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.

New KEN Chair aims to INSPIRE development of European Spatial Data Infrastructure

Marcin Grudzień from the Head Office of Geodesy and Cartography (GUGIK) in Poland has been named the new Chair of a European knowledge exchange network for INSPIRE experts.

The specialist in national spatial data infrastructures (NSDIs) will lead EuroGeographics INSPIRE KEN which focuses on sharing best practice in implementing the Directive. The group is part of the membership association’s network to support Europe’s National Mapping, Cadastral and Land Registration Authorities to improve their capabilities and role.

Marcin takes over the role from Dominique Laurent, National Institute of Geographic and Forest Information, France. Dominique, who was heavily involved in the both the INSPIRE Drafting Team for Data Specifications, and the Thematic Working Groups on Cadastral Parcels and on Buildings, was instrumental in the INSPIRE KEN’s formation and has led its activities for the past decade.

Léa Bodossian, Executive Director and Secretary General, EuroGeographics said: “We are extremely fortunate to count so many world leading experts among our membership and Marcin and Dominique are no exception. Both are well respected professionals whose insight and leadership are vital in cementing our members’ reputation for excellence, particularly during the review period of INSPIRE.”

“EuroGeographics has a strong culture of collaboration and cooperation at its heart. In these uncertain and rapidly changing times, this unity is key to raising awareness among politicians and policymakers of our members’ collective value in delivering better data for better lives.”

Marcin Grudzień added: “By ensuring effective two-way communication between the European Commission and NMCAs, the INSPIRE KEN plays an essential role in the development of a European SDI.”

“In particular, our role is to provide feedback on policies and technical solutions from the EuroGeographics community. With the first phase of implementation ending last year and all the milestones behind us, INSPIRE is evolving. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the KEN to navigate these uncharted waters whilst also continuing its primary objective – the sharing of INSPIRE-related information among NMCAs.”

Marcin’s extensive experience includes coordinating the technical implementation of the INSPIRE Directive in Poland. He has been an active member of the INSPIRE KEN for many years and is a well-known presenter at INSPIRE and SDI-related conferences.

More recently, he played an active role in building Poland’s fourth-biggest public sector IT system, addressing technical, semantic, operational and legal aspects for its stakeholders. He is currently Deputy Director GUGIK’s Strategy, International Cooperation and Public Information Department.

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.

Transparency, accountability and common values will fuel digital decade data demand

Underpinning Europe’s Digital Decade with fundamental rights and common values will fuel demand for trusted public sector information, say National Mapping, Cadastral and Land Registration Authorities.

Through their membership association, EuroGeographics, they have welcomed the vision for Europe’s Digital Decade, noting that respect for data privacy, Intellectual Property Rights and the legal protection of databases is essential in providing online services for citizens and supporting public administration.

“Data based on agreed rules of creation and use, legal aspect, accountability, quality management, certification, traceability, and maintenance are needed everywhere by everybody all the time. Knowing that reliable sources of geospatial data exist, and where to obtain them, is essential for making critical decisions that affect all our lives, both from an individual’s perspective, and by policy-makers,” says Léa Bodossian, Secretary General and Executive Director, EuroGeographics.

“Authoritative public sector information is a key building block for a successful digital transformation, which will result in a society empowered by the use of these trusted data and services. Demand for geospatial information from official national sources will continue to grow into the next decade. NMCAs are committed to continue providing quality, value, reliability and ease of re-use data, as these remain key requirements for users.”

“With the constant and dramatic growth of data volumes, information is moving to the clouds and is being shared through data spaces. As such, NMCAs welcome the European Strategy for Data and the transparent governance tools proposed in the Data Governance Act. These initiatives have the potential to be important milestones in reaching the goals of the Digital Decade.”

“EuroGeographics members were early pioneers in data interoperability having solved a wide range of geographical, technical, political, organisational, linguistic and operational challenges to create pan-European datasets. We are eager to share our experience and the lessons learned to help achieve the cohesion needed to realise the digital targets, and we do know that there many more datasets that are to be made open and that will benefit from NMCA’s expertise.”

“We look forward to making a significant contribution to the success of Europe’s Digital Decade and the 2030 digital targets, and welcome being part of this conversation.”

Read EuroGeographics’ feedback on the EU Roadmap for Communication on “Europe’s Digital Decade”: 2030 digital targets.

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.

New gateway will connect users to open maps for Europe

Free to use maps from more than 40 European countries are to be made available through a new online gateway.

Open Maps for Europe will signpost and provide easy access to pan-European open data created using official map, geospatial and land information.

The project, which is co-financed by the Connecting Europe Facility of the European Union, is coordinated by EuroGeographics, the voice of European National Mapping, Cadastral and Land Registration Authorities, in partnership with the National Geographic Institute (NGI) Belgium.

Users will be able to access the data, created by the not-for-profit membership association, through an online interface developed by thinkWhere. The specialist in open source geographic information system (GIS) technologies will deliver the enhanced gateway for discovering, viewing, licensing and downloading the open datasets after winning an open tender.

The open data will include topographic data, a digital elevation model, imagery, a cadastral index map, and a regional gazetteer. The first maps are expected to be available in summer 2021.

Angela Baker, Programme Manager, Data Access and Integration, EuroGeographics said: “As the official national sources of map, cadastral and land information, our members’ data is fundamental to the everyday lives of people across Europe. We may not always realise it, but their authoritative information underpins our public services, provides certainty of property ownership and helps to save precious time and potentially save lives when responding to emergencies. In an ever connected world, it is also increasingly used in a wide range of applications relied upon by both citizens and businesses.”

“The Open Data Directive recognises that the value of data lies in its use and re-use.  By providing easy access to free to use harmonised maps for Europe, our members want to boost the development of these innovative services. Their aim is to encourage greater use of their official geospatial data to drive market development and economic growth, and increase competitiveness by reducing costs.

“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.”

Alan Moore, Chief Executive, thinkWhere added:  “We are delighted to be working with EuroGeographics and its members on the Open Maps for Europe project where the primary aim is to drive up the use of official geospatial and open data.”

“Our mission is to make geographic data highly accessible, easy to use and an essential part of your information architecture. Collaborating with EuroGeographics and its members we will harness the power of our cloud-based geospatial data infrastructure and drive the development of a user-centric portal that makes it easy to find, view, publish and share the rich suite of pan European digital mapping, cadastral and topographic datasets.”

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.

thinkWhere is a leading UK geospatial data and technology company specialising in open source, open data and cloud computing. Working with many public sector and commercial clients, we transform the way organisations use geographic data.

For further information, please visit www.thinkwhere.com 

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 aims to put official geospatial data on the map in the heart of Europe

EuroGeographics today (22 October 2020) announced European affairs advisor Léa Bodossian as its new Secretary General and Executive Director.

In addition to a passion for geography, Léa brings high-level representation, communication and management skills to the Brussels-based membership association for European National Mapping, Cadastral and Land Registration Authorities. Her previous roles include Secretary General of the Airport Regions Council and a number of positions within the European Commission and Parliament.

Commenting on her appointment, Léa said: “Official national geospatial data and cadastral services provided by members of EuroGeographics are a fundamental part of our everyday lives – whether or not we realise it.”

“For example, they are currently supporting national responses to the global pandemic by delivering up to date, accurate data and expertise for government management and monitoring of COVID-19. We need to ensure these valuable contributions are widely recognised and understood so that all areas of society can benefit fully from our members’ activities and expertise.”

“As a geographer and a lover of maps, it is of course an honour to join EuroGeographics, which enables the connection between maps, people and policies in Europe and beyond. I am, however, also thrilled to be part of an association which has a strong culture of collaboration and cooperation at its heart. In these uncertain and rapidly changing times, this unity is key to raising awareness among politicians and policymakers of our members’ collective value in delivering better data for better lives.”

President of EuroGeographics, Colin Bray added: “We are delighted to welcome Léa to head up our Association. We know that her extensive experience in successfully securing EU grants and delivering projects, as well as contributing to consultations and expert groups, and participating in hearings and meetings at the European Parliament, will help to ensure our members’ roles, capabilities and concerns continue to be understood across the world.”

Léa succeeds Mick Cory who is retiring after successfully leading EuroGeographics since 2015.

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.

UN-GGIM framework for effective land administration welcomed by EuroGeographics

EuroGeographics, which represents Europe’s National Mapping, Cadastral and Land Registration Authorities (NMCAs), has welcomed a new framework for effective land administration that recognises the importance of providing secure land and property rights to people across the world.

The adoption of the Framework for Effective Land Administration (FELA) at the tenth session of the United Nations Committee of Experts on Global Geospatial Information Management (UN-GGIM), follows an extensive consultation to which EuroGeographics and its members contributed.

Mick Cory, Secretary General and Executive Director, EuroGeographics says: “The greater majority of humanity do not enjoy secure land rights.  The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is a global plan of action: effective land administration underpins and supports leaving no one behind - the commitment of the 2030 Agenda.  Many EuroGeographics’ members focus on property rights and registration, and we have an active knowledge network of cadastral and land registration experts.”

“We are pleased by this recognition that secure land and property rights for all is a crucial component for an economically, socially and environmentally sustainable society through  FELA’s full alignment with the Integrated Geospatial Information Framework which supports the Sustainable Development Goals for both developing and developed countries.”

“We encourage the Expert Group to consider how best to actively engage with wider stakeholders and decision makers outside the geospatial community to promote and advocate the importance of effective and efficient land administration and management.

He continued: “In Europe, we see a need where – based on the existing level of maturity – next steps can be defined following the nine pathways of the Integrated Geospatial Information Framework (IGIF).  As the membership association for European NMCAs, we continue to follow the progress of the FELA and welcome opportunities for future cooperation, particularly through our Knowledge Exchange Network on Cadastre and Land Registration which provides a valuable forum for sharing best practice and experiences.”

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 pledges support for UN-GGIM focus on authoritative geospatial data

EuroGeographics has welcomed the United Nations Committee of Experts on Global Geospatial Information Management's (UN-GGIM) intention to focus on issues concerning authority, custodianship and legal issues for data for the public good.

The Association, which represents Europe’s National Mapping, Cadastral and Land Registration Authorities, has pledged to support the UN-GGIM Working Group on Legal and Policy Frameworks in its aim to better understand the definition and importance of authoritative data. It is also offering access to its extensive network to help gather examples of best practice and to facilitate information sharing.

Mick Cory, Secretary General and Executive Director, EuroGeographics says: “The critical importance of trusted geospatial information to support decision-making at all levels and many areas of national and international concern is demonstrated by the current Covid-19 pandemic. However, there remains insufficient awareness of the importance of good quality data to addressing global challenges and addressing national and global economic and social goals.”

“A clear policy for geospatial information management, backed up by a robust legislative framework with appropriate resource, are significant enablers to effective and efficient geospatial information management, as envisaged as part of the Inetgrated Geospatial Information Framework (IGIF).  We warmly welcome, and stand ready to assist the Working Group in this work which will help the implementation of the IGIF and is a significant contribution to the global geospatial community.” 

EuroGeographics is an observer on the Working Group, which was formally renamed at the tenth session of UN-GGIM and is now known as the Working Group on Policy and Legal Frameworks for Geospatial Information Management to align with IGIF Strategic Pathway 2 – Policy and Legal.

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.