The Netherlands.
 

Sallie Payne Snell, Secretary General and Executive Director, EuroGeographics addresses EU polcymakers at OME2 showcase.

Sallie Payne Snell, Secretary General and Executive Director, EuroGeographics said: “The consortium is delighted that OME2, which has also enhanced the five existing datasets available via the Open Maps For Europe portal, has seen higher-than-expected user numbers. In fact, we have more than doubled our initial aim of attracting 150 unique users of the OME2 high-value large-scale prototype, with 600 registering for the dataset and almost 5,000 WFS transactions since its launch in 2024.”
 
“This proves that EuroGeographics and its members can deliver large-scale edge-matched data that users want – laying the foundation for a broader pan-European Spatial Data Infrastructure.”
 
She added: "OME2 concludes at the end of 2025 and is co-funded by the European Union with matched investment from EuroGeographics and its members. However, securing long-term funding for Europe-wide sovereign high-value data remains a challenge.”
 
"A self-funded consortium, bringing together EuroGeographics and its members from Germany's Federal Agency for Cartography and Geodesy (BKG), IGN France, and Kadaster Netherlands, has stepped forward to take the outcomes of OME2 to the next level. Together, we are committed to providing the expertise and initial investment for this exciting new project, which will be publicly launched in early 2026 and run until 2028.”
 
"If Europe is to continue benefiting from comprehensive cross-border sovereign high-value data after this date, the European Commission must commit to sustainable funding, ongoing infrastructure investment, and a policy home for geospatial data. Trusted pan-European geospatial data is recognised as one of Europe's most valuable resources – it deserves recognition and sustained investment at the European level."
 
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 developing a new production process and technical specification for free-to-use, edge-matched data under a single open licence. Authoritative 1:10 000 scale data for 10 countries will be delivered via the user interface built by the award-winning Open Maps For Europe Project. OME2 is also enhancing the five existing Open Maps For Europe datasets, including the pilot Open Cadastral Map.
 
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.

Collaboration increases number of official national geospatial datasets available via CORDA

More than 100 new datasets, including seven targeting the update of the EU-Hydro product, are now available to Copernicus Services thanks to a collaboration that streamlines access to official geospatial information.

The Copernicus Framework Agreement between EuroGeographics and its members is a practical solution for overcoming legal barriers to accessing authoritative data for the Copernicus In-Situ component. It has significantly increased the number of national datasets available via CORDA, a centralised gateway for authorised users to access geospatial reference data from European countries participating in the Copernicus component of the EU Space programme.

Currently, 33 National Mapping, Cadastral and Land Registration Authorities are either making their open data easily accessible or have signed the agreement which covers the Copernicus Emergency Mapping Service (CEMS); the Copernicus Land Monitoring Service (CLMS); and the Copernicus Security Service (CSS). As a result, in addition to the 117 newly available datasets, users of CORDA also have access to 42 updated datasets.

Angela Baker, Head of Partnerships and Sustainability, EuroGeographics: “We are proud to represent our members, Europe’s National Mapping, Cadastral and Land Registration Authorities, and committed to enabling easy access to both their data and their technical expertise.”

“This licence agreement ensures members’ data, which is an essential component of national, European and global critical infrastructure, is available for disaster response and recovery, security and land monitoring and increases its use through the Copernicus In-Situ Component. In addition, we have established a network of national technical contacts who are instrumental in trouble-shooting issues, improving coordination and ensuring the smooth delivery of data to CORDA.”

“Our approach respects the autonomy of our members whilst also laying the foundations for a future-proof framework for continued collaboration with the EEA to support Copernicus objectives and avoid duplication of effort to save costs and focus investment.”

Jose Miguel Rubio Iglesias, Copernicus In-Situ Data Expert, EEA added: “Copernicus relies on the availability of a wide variety of in-situ data, including high-quality, authoritative geospatial data which is essential for ensuring the accuracy and reliability of Copernicus data, products and services. By facilitating access to geospatial information from official providers, our agreement with EuroGeographics strengthens synergies with its members to help us meet growing user demands for real-time, high-resolution geospatial information. This in turn ensures fit-for-purpose products that also bring valuable benefits back to the Member States.”

“We continue to build on this collaboration to address the evolving needs of the Copernicus component of the EU Space Programme and we ensure that National Mapping, Cadastral and Land Registration Authorities continue to be recognised for their essential contributions to Copernicus.”

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 adds five new countries to final release of Open Cadastral Map

Five new countries have been added to the final release of the Open Cadastral Map which has been enhanced by the Open Maps For Europe 2 (OME2) project.

The addition of Belgium, Estonia, Ireland, Croatia, and Switzerland means the prototype map service now includes data from 15 of Europe’s National Mapping, Cadastral and Land Registration Authorities.

The OME2 project runs until the end of 2025 and 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.

Angela Baker, Head of Partnerships and Sustainability, EuroGeographics said: “Open Cadastral Map compiles and harmonises INSPIRE open data to provide an overview of what is available and where to find it via user-friendly links for direct download from national geoportals. The vision is that this will provide the foundation for a single access point for easily finding and using authoritative cadastral information in the future.”

“Thanks to the OME2 Project, which is co-funded by the European Union, not only have we been able to expand the Open Cadastral Map, but, together with our members, we are also developing the pan-European Cadastral Data Strategy. This will be delivered by the end of 2025 and defines stakeholders as well as the technology, processes, resources and best practices required to support the long-term delivery of official high-value data for addresses, cadastral parcels, buildings and administrative units.”

The Open Cadastral Map is available through the Open Maps For Europe interface and signposts users to data from Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Greece, Ireland, Latvia, Luxembourg, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, and 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 Mapping Agency, The Netherlands.  OME2 is developing a new production process and technical specification for free-to-use, edge-matched data under a single open licence. Authoritative 1:10 000 scale data for 10 countries will be delivered via the user interface built by the award-winning Open Maps For Europe Project. OME2 is also enhancing the five existing Open Maps For Europe datasets, including the Open Cadastral Map.

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.

Agreement significantly increases number of official national geospatial datasets available via CORDA

More authoritative geospatial information than ever before is now available to users of the Copernicus Reference Data Access (CORDA) database – including 102 new datasets from official national sources. CORDA provides authorised users with a centralised gateway for accessing geospatial reference data from the European countries participating in the Copernicus Programme.

The increase is made possible by the Copernicus Services Framework agreement between EuroGeographics, the not-for-profit association for Europe’s National Mapping, Cadastral and Land Registration Authorities, and the European Environment Agency (EEA) – specifically the Copernicus In Situ component. By streamlining the licensing process, it provides a practical solution for overcoming legal barriers to data access for the Copernicus Services for disaster response and recovery, security and land monitoring.

Angela Baker, Head of Partnerships and Sustainability, EuroGeographics said: “We have worked extensively with our members to overcome any technical barriers in accessing their authoritative national geospatial data. This framework licence therefore not only improves access but also increases its use through the Copernicus In-Situ Component. Currently, 28 National Mapping, Cadastral and Land Registration Authorities have signed the agreement which covers the Copernicus Emergency Mapping Service; the Copernicus Land Monitoring Service (CLMS); and the Copernicus Security Service (CSS). As a result, in addition to the 102 new datasets, users of CORDA also have access to 34 updated datasets.”

“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: “Copernicus relies on the availability of a wide variety of in-situ data, including high-quality, authoritative geospatial data which is essential for ensuring the accuracy and reliability of Copernicus data, products and services. By facilitating access to geospatial information from official providers, our agreement with EuroGeographics strengthens synergies with its members to help us meet growing user demands for real-time, high-resolution geospatial information. This in turn ensures fit-for-purpose products that also bring valuable benefits back to the Member States.”

“We continue to build on this collaboration to address the evolving needs of the Copernicus component of the EU Space Programme and we ensure that National Mapping, Cadastral and Land Registration Authorities continue to be recognised for their essential contributions to Copernicus.”

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.

EuroGeographics marks 25th anniversary with record-breaking gathering of geospatial leaders

Foto: Gatis Dieziņš (Aizsardzības ministrija)

Leaders from 47 European National Mapping, Cadastral and Land Registration Authorities met in Latvia recently to share insights on delivering authoritative data in increasingly uncertain times.

Hosted by the Latvian Geospatial Information Agency with support from the State Land Service, the EuroGeographics 2025 General Assembly was one of the biggest gatherings of geospatial experts in the not-for-profit Association’s 25-year history.

During the two-day event, members re-elected Tomaž Petek from Surveying and Mapping Authority of the Republic of Slovenia, as President and Suren Tovmasyan, Cadastre Committee of the Republic of Armenia, to the Management Board.

Welcoming delegates, Tomaž Petek said: “EuroGeographics is a remarkable example of what can be achieved through Europe-wide cooperation. The Association celebrating its silver jubilee however is very different to the one established at the turn of the Millennium. Today, we are recognised as the point of contact for advice, comment, and supply of European geospatial and land information from official national sources, not only in Europe, but also at global level through our partnership with the United Nations Statistical Division and UN Committee of Experts on Global Geospatial Information Management (UN-GGIM).”

“Bringing together, not only members’ collective expertise, but also their data across national boundaries is the Association’s primary strength and a powerful symbol of certainty and trust in a complex and uncertain world. We remain united by a common purpose to support the public good, and we have overcome many different challenges to ensure that official data is recognised as an essential component of national, European and global critical infrastructures.”

Sallie Payne Snell, Secretary General and Executive Director, EuroGeographics added: “Welcoming us to Riga, the Minister of Defence recognised that members have long been trusted sources of geospatial information but that today a modern mapping agency must be able to operate under conditions of uncertainty.”

“This week, we have demonstrated why their data can be trusted, why it can be relied upon, and why it is fundamental resource that enables us to look to the future with confidence and certainty in challenging and unpredictable times.”

“As we take our next steps together in realising our vision of a society empowered by the use of trusted geospatial services, our focus must be on enabling access to members’ high-value data and expertise through its integration into the infrastructures we depend upon as a modern society.”

EuroGeographics General Assembly coincided with the publication of the Association’s latest Annual Review which features case studies demonstrating how members fulfil an essential role ensuring fundamental information about location is available for confident, informed decision making. Examples include security, climate change and environmental monitoring to economic growth and prosperity.

Read EuroGeographics Annual Review.

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.

Aligning INSPIRE with other EU legislation is highly valuable but national investments in implementation must be respected

Aligning the INSPIRE Directive with European Union horizontal legislation is highly valuable, but investments already made in the Directive’s implementation must be respected, says EuroGeographics.

In its response to the European Commission’s Public Consultation assessing the impact of the Green Data for All initiative, the Association for Europe’s National Mapping, Cadastral and Land Registration Authorities urged the streamlining of the Directive to reduce bureaucratic requirements and focus on solution-driven processes.

“The geodata infrastructure built over the past two decades has many useful applications but currently the management of the geospatial sector within the EU is fragmented and scattered across various Directives,” says Carol Agius, Head of Representation and Stakeholder Engagement, EuroGeographics.

“It would therefore be highly valuable to fully align INSPIRE with the EU’s horizontal legislation, such as the Open Data and Reuse of Public Sector Information, as well as the Implementing Act on High Value Data. However, we would urge the Commission to respect the significant investments our members have already made in implementing INSPIRE by incorporating their practical experience in any future plans.”

EuroGeographics also highlighted the importance of harmonising high-value datasets shared by national public sector bodies. However, it cautions that this is a delicate, sector specific process requiring in-depth knowledge and should only be undertaken by experts.

“Our members are experts in harmonising and edge-matching national geospatial data to create pan-European datasets, most recently to create a high-value large-scale prototype through the Open Maps for Europe 2 (OME2) Project. By the end of 2025, the 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. This proves that the integration of authoritative national geospatial data is the foundation for future pan-European high-value datasets.”

The OME2 project, co-funded by the European Union, is developing a new production process and technical specification for free-to-use, edge-matched data under a single open licence. Authoritative 1:10 000 scale data for 10 countries will be delivered via the user interface built by the award-winning Open Maps For Europe Project. OME2 is also enhancing the five existing Open Maps For Europe datasets, including the pilot Open Cadastral Map.

The project 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.

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.

OME2 Project and Nazka Mapps bring boundaries into the open to show benefits of harmonised data

An open API underpinned by data delivered via Open Maps For Europe (OME) is enabling users to access accurate, up-to-date pan-European boundary information.

Initially created by Belgium-based company Nazka Mapps for its internal development process, the open solution boundaries-api.io is now available to the wider public thanks to the OME open data licence. The API uses EuroGlobalMap and EuroRegionalMap, multi-themed topographic datasets which have been enhanced and updated by the Open Maps For Europe 2 (OME2) project.

Ann Crabbé, Product Owner, boundaries-api.io, Nazka Mapps, said: “Without the OME2 project, it would not have been possible to create our Boundaries-API, which is designed for application builders that do not want to worry about collecting, harmonising, storing and updating data on administrative boundaries. If this data was not available, we would have to revert to petitioning each country individually, or make use of global datasets that can be unreliable for local situations.”

“With Open Maps For Europe we gather information from the source – the national geographical agencies – so we know that we can trust this data. And, as Open Maps For Europe datasets are open, we then decided to make our solution open to give other map application builders access to accurate and up-to-date boundary information without the hassle of data collection and maintenance.”

Angela Baker, Head of Partnerships and Sustainability, EuroGeographics added: “Administrative boundaries are essential for the cloud-based mapping platforms delivered by Nazka Mapps to simplify complex data, provide insights and drive positive social and environmental change. The two pan-European datasets enhanced by the OME2 project provided the quick and straightforward means of accessing and licensing the official harmonised and edge-matched national boundary data they needed whilst also maintaining accuracy and detail.”

The OME2 project case study on Nazka Mapps boundaries-api.io can be downloaded 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.

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.

OME2 is developing a new production process and technical specification for free-to-use, edge-matched data under a single open licence. Authoritative 1:10 000 scale data for 10 countries will be delivered via the user interface built by the award-winning Open Maps For Europe Project. OME2 is also enhancing the five existing Open Maps For Europe datasets, including the pilot Open Cadastral Map.

About Nazka Mapps

Nazka Mapps innovative solutions seamlessly integrate the geo- and earth observation ecosystem with web development, all in the cloud. Its mission is to make geo-information easily accessible and highly valuable, providing insights that improve environment, enhance mobility, promote better health, and tackle climate challenges effectively.

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 (OME2) adds two new countries to updated harmonised high-value data prototype

Luxembourg and Switzerland are the latest countries to be included in the Open Maps For Europe 2 (OME2) high-value large-scale pan European prototype.

OME2 high-value large-scale pan European prototype data for Luxembourg.

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

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.

Coverage of the OME2 high-value large-scale pan European prototype.

Victoria Persson, Project Manager – Data Access and Integration, EuroGeographics said: “We are delighted to announce that the OME2 high-value large-scale pan European prototype now covers Luxembourg and Switzerland, in addition to Belgium, France and The Netherlands. By the end of 2025, it 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.”

“OME2 is already demonstrating how authoritative large-scale high-value data can be combined to create pan-European harmonised edge-matched datasets to meet demand for geospatial information in all common data spaces of the European Strategy for Data. Its focus on useability, as well as accessibility, will provide a foundation for future pan-European high-value data aligned with key EU Policy objectives and UN core geospatial data recommendations.”

The OME2 project, which is co-funded by the European Union, is also enhancing the five existing Open Maps For Europe datasets. The most recent updates include new releases of the Open Gazetteer and Pan-European Imagery.

The Open Gazetteer provides authoritative geographical names as maintained in the source data from the National Mapping, Cadastral and Land Registration Authorities. It can be used for any reference or information purpose and is updated annually. Germany’s Federal Agency for Cartography and Geodesy (BKG) is the production manager.

BKG is also production manager and product owner of the OME pan-European Imagery service which it makes available through the Open Maps For Europe interface. This processed mosaic with a 10-metre resolution, created from European Union´s Earth observation programme Copernicus (Sentinel-2, L1C-L2A), and can be used as a reference for mapping and visualisation.

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 2 (OME2) expands Open Cadastral Map with four new countries

Open Maps For Europe 2 (OME2) has added Greece, Latvia, Luxembourg and Slovakia to the latest update of the Open Cadastral Map.

As a result, 10 countries are now included in the prototype map service for European cadastral data. This compiles and harmonises INSPIRE open data to provide users with an overview of the information available with user-friendly links for direct download from data providers’ national geoportals.

OME2 is enhancing the Open Cadastral Map prototype, which is available through the Open Maps For Europe interface, and also developing a strategy that will increase the use of European cadastral data by making it more findable and accessible. The 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.

Victoria Persson, Project Manager – Data Access and Integration at EuroGeographics, said: “OME2’s vision is that the Open Cadastral Map becomes a single point to access pan-European high-value cadastral data enabling users to easily find authoritative information. To do this, we are developing common processes, guidelines and best practices, aligned to key European and global policies, for integrating data from National Mapping, Cadastral and Land Registration Authorities.”

“The pan-European Cadastral Data Strategy will define stakeholders as well as the technology, processes, resources and best practices required to support the long-term delivery of official high-value data for addresses, cadastral parcels, buildings and administrative units.”

“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. We invite all users to provide feedback and to share their case studies. The Project can be contacted through the Open Maps For Europe contact form.”

In addition to Greece, Latvia, Luxembourg and Slovakia, the Open Cadastral Map prototype covers the Czech Republic, Denmark, The Netherlands, Poland, Slovenia and Spain. Machine-readable metadata for the data service is now available on the European Data Portal

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 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.