National providers of official geospatial information have welcomed the European Commission’s Regulation proposal on high-value datasets (HVD) but caution that they must receive adequate support to implement it. 

Responding to the consultation on behalf of its members, EuroGeographics, the voice of Europe’s National Mapping, Cadastral and Land Registration Authorities says that the goal can only be achieved as a joint vision and action of policymakers, data holders and data users. 

It identifies three main areas of concern: Clarification of technical aspects; sustainable funding; and coordination mechanism and vision to support the long-term development of EU data strategy.

“The value of data lies in its use and re-use, therefore our members are keen to effectively implement this Regulation and increase the availability of their data in the single market, and beyond” says Léa Bodossian, Secretary General and Executive Director, EuroGeographics.

“As key contributors to the European data policy, our members are among the most experienced and relevant interested parties in the proposed Regulation, and are keen to have their data generate significant socio-economic benefits. Members’ data is recognised as a significant enabler of national and cross-border applications and services in earth observation, environment, and mobility, as well as the geospatial thematic category.”

“Our members’ informed opinion is that meeting the Regulation’s requirements is a substantial. challenge which extends beyond opening their data. Success, overall coherence and long-term sustainability are not possible without adequate technical, financial and organisational support.”

"This requires investment in infrastructures as well as outreach and education. Finally, the full power of geodata cannot be achieved if the data is not made interoperable. To that end, a more operational coordination ought to be ensured.”

EuroGeographics already has first-hand experience in implementing the HVD Regulation through the Open Maps for Europe project (co-financed by the Connecting Europe Facility programme). This provides easy access to free to use harmonised official geospatial open pan-European data and thus addresses the risk of fragmented implementation, which was specifically recognised as a key obstacle to the functioning of the single market for data. 

Léa Bodossian concludes: “Our members' data serves as a basis for countless policies at national and European levels. We believe in a modern, digital and green society empowered by the use of trusted geospatial and other data from these official national sources, many of which are defined as high-value datasets.”

“We want to make sure that we can continue to serve, in the long term, data policies for the European greater good and are confident that dialogue with the legislator will help solve these issues.”

To read EuroGeographics full feedback on the Commission proposal, visit  https://bit.ly/EGHVD

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.

The Open Maps For Europe project, which is co-financed by the Connecting Europe Facility of the European Union, is coordinated by EuroGeographics in partnership with the National Geographic Institute (NGI) Belgium.

To find out more, please visit  https://www.mapsforeurope.org/