National Mapping, Cadastral and Land Registry Authorities have demonstrated how their maps and land information can help the European Commission to achieve the EU’s priorities.
The two-week Maps for Europe event in Brussels focused on the use of geospatial data to better understand information related to people and places. It was organised by EuroGeographics, the membership association for European National Mapping, Cadastral and Land Registry Authorities in collaboration with Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union, under the patronage of European Commissioner Marianne Thyssen.
Speaking at the opening reception, Walter Radermacher, Director General of Eurostat emphasised the importance of integrating statistics with geospatial information.
“The goal of the European Location Framework is to deliver authoritative, interoperable, cross-border data to benefit both the public and private sectors,” he said.
“It builds upon the success of the INSPIRE Directive and will clearly have a positive impact upon policymaking within the Commission.”
Catherine Stihler MEP added: “I am delighted to see for myself how this “gateway to maps” can work for Europe. Maps provide context and clarity, and contribute to the successful delivery of many European policies. Confidence that the information provided is consistent and comparable, regardless of its national source, is key.”
Ingrid Vanden Berghe, President of EuroGeographics said: “From protecting against flooding or other natural hazards to intelligent transport and economic growth, many European initiatives need up-to-date, harmonized geospatial information.”
“The Commission already has access to European maps from our members through our agreement with Eurostat. In the future, we hope to expand the availability of authoritative maps, geographic and land information through the European Location Framework. This will contribute to a number of European initiatives, including the Digital Single Market, INSPIRE and Copernicus, and will encourage the reuse of public sector information and e-government.”
“The European Location Framework is not an island; it is a building block within a European framework supporting the legal base provided by the INSPIRE Directive and the strategic vision for a European Location Strategy. It complements the national activities of our members and is aligned to their future, enabling them to meet the needs of existing data users as well as those of the next generation.”
The Maps for Europe event was held from 16 to 27 November in the Berlaymont, the European Commission’s Headquarters.