European open data from official national sources to be included in key UN boundary information initiative

Harmonised European open data from official national sources is to be included in the United Nations Second Administrative Level Boundaries (SALB) initiative.

EuroGeographics, which represents National Mapping, Cadastral and Land Registry Authorities from the whole of geographical Europe, is providing its 1:1 million scale topographic open dataset, EuroGlobalMap to assist the project’s aim of compiling global administrative boundaries data from authoritative sources.

Mr Mick Cory, Secretary General and Executive Director of the international not-for-profit association presented the dataset to Mr Kyoung-Soo Eom, Chief, Geospatial Information Section, United Nations and Mr Anthony O’Mullane, Director, Information and Communications Technology Division, Department of Field Support, United Nations at the Seventh Session of the United Nations Committee of Experts on Global Geospatial Information Management (UN-GGIM) in New York.

Mr Cory said: “EuroGeographics is pleased to facilitate the work of the SALB initiative towards the development of a worldwide repository of geospatial information databases of administrative boundaries.”

“As the representative of European National Mapping and Cadastre and Land Registry Authorities, we look forward to further collaboration and would be pleased to contribute our technical expertise and experience in collecting such data from Member States, as well as to share our data standards and policies with the initiative.”

Mr Kyoung-Soo Eom added: “We are very pleased to receive this geospatial data from official national sources and we foresee that there will be a great synergy through our cooperation between EuroGeographics and the UN SALB Initiative.”

“We look forward to our continued cooperation towards the achievement of our common goal.”

EuroGlobalMap provides harmonised European open data covering 45 countries and territories, comprising six themes: Administrative boundaries, names locations, transport networks, settlements, elevation; and the water network. It is available free of charge for any use under an open data licence and enables a wide range of applications, including mobile mapping, demographic and socio-economic analysis, hydrology, energy and environment modelling and education and research.

SALB, as an authoritative geospatial dataset on administrative boundaries, participates in the provision of “reliable geospatial information” highlighted as key in the General Assembly Resolution 66/288 “The Future We Want” for the implementation of sustainable development policy-making, programming and project operations. 

It can play a crucial role in providing reliable global geospatial information for measuring and monitoring the Sustainable Development Goals, in particular by linking statistics to geospatial location as identified in General Assembly Resolution 70/1 “Transforming our World: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development”.

Administrative boundaries have been highlighted as a priority “core global fundamental geospatial data theme” by the UN-GGIM which recognises the importance of SALB and encouraged Member States for active participation in the initiative. Currently, SALB accounts for over 80 participating Member States who have already provided either their contact details, submitted initial GIS datasets or finalised with the Secretariat a publically available SALB dataset.

Under the auspices of the UN Secretariat, SALB is jointly managed by the Geospatial Information Section of the Department of the Field Support (DFS) and the Statistics Division of the Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA), offices also responsible for the UN-GGIM Secretariat services.

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For further information please contact Rhian French on +44 1264 300126, +447892 698 350(mobile) or email press@eurogeographics.org.

Notes to Editors

EuroGeographics
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, Cadastre and Land Registry Authorities. It currently brings together 63 members from 46 countries.

EuroGeographics signs production management agreement with BKG Germany

EuroGeographics has announced that Germany’s Federal Agency for Cartography and Geodesy (BKG) is to manage production for two of its pan-European products.

The production management agreement means that BKG will now coordinate the development and delivery of EuroRegionalMap, a 1:250 000 dataset, as well as EuroBoundaryMap, which enables the exact matching of administrative units with statistical data using a European-wide unique identifier. The National Institute of Geographic and Forest Information (IGN France) continues to support the production of EuroGlobalMap open data.

EuroGeographics’ portfolio of pan-European datasets, including a digital elevation model EuroDEM, is created by harmonising authoritative geographic information from its members, the National Mapping, Cadastral and Land Registry Authorities of Europe.

“We are very pleased to have signed this agreement with BKG and I should also like to thank NGI, Belgium, for providing significant support over many years in the production management of EuroRegionalMap,” said EuroGeographics’ Secretary General and Executive Director, Mick Cory.  “Harmonised pan-European maps and geographic information are of fundamental importance to society – they inform policy, enable decision-making and help visualise a range of otherwise complex data.”

“EuroGeographics continues to maintain and develop its portfolio of pan-European datasets created by harmonising our members’ national data. Feedback from users indicates that they greatly value this high quality, reliable information from trusted sources. Bringing both these datasets together under a single agreement will simplify workflows and enable greater harmony between the two products.”

Head of BKG, Prof Dr Hansjörg Kutterer added: “We’re very excited to be coordinating the production management of these two datasets which provide accurate authoritative information for decision makers across a wide range of sectors. Our aim is to extend coverage and create a common geometry for international boundaries, national boundaries and coastlines to ensure they continue to meet user needs.”

The latest version of EuroBoundaryMap, released in spring 2016, includes country datasets for Albania and part of Bosnia and Herzegovina and has been enhanced through the integration of INSPIRE identifiers. The latest version of EuroRegionalMap includes updates to the administrative and hydrology themes.

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For further information please contact Rhian French on +44 1264 300126, +447892 698 350(mobile) or email press@eurogeographics.org.

Notes to Editors

EuroGeographics
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, Land Registry and Cadastral Authorities. It currently brings together 61 members from 46 countries.

To find out more about EuroGeographics, please visit www.eurogeographics.org.

Plan to deliver authoritative pan-European open data services unveiled today in Brussels

Members of EuroGeographics have today (12 June 2017) unveiled plans for pan-European open data services underpinned by geospatial information from official sources.

The Open European Location Services (ELS) project aims to improve the availability of geospatial information from the public authorities responsible for mapping, cadastre and land registries. Funded by the European Commission, it builds upon the European Location Framework (ELF) project which developed the standards, specifications, tools and technical infrastructure to deliver pan-European geospatial content. Open ELS is focused on facilitating access to, and encouraging the take up and use of this information, and is strongly user orientated with a comprehensive programme of activities for SMEs. It is therefore the core component for building operational European Location Services.

EuroGeographics, an international not-for-profit association representing Europe’s National Mapping, Cadastral and Land Registration Authorities, is coordinating the two-year initiative which is 50 per cent funded by the European Commission through the 2016 CEF Telecom Call. It is working with partners from member organisations in Norway, The Netherlands, Great Britain, Finland, Spain, Sweden, Poland and Germany.

Helen Kaestner, European Location Services Transition Programme Manager said: “Our intention is to develop pan-European open data services using authoritative geospatial information along with an associated business model, whilst also respecting EuroGeographics members’ national policy, legislative and business requirements. This will provide certainty about what is free, what is charged for, and the terms and conditions of use or reuse.”

The Open ELS project is part of EuroGeographics’ wider vision for a unique and powerful information resource covering geographical Europe as well as the EU Member States. Together with its members, the association is committed to developing the gateway to data from official, national sources to deliver European Location Services. This will be a unique, single source of data from multiple countries which is delivered to a common specification under clear and harmonised licencing and pricing.

Ms Kaestner continued: “We know that authoritative geospatial data is highly valued and provides confidence to users that it is consistent and comparable, regardless of its national source.”

“The delivery of an operational service is an ambitious undertaking but the geospatial community has a long and successful tradition of positive and strong collaboration. EuroGeographics is founded on a tradition of sharing knowledge and expertise, and we have a long, successful track record of delivering harmonised pan-European geospatial data products.”

“Open ELS and European Location Services complement the national activities of our members and provide a fundamental resource for Europe that meets the needs and high expectations of users.”

For more information, visit eurogeographics.org

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For further information please contact Rhian French on +44 1264 300126, +447892 698 350(mobile) or email press@eurogeographics.org.

Notes to Editors

EuroGeographics

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, Cadastre and Land Registry Authorities. It currently brings together 63 members from 46 countries.

Open ELS is a two-year project funded by European Commission (2016 CEF Telecom Call - Public Open Data (CEF-TC-2016-2).

EuroGeographics welcomes land registration authorities from Malta and Scotland as new members

Land registration authorities from Malta and Scotland are the latest organisations to become full members of international not-for-profit association, EuroGeographics.

Applications from the Malta Land Registry and Registers of Scotland were approved by members of the Association for European National Mapping, Cadastral and Land Registry Authorities at their 2017 Extraordinary General Assembly. As a result, EuroGeographics now represents 63 organisations from 46 countries.

Mrs Sheenagh Adams, Keeper of the Registers of Scotland, said: “EuroGeographics offers a host of opportunities for collaborating to find solutions to common challenges. We are particularly looking forward to participating in the Knowledge Exchange Networks and discussing issues of mutual interest.”

Mr John Attard, Head of the Malta Land Registry added: “Sharing best practice is vital in the field of land registration where changing technology, such as crowd sourcing and real-time reporting, is impacting on activities. EuroGeographics provides a valuable forum for reflecting these emerging trends and exchanging experiences and expertise.”

Mrs Ingrid Vanden Berghe, President of EuroGeographics said: “It is a privilege to represent members from every country in geographical Europe and we are delighted to welcome the Malta Land Registry and Registers of Scotland to the Association.”

“European National Mapping, Cadastre and Land Registry Authorities fulfill a unique role by providing definitive, detailed map and land information. As their membership association, we are committed to supporting them as they improve access to this rich source of data to drive applications that deliver very real benefits to Europe, and to ensuring that their responsibilities, capabilities and concerns are understood.”

EuroGeographics’ Extraordinary General Assembly is being held in Leuven, Belgium and is attended by 72 delegates, representing 33 member organisations from 30 countries.

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For further information please contact Rhian French on +44 1264 300126, +44 7892 698 350 (mobile) or email: press@eurogeographics.org.

Notes to Editors

EuroGeographics

EuroGeographics is a Brussels-based international not-for-profit organisation (AISBL/ IVZW under Belgian Law. BCE registration:  833 607 112) and the membership association for the European National Mapping, Cadastre and Land Registry Authorities. It currently brings together 63 members from 46 countries.

EuroGeographics is registered on the EU Transparency Register and bound by its code of conduct.

EuroGeographics focuses on policy participation with new appointment

EuroGeographics has appointed an international relations expert to enable Europe’s National Mapping, Cadastral and Land Registry Authorities to contribute to policy initiatives and legislation.

Dominik Kopczewski joins the international not-for-profit association as Policy Development Manager with a remit to develop positions and responses that reflect the collective views of its members. In addition to monitoring and advising on national and international policy issues, he will also be responsible for liaising with European and global organisations within the geospatial and land information sectors.

Commenting on his new position, Mr Kopczewski said: “I am delighted to be joining an organisation representing 61 organisations from 46 countries covering the whole of geographical Europe.”

“Our representation strategy is based upon the principle of constructive participation. This enables us to demonstrate members’ relevance by delivering value to policy development and legislative programmes in those areas where they have a track record, significant expertise and a legitimate interest.”

Mick Cory, Secretary General and Executive Director, EuroGeographics said: “Dominik not only brings extensive experience to his new role as Policy Development Manager, but as Chair of our Policy Knowledge Exchange Network also provides a members’ perspective on our work. We all look forward to working with him to further the wide-ranging benefits delivered by our members’ data and services.”

Mr Kopczewski previously held a number of positions at the Head Office of Geodesy and Cartography, Poland, including coordinating international relations and working on the transposition of the INSPIRE Directive. He was also actively involved in the implementation of the national spatial data infrastructure, the National Spatial Information Council.

Since 2014, he has been Chair of EuroGeographics Policy Knowledge Exchange Network (KEN) which focuses on developments such as satellite space programmes, geodetic positioning, data sharing and security, and location technologies.

Mr Kopczewski holds a Master of Arts in Spatial Management from Warsaw University and postgraduate qualifications in both international relations and diplomacy, and public relations.

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For further information please contact Rhian French on +44 1264 300126, +447892 698 350 (mobile) or email: press@eurogeographics.org.

Notes to Editors

EuroGeographics

EuroGeographics is a Brussels-based international not-for-profit organisation (AISBL/ IVZW under Belgian Law. BCE registration:  833 607 112) and the membership association for the European National Mapping, Cadastre and Land Registry Authorities. It currently brings together 61 members from 46 countries.

EuroGeographics is registered on the EU Transparency Register and bound by its code of conduct.

Partnership agreed to improve access to pan-European maps for Copernicus users

Users of Copernicus services are set to benefit from a new partnership which improves access to pan-European maps and land information from official sources.

The cooperation agreement signed today (29 March) between the European Environment Agency (EEA) and EuroGeographics signals a commitment to make more national authoritative geospatial information available through the European Commission’s flagship initiative for earth observation and monitoring.

Mrs Ingrid Vanden Berghe, President, EuroGeographics said: “Our members, the European National Mapping, Cadastral and Land Registry Authorities, already provide data to crisis response teams through the Copernicus Emergency Mapping Service. This new agreement strengthens and builds on their relationship with the EEA and will benefit people across Europe by supporting wider initiatives underpinned by pan-European harmonised data.”             

Dr Hans Bruyninckx, Executive Director, EEA said: “Policy makers, researchers, commercial and private users, as well as the global scientific community, all use information provided by the different Copernicus services to improve the quality of life for the citizens of Europe. We are delighted to be working with EuroGeographics and its members to improve the awareness, availability and benefit of geospatial data for a wide range of applications, including climate and energy, public health, urban and regional planning, biodiversity and environmental protection, and transport and safety.”

The partnership agreement has five main objectives:

• To improve Copernicus access to EuroGeographics data and services, produced using official geospatial data from its members.
• To enhance the dialogue between Copernicus and EuroGeographics members.
• To foster knowledge exchange between Copernicus and EuroGeographics members.
• To promote awareness raising activities.
• To support initiatives to provide pan-European harmonised data services.

To facilitate coordination and communication between the two organisations, EuroGeographics is establishing a dedicated knowledge exchange network to share expertise and experiences.

Feedback from the EEA will also provide invaluable input into the delivery of future European Location Services which are being developed by EuroGeographics and its members. The vision is that these will provide the single access point for international users of harmonised, pan-European, authoritative geospatial information and services; and enable national mapping, cadastral and land registry authorities to be recognised in their international effort to contribute to the wider public good.

For more information, visit http://copernicus.eu and www.eurogeographics.org

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For further information please contact Rhian French on +44 1264 300126, +447892 698 350(mobile) or email press@eurogeographics.org.

Notes to Editors

EuroGeographics
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, Cadastre and Land Registry Authorities. It currently brings together 61 members from 46 countries.

EuroGeographics creates expert group to strengthen commitment to Copernicus

Members of EuroGeographics have launched an expert group to strengthen their commitment to providing harmonised pan-European geospatial data sets and services to Copernicus.

The move builds on the cooperation agreement signed earlier this year between the Association for European National Mapping, Cadastral and Land Registry Authorities and the European Environment Agency (EEA).

The newly created Copernicus Knowledge Exchange Network (KEN) will enhance coordination and communication between the two organisations, with a focus on facilitating access to authoritative geospatial in situ reference data for use in activities initiated by EEA and the European Commission’s flagship initiative for earth observation and monitoring. It will also evaluate the Copernicus services’ requirements for geospatial data to identify data gaps and propose solutions.

Anders Sandin, Chair of the Copernicus KEN commented: “We look forward to continuing our work with the EEA to establish how access to authoritative geospatial data may be provided in line with the Copernicus programme’s data and information policy, whilst also respecting EuroGeographics members’ national policy, legislative and business requirements. This will include exploring solutions to provide full, free, and open access to geospatial data for the Copernicus programme.”

“We are also working together to make the Copernicus reference data access portal (CORDA) available for EuroGeographics members to investigate how national and regional geospatial data services can be made readily and efficiently available. Data will be provided to CORDA via a pilot project for future European Location Services being developed by EuroGeographics and its members.”

“The vision is that these will provide the single access point for international users of harmonised, pan-European, authoritative geospatial information and services; and enable national mapping, cadastral and land registry authorities to be recognised in their international effort to contribute to the wider public good.”

The co-ordinating committee of the Copernicus KEN comprises representatives from Sweden, Austria, Denmark, France, Germany, Great Britain and Spain, with all members of EuroGeographics encouraged to participate in its activities.

For more information, visit eurogeographics.org.

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For further information please contact Rhian French on +44 1264 300126, +447892 698 350(mobile) or email press@eurogeographics.org.

Notes to Editors

EuroGeographics
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, Cadastre and Land Registry Authorities. It currently brings together 61 members from 46 countries.

EuroGeographics enhances open data for 2017

Users of EuroGeographics pan-European open data will benefit from a series of enhancements to the latest release of EuroGlobalMap.

Forty-five members of the Association for the European National Mapping, Cadastre and Land Registry Authorities have contributed to the 1: 1 million dataset which includes an administrative theme providing boundary information. It also features a settlement theme with the addition of populated places and populated place ID for built up area feature classes.

Angela Baker, Sales, Marketing and Channel Manager, EuroGeographics said: “EuroGlobalMap is produced using official data supplied by our members which is harmonised to standard specifications. Following these latest updates, three themes are now generalised from our more detailed products, 1: 100 000 EuroBoundaryMap and
1: 250 000 EuroRegionalMap, giving even greater confidence that the information provided is consistent, comparable and easily shared — regardless of its national source.”

She added: “Since its launch in 2013, more than 5,800 users have downloaded EuroGlobalMap. Feedback indicates that users greatly value high quality, reliable data from authoritative sources and that open data provides a great first step in discovering the wider benefits of pan-European map and land information.”

The January 2017 release of EuroGlobalMap covers 45 countries and territories, and comprises six themes: Administrative boundaries, names locations, transport networks, settlements, elevation; and the water network. It is available free of charge under an open data licence from www.eurogeographics.org and enables a wide range of applications, including mobile mapping, demographic and socio economic analysis, hydrology, energy and environment modelling and in education and research. It is also ideal for cartographic visualisation across Europe.

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For further information please contact Rhian French on +44 1264 300126, +447892 698 350 (mobile) or email: press@eurogeographics.org.

Notes to Editors

EuroGeographics
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, Cadastre and Land Registry Authorities. It currently brings together 61 members from 46 countries.

To find out more about EuroGeographics, please visit eurogeographics.org.

EuroGeographics announces new Management Board

EuroGeographics has announced a new Management Board comprising senior representatives from Europe’s National Mapping, Cadastre and Land Registry Authorities.

During the Association’s 2016 General Assembly in Budapest, Hungary, members elected Anne Cathrine Frøstrup, Norwegian Mapping Authority; Konstantin Koltonyuk, Federal Service for State Registration, Cadastre and Cartography (Rosreestr), Russia; and Darko Vujetic, Republic Geodetic Authority, Serbia to the Board.

In addition, Angela Matcov, State Agency for Land Relations and Cadastre, Moldova and Ingrid Vanden Berghe, National Geographic Institute, Belgium were both re-elected, with members also voting Mrs Vanden Berghe President for a further two years.

The EuroGeographics Management Board also comprises: Wernher Hoffmann, Federal Office of Metrology and Surveying, Austria and three representatives from the Association’s principal contributors: France, Germany and Great Britain. These are: EuroGeographics Vice President, Hansjoerg Kutterer from the Federal Agency for Cartography and Geodesy, Germany; Sylvain Latarget, National Institute of Geographic and Forest Information, France; and David Henderson from Ordnance Survey, Great Britain.

More than 120 leaders and senior representatives from 51 organisations in 41 countries attended the annual General Assembly organised and hosted by the Institute of Geodesy, Cartography and Remote Sensing (FÖMI) and supported by the Geoinformation Service of Hungarian Defence Forces, Hungary. The two-day event, on 3 and 4 October, was officially opened by Dr Sándor Fazekas, Minister of Agriculture, Hungary with a welcome address from Mr Gabor Fekete, Director General, FÖMI and speakers from the European Commission, United Nations, EuroSDR and European Location Framework (ELF) Project as well as EuroGeographics' members and Management Board.

Discussions focused on unlocking the power of geospatial information from official sources through future European location services. Delegates also explored how future technologies, such as satellite positioning and radio navigation, can be used by national mapping, cadastre and land registry authorities to contribute to the wider public good.

EuroGeographics President, Mrs Ingrid Vanden Berghe said: “Our members are committed to maximising the benefits of their map and land information. They are doing this by developing future European Location Services, a fundamental resource for Europe that will meet the high expectations of users and contribute to social development, economic growth and environmental sustainability.”

“We were delighted to join our colleagues in Hungary to further our commitment to enabling government, business and citizens to benefit from our collective expertise, products and services.”

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For further information please contact Rhian French on +44 1264 300126, +447892 698 350(mobile) or email press@eurogeographics.org.

Notes to Editors

EuroGeographics
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, Cadastre and Land Registry Authorities. It currently brings together 61 members from 46 countries.

To find out more about EuroGeographics, please visit eurogeographics.org.

Rapid access to authoritative maps for emergency services agreed at international conference

Emergency services responding to disasters will continue to benefit from fast access to authoritative maps from official sources following a renewed agreement between EuroGeographics and the European Environment Agency (EEA).

The agreement, first signed in 2011, enables the Copernicus Emergency Mapping Service to quickly produce maps for crisis management using geospatial data from EuroGeographics’ members, the European National Mapping, Cadastre and Land Registry Authorities (NMCAS). It was signed today (3 October) during EuroGeographics 2016 General Assembly in Budapest, Hungary which was attended by leaders from 51 NMCAS.

“Confidence in the accuracy and quality of geospatial data is vital for providing a common operational picture for crisis management,” said Mrs Ingrid Vanden Berghe, President of EuroGeographics.

“Our members fulfill a unique role by creating, managing and maintaining official sources of definitive and detailed map and land information. Many already provide advice and support to their national governments regarding mapping for emergencies. They are delighted that their data will continue to be at the heart of the Copernicus Emergency Mapping service which benefits people right across Europe.”

Hans Bruyninckx, Executive Director, EEA said: “When working in the aftermath of crises such as floods, storms, earthquakes or industrial accidents, emergency response teams need rapid access to the most up-to-date geospatial data.”

“This agreement is extremely important as it brings together authoritative information from official sources to quickly produce emergency response maps. Civil protection agencies, national and local emergency services, humanitarian aid organisations and European Union bodies will all benefit from the renewal of this agreement with EuroGeographics’ members.”

The Copernicus Emergency Mapping Service can be activated on any day and produces mapping products to support the different phases of emergency response inside and outside Europe.

It is provided free of charge in rapid mode for emergency management activities, which require immediate response, and risk and recovery mode, supporting emergency management activities. The service is activated by authorised users including national authorities in the EU countries or EU bodies responsible for the coordination of emergency management activities in the respective country.

For more information, visit http://copernicus.eu.

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For further information please contact Rhian French on +44 1264 300126, +447892 698 350(mobile) or email press@eurogeographics.org.

Notes to Editors

EuroGeographics
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, Cadastre and Land Registry Authorities. It currently brings together 61 members from 46 countries.

To find out more about EuroGeographics, please visit eurogeographics.org.