March 29, 2021 -- 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