Survey shows agile approach to authoritative cadastral and land registration vital for Europe’s resilience and recovery programme

Interoperability, security, accessibility and transparency are the key strengths of official cadastral and land registration data in contributing to Europe’s resilience and recovery programme, a survey has found.

The joint questionnaire by EuroGeographics and the Permanent Committee on Cadastre in the European Union (PCC) gives an overview of the role of National Mapping, Cadastral and Land Registration Authorities (NMCAs) in post-Covid 19 economic and social stability. It reveals that artificial intelligence, APIs, crowdsourcing and automation are already in use by national cadastral systems and thus demonstrates the value of authoritative data and information in enabling digital transformation and providing opportunities for innovation.

Dr Daniel Steudler, Chair of EuroGeographics Cadastre and Land Registry Knowledge Exchange Network (KEN), said: “Cadastral authorities and land registries fulfil an essential role by providing official, detailed, secure and reliable information on property rights and registration. Indeed, 13 of the countries questioned replied that cadastral data are included in their national list of High Value Datasets.”

“An agile approach to delivering trusted, reliable, authoritative cadastral data and high-quality services is vital for achieving the Next Generation EU agreement, its key instrument the Recovery and Resilience Facility and the European Green Deal. As a community used to constant and far-reaching change, we have a proven ability to respond to new ways of working, and the results of this survey show that NMCAs remain committed to adapting their activities to meet user needs and ensure lasting recovery.”

Mr Tomaž Petek, General Director, Surveying and Mapping Authority of the Republic of Slovenia added: “Digital geospatial information, including cadastral and land registry data has become a very important basis, upon which governments, organisations and businesses base their decisions on and implement their services. The aim is to foster public services that are, by default, digital, cross-border and interoperable, user-centric, inclusive and accessible, open and transparent, trustworthy and secure, and require users to supply information only once.”

The Joint PCC and EuroGeographics Cadastre and Land Registry KEN conference and plenary was held under the Presidency of Slovenia.

Key results

• Of the 25 countries responding to the survey, 20 said that their national cadastral system was relevant to achieve results or contribute to the aims of the European Green Deal which is described by the European Commission as ‘our lifeline out of the COVID-19 pandemic’.
• The top 3 strengths of a cadastral system’s contribution to the Next Generation EU agreement were identified as:
  • Interoperable, digital data.
  • Public, transparent, complete, secure, reliable data with a legal basis.
  • Data that is open, full, and easy to access.
• The top 3 areas for improvement were identified as:
  • Expanded databases in terms of user experience and flexibility.
  • Integration with Spatial Data Infrastructures (SDIs) and the creation of single platforms.
  • Extension of data content and an additional building database.
• The top 3 opportunities for cadastral data to be used by businesses and other organisations for delivering new and innovative applications, products, and services were:
  • A key role in other geospatial data and SDI, interoperable web services, including APIs, and as a basis for innovative products and services.
  • Open data.
  • As a high potential, strategic asset to stimulate economic growth.
• The top 3 new technologies being used to maintain national cadastral systems are:
  • Artificial Intelligence – used for change detection, to detect properties which are not taxed, and for managing older documents and texts.
  • Web portals, web services, APIs - for easier linking of data and providing services.
  • Crowd sourcing, automation of processes - to increase accuracy, gamification to raise interest and chatbots to answer questions from users.

The survey results and presentations from the conference 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. It currently brings together members from 46 countries, covering the whole of geographical Europe.

EuroGeographics contributes to COP26 call for governments to recognise value of location in climate change action

EuroGeographics pan-European datasets and their role in cross-border climate action are highlighted in a COP26 briefing paper calling on governments to recognise the value of official location data.

‘Applying Geospatial Information to Climate Challenges’ is published on behalf of delegates participating in the 2021 the Cambridge Conference organised by Ordnance Survey. As a member of the Conference International Advisory Group, the association for Europe’s National Mapping, Cadastral and Land Registration Authorities (NMCAs) is a key contributor to the paper which sets out how official sources of geospatial data can support the United Nations four goals for COP26.

EuroGeographics has also signed the Cambridge Conference COP26 pledge, which commits to enabling nations to respond better to climate challenges by using trusted location data and to act now to become a sustainable organisation.

Léa Bodossian, Secretary General and Executive Director, EuroGeographics says: “It is so important that we can contribute to this pledge and paper, which includes case studies from our members in The Netherlands, Romania and United Kingdom.”

“Geospatial data is critical to decision makers for fighting climate change. The floods, in Belgium, Germany, and The Netherlands last summer, demonstrated tragically that there are cross-border aspects of climate change that need pan-European data. Today, challenges extend beyond national boundaries and knowing exactly where to target action and coordinate responses is essential, especially for monitoring, managing and measuring progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).”

“EuroGeographics promotes the value of official geospatial data and has created pan-European datasets which are harmonised and consistent across the continent.  I firmly believe that there are few things that are more powerful than location; it not only tells us where things happen but also provides the link between information and action.”

“Geospatial data is at the core of all environmental actions ‘on the ground’ and has a wider use in supporting policies. For example, geodata from our members is already being used to realise national climate targets and biodiversity plans, and deliver smarter, sustainable, intelligent transport that will use less fossil fuel. In France, the development of Lidar projects supports public policies, such as spatial planning, agriculture, forest, energy, and biodiversity, thus enabling precise targeting of climate action for maximum impact. This analytical aspect shows just how powerful geodata is for the public good.”

“The data and technology are available, what we now need is a commitment from decision-makers to invest in the collection, management, coordination and intelligent use of location data for the benefit of all. That’s why EuroGeographics is adding its voice to the call for all governments to recognise the value of location data and commit to creating appropriate data infrastructures to help propel us all to a sustainable, safer and fairer world.”

Case studies demonstrating the important role of EuroGeographics members are available at: https://bit.ly/MoreThanMaps

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. It currently brings together members from 46 countries, covering the whole of geographical Europe.

Open Maps For Europe releases first datasets

Users can now access the first free-to-use maps via the Open Maps For Europe online gateway  at www.mapsforeurope.org.

Four open datasets created using official national map, geospatial and land information from members of EuroGeographics are included in this first release:

• EuroRegionalMap – multi-themed topographic open data at 1:250 000 scale – initial data provided by 31 National Mapping, Cadastral and Land Registration Authorities.
• EuroGlobalMap – provides multi-themed topographic open data at 1:1 million scale covering 55 countries and territories in the European region.
• EuroDEM – 1:100 000 scale digital open data elevation model providing height data provided by 26 National Mapping, Cadastral and Land Registration Authorities.
• Open Gazetteer – an open gazetteer service providing authoritative multilingual geographical names – data provided by 36 National Mapping, Cadastral and Land Registration Authorities.

Release 1 also includes Pan-European Imagery provided by Germany’s Federal Agency for Cartography and Geodesy –10 metre resolution high-quality open data images and mosaics as uniform reference products for mapping and visualisation, created from data taken from the European Union´s Earth observation programme Copernicus (Sentinel-2, L1C-L2A).

Users can discover, view, license and download the open datasets, produced by members of the not-for-profit membership association for Europe’s National Mapping, Cadastral and Land Registration Authorities, through an online interface developed by thinkWhere.  

Angela Baker, Programme Manager, Data Access and Integration, EuroGeographics said: “We are delighted to unveil the first Open Maps For Europe datasets. Release 1 of the project is the first step in realising the potential of geospatial open data from official national sources, and as it progresses, we aim to deliver continuous improvements and to increase coverage. The next phase will be the release of an open cadastral index map in 2022.”

“By working together to deliver pan-European data, our members are demonstrating not only what can be achieved through Europe-wide cooperation but also the benefits that result for the wider public good, specifically in support of policy decision-making at the European level.”

“Our unique approach to interoperable pan-European datasets unlocks the value of authoritative geospatial information and is one of the key ways members are supporting The Open Data Directive, which recognises that the value of data lies in its use and re-use.”

“By working to ensure their data is interoperable, readily available and easily accessible, they are demonstrating a commitment to delivering Open Maps for Europe both now and in the future.”

The Open Maps For Europe project, which is co-financed by the Connecting Europe Facility of the European Union, is coordinated by EuroGeographics in partnership with the National Geographic Institute (NGI) Belgium. The cartography and styling on the Open Maps For Europe interface is based on NGI Belgium cartography.

Open Maps For Europe runs until 31 December 2022.

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. It currently brings together members from 46 countries, covering the whole of geographical Europe.

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

EuroGeographics offers expertise to help strengthen global geospatial infrastructure at UN-GGIM

EuroGeographics has reaffirmed its commitment to using its expertise in authoritative data to help strengthen the global geospatial infrastructure.

At the 11th Session of the United Nations Committee of Experts on Global Geospatial Information Management (UN-GGIM), the Association offered its extensive experience and a strong regional knowledge exchange network to support a range of international initiatives. This includes implementation of the UN Integrated Geospatial Information Framework (IGIF), the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Geospatial Roadmap, the Global Geodetic Reference Frame, and the Framework for Effective Land Administration (FELA).

Léa Bodossian, Secretary General and Executive Director, EuroGeographics said: “Our strength lies in our extensive membership of national mapping, cadastral and land registration authorities (NMCAs) from the whole of geographical Europe. This, combined with our well-established knowledge exchange network, means we are uniquely placed to facilitate coordination, collaboration and communication within the international geospatial community.”

“We are pleased to continue our active participation in UN-GGIM as an Observer organisation. By highlighting our members’ role as providers of authoritative geospatial data and services to address the key regional and global challenges, we aim to ensure that distinctive voice and interests of European NMCAs are heard.”

The not-for-profit Brussels-based organisation made a series of interventions at GGIM11 including:

• Offering its support to help with the communication, promotion and knowledge sharing of experiences related to the implementation of IGIF and in building a bridge between the statistical and geospatial communities.
• Welcoming the federated approach for the Centre of Excellence in Germany, noting that the GGRF can only be successfully sustained through a collaboration between Member States, international organisations, industry and relevant geodetic stakeholders.
• Welcoming the vision to see geospatial and location-based information being recognised and accepted as official data for the SDGs and their global indicators, which resonates with its belief in a society empowered by the use of trusted geospatial data.
• Supporting the suggestion for EuroSDR to consider a European-level applied research project on the benefits of implementing FELA that would include online learning resource to support raising awareness and promote implementation. EuroGeographics has a continued and active interest in this topic, in particular through its Knowledge Exchange Network on Cadastre and Land Registration, and is open for possible cooperation and collaboration with the Expert Group and EuroSDR.
• Confirming its continued participation in the Working Group on Policy and Legal Frameworks for Geospatial Information Management as an observer organisation, and noting that its paper on authoritative data co-authored with EuroSDR was used as a basis for initial thinking on what is ‘authority’.
• Welcoming the collaborative progress made by the United Nations Group of Experts on Geographical Names and sharing an update on the Open Regional Gazetteer developed as part of the Open Maps For Europe project, which is co-financed by the Connecting Europe Facility of the European Union. This dataset meets the requirements for geographical names of the Infrastructure for Spatial Information in Europe and currently includes the geographical names of 36 European countries and ‘dependent territories’ in 39 languages.

EuroGeographics written statements for the 11th Session of UN-GGIM 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. It currently brings together members from 46 countries, covering the whole of geographical Europe.

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

Copernicus services to benefit from better access to official geospatial data through joint vision for cooperation

Copernicus Services will benefit from easier access to a wider range of data from Europe’s National Mapping, Cadastral and Land Registration Authorities thanks to a new era of cooperation announced today (4 August 2021). 

The partnership between the European Environment Agency (EEA) and EuroGeographics will increase the number of official national geospatial datasets available via the Copernicus Reference Access Data (CORDA) gateway. By streamlining the licensing process, it will also facilitate their use in services such as Land Monitoring, Emergency Management and Security. 

Henrik Steen Andersen, Project Manager Copernicus In Situ Component, EEA said: “To meet end user requirements regarding data content and quality, Copernicus Services need access to open, up-to-date, and harmonised geospatial information across Europe. Data produced by the members of EuroGeographics is therefore key to its success.”

“It is clear we share a joint vision for cooperation and data sharing which will provide a firm foundation for our future relationship. By working closely together, we can improve the use of authoritative data and services by Copernicus and ensure National Mapping, Cadastral and Land Registration Authorities are recognised for their essential contributions.”

Sallie Payne, Head of Operations and Association Management, EuroGeographics added: “We already have a long-standing agreement with the EEA that enables the Copernicus Emergency Mapping Service to use members’ authoritative data to quickly produce maps for crisis management. We will now build on the success of this to develop one licence agreement to benefit all Copernicus services.”

EuroGeographics is working as a subcontractor to e-Geos, which is leading work for the EEA to improve the provision of Copernicus In situ data, to deliver:

• An updated partnership agreement with the EEA.
• A single agreement between EEA and EuroGeographics for the provision of member’s data to the Copernicus services (currently the EEA has bilateral agreements with 22 National Mapping, Cadastral and Land Registration Authorities).
• An audit of all geospatial datasets owned by EuroGeographics members, and their dissemination systems and data policies.
• Communications activities related to the engagement of NMCAs.

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. It currently brings together members from 46 countries, covering the whole of geographical Europe.

Open Maps For Europe project confirms coverage for first data release

Open Maps For Europe has confirmed coverage for its first release of open data later this summer.

EuroGeographics, which is coordinating the project in partnership with National Geographic Institute (NGI) Belgium, has announced that 26 National Mapping, Cadastral and Land Registration Authorities (NMCAs) will initially contribute to the new open data digital elevation model. The not-for-profit association for European NMCAs has also confirmed 31 members will contribute data for the 1:250 000 topographic open dataset, and that the Regional Gazetteer is set to include information from 35 organisations.

Open Maps For Europe will also include EuroGeographics’ existing 1:1 million scale open dataset which harmonises geospatial information from 55 countries and territories.

Angela Baker, Programme Manager, Data Access and Integration, EuroGeographics said: “We are delighted to be able to confirm the initial coverage for the first release of datasets from Open Maps For Europe and we aim to add to the number of countries covered in the future.”

“This is a great example of our members’ commitment to encouraging greater use of their official geospatial data to drive market development and economic growth, and increase competitiveness by reducing costs. It’s one of the key ways NMCAs across Europe are supporting The Open Data Directive, which recognises that the value of data lies in its use and re-use.”

Open Maps for Europe, which is co-financed by the Connecting Europe Facility of the European Union, will signpost and provide easy access to pan-European open data created using official map, geospatial and land information. Users will be able to access the data, created by the not-for-profit membership association, through an online interface developed by thinkWhere.

The Open Maps for Europe Project runs until 31 December 2022.

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

Official geospatial data proves value during global pandemic

Contributing to national Covid-19 responses has significantly raised awareness of official geospatial data, say Europe’s National Mapping, Cadastral and Land Registration Authorities.

More than 75% of members participating in EuroGeographics 2021 General Assembly said that helping to manage and monitor the global pandemic had raised the profile of their data. Around 60% believe that it will make it easier to explain its importance to policymakers, whilst 43% think the public have a better understanding of what authoritative data is.

National Mapping, Cadastral and Land Registration Authorities reported four main contributions to national Covid-19 responses:

• Provision of authoritative data
• Working with other government departments
• Implementation of new technologies or systems
• Provision of expertise

Colin Bray, President, EuroGeographics said: “Whether you’ve downloaded a track and trace app or used your phone to avoid busy times on public transport, geographic data is helping us all to stop the spread of Covid-19.”

“EuroGeographics members are playing their part by delivering accurate, official land information and geospatial data and services. They have quickly adapted their datasets to meet the needs of a fast-moving situation to ensure those making difficult decisions can count on them for the most up to date information available. This has proved vital for responding to the global pandemic, keeping us connected and playing a central role in all our lives.”

Léa Bodossian, Secretary General and Executive Director, EuroGeographics added: “The global pandemic has redefined business as usual – from accelerating the adoption of new technologies to refocusing resources. As a community used to constant and far-reaching change, we have a proven ability to respond strategically, as well as operationally, to these new ways of working. Together, we must ensure this agility, as well as our data, is widely recognised, understood and used for maximum impact and benefit.”

“More than ever before, the world needs accurate data that it can trust is up to date, definitive and detailed. We know we cannot expect users to always come to us, so we continue to find new ways of achieving its widespread use across both the European and international systems.”

EuroGeographics annual review, which is published today (21 June 2021), contains many examples of how members are supporting pandemic response, as well as integrating information to provide insights for realising national climate targets and biodiversity plans, using satellite positioning for smarter, precision farming and the development of autonomous vehicles; and incorporating artificial intelligence technology into production processes to improve data quality. It is available at http://bit.ly/EuroGeographicsAR2020.

Call for authoritative geospatial information to be included in EU Zero Pollution Action Plan

Pan-European data from official sources of geospatial and land information has a key part to play in tackling cross-border pollution.

“Data from Europe’s National Mapping, Cadastral and Land Registration Authorities is already being used for environmental monitoring, measurement and management, realising national climate targets and biodiversity plans, and delivering smarter, sustainable, intelligent transport,” says Léa Bodossian, Secretary General and Executive Director, EuroGeographics.

“Examples include: precision farming using the Austrian Positioning Service; land cover maps which reveal new insights about the Portuguese landscape; contributing to the Belgian National Access Point for multimodal transport information; new land use and Lidar projects to support public policies in France; and providing policy-makers with vital information for the transition to solar energy in the Netherlands.”

“As recently noted by Pascal Canfin, Chair of the European Parliament Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety, however, pollution does not respect borders. To track and tackle it across Europe, we need to be able to monitor its spread across different countries – and to do this we need pan-European data we can trust.”

“Together with our members, we provide the only interoperable pan-European datasets created using official authoritative geospatial data. These include topographic data and a digital elevation model which are to be released as open data through the Open Maps for Europe project. Imagery, a cadastral index map, and a regional gazetteer will also be available by the end of 2022.”

“From knowing who owns the soil and its responsible management to air quality and the reduction of pesticides, our members’ data is available as a tool to mitigate pollution and address the challenge of biodiversity loss. If we are to achieve a healthy planet, we believe this information should be a vital component of the EU Zero Pollution Action Plan.”

EuroGeographics is an international not-for-profit organisation and the membership association for the European National Mapping, Cadastral and Land Registry Authorities.  It is coordinating the Open Maps for Europe project, which is co-financed by the Connecting Europe Facility of the European Union, in partnership with the National Geographic Institute (NGI) Belgium.

Case studies demonstrating the important role of EuroGeographics members are available at: https://bit.ly/MoreThanMaps

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. It currently brings together members from 46 countries, covering the whole of geographical Europe.

European NMCAs focus on user requirements and support for policymakers at annual conference

User requirements for authoritative geospatial data and support for policymakers were at the heart of discussions at EuroGeographics 2021 General Assembly.

More than 100 leaders and senior representatives from 55 members of the association for Europe’s National Mapping, Cadastral and Land Registration Authorities participated in the two-day event, which was held online. Speakers included Marta Nagy-Rothengass, Head of Unit, Eurostat, Oliver Mueller, GISCO Team Leader, and Henrik Steen Andersen from the European Environment Agency.

Colin Bray, President, EuroGeographics said: “As always, connections were at the heart of our agenda: connections between members, connections with key users of their authoritative data, and connections that are being made through new technology.”

“As official sources of trusted information, we want people to use our data, so it was very interesting to see the different ways in which members’ data is benefiting Eurostat and the European Environment Agency, as well as to learn more about the requirements of Frontex and DG AGRI. It is clear that we have a joint vision for cooperation and data sharing, and we look forward to continuing working with them for the benefit of society in general.”

The General Assembly was an opportunity for EuroGeographics members to renew their commitment to the community, and included the election of three new Management Board members.

Mrs. Eydis Lindal Finnbogadottir, Andreas Hadjiraftis, and Martin Salzmann will each serve a two-year term.

As a result, the not-for-profit organisation’s Management Board now comprises:

• President Colin Bray, Ordnance Survey Ireland.
• Sanja Zekušić, State Geodetic Administration, Croatia.
• Andreas Hadjiraftis, Department of Lands and Surveys of Cyprus.
• Sébastien Soriano, National Institute of Geographic and Forest Information, France.
• Pier-Giorgio Zaccheddu, Federal Agency for Cartography and Geodesy, Germany.
• Eydis Lindal Finnbogadottir, National Land Survey of Iceland.
• Martin Salzmann, The Netherlands’ Cadastre, Land Registry and Mapping Agency.
• Kenny Crawford, Registers of Scotland.
• Amalia Velasco Martín-Varés, Spanish Directorate General for Cadastre.

Members can view the presentations, sli.do polls and formal minutes by logging into the EuroGeographics website.

Notes to Editors

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. It currently brings together members from 46 countries, covering the whole of geographical Europe.

Geospatial points way for Europe to become global hub for trustworthy artificial intelligence

National Mapping, Cadastral and Land Registration Authorities (NMCAs) expertise in providing reliable, authoritative data has a significant part to play in establishing Europe as a global hub for trustworthy Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Responding to the Commission’s proposed new AI Regulation published today, EuroGeographics, which represents the European NMCAs, says that its members’ extensive experience in the production and management of trusted data can help foster trust in these new technologies.

“We are pleased to see AI on the European agenda and welcome a regulatory framework that enhances trust. Official, authoritative data from National Mapping, Cadastral and Land Registration Authorities is a key component for an AI model based on trust and excellence, giving citizens the confidence to embrace technologies, while also encouraging businesses to develop them,” says Léa Bodossian, Secretary General and Executive Director, EuroGeographics.

“Our members produce and make available data to feed AI services and businesses, whilst also using these new technologies to process geospatial information and increase the efficiency of their quality assurance and management – the calling card of NMCA data.” 

“NMCAs have a reputation for providing data that people can rely on when making critical decisions, and in turn the public trusts them to keep their data secure and act in their interest above all else. AI therefore provides many opportunities for NMCAs to contribute to the public good, not least in sharing their extensive experience and expertise to develop AI tools that establish trustworthiness but also in serving the European public interest by contributing to European data sovereignty.”

“We warmly welcome any initiative that strengthens public trust in data, particularly in high-risk areas for which members hold responsibility, such as critical infrastructure and essential services, and look forward to engaging with policy makers to realise the vision of Europe as a global hub for trustworthy AI.”

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. It currently brings together members from 46 countries, covering the whole of geographical Europe.