EuroGeographics has welcomed the United Nations Committee of Experts on Global Geospatial Information Management (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.