Plans to bring together location data from different countries to provide one source of authoritative Maps for Europe have been unveiled to MEPs.
The European Location Framework will deliver reliable geoinformation – including cross-border maps – and will have a wide range of uses including emergency response, environmental management and economic development.
National Mapping, Cadastral and Land Registry Authorities demonstrated their contribution to the project at an exhibition in the European Parliament sponsored by Catherine Stihler MEP. The Maps for the Future event was organised by EuroGeographics, both a leading member of the project and the representative body of the Authorities.
“As the daughter of a geography teacher, maps are embodied in my DNA,” said Catherine Stihler MEP.
“Cross-border interoperable maps are very important to Europe and we can already see the contribution Europe’s national mapping and cadastral authorities make to the sound delivery of European policies. Their impact is far reaching. “
“By ensuring that public sector geoinformation is readily and easily available, these authorities are powerful contributors to the success of the EU PSI Directive and its continuing contribution to European prosperity. Likewise, these national authorities are key deliverers of the EU INSPIRE Directive and make a real practical contribution to the EU Copernicus programme. In other words, these are not only Maps for the Future, they are Maps for Europe!”
EuroGeographics’ President, Ingrid Vanden Berghe added: “Because everything happens somewhere, the European Location Framework will help us to understand information related to people and places.”
“Without the European Location Framework, accurately comparing data from different countries, responding to emergencies and managing natural resources would be challenging and time-consuming. Without it, we risk several competing answers to the same question – when just one will do.”
“By standardising geoinformation from European countries, the European Location Framework will enable the free movement of interoperable data. It will also deliver cost savings by maximising the reuse of public data and avoiding the development of duplicate services.”