Belgium: Members of EuroGeographics have launched an expert group to strengthen their commitment to providing harmonized pan-European geospatial data sets and services to Copernicus program.
The move builds on the cooperation agreement signed earlier this year between the Association for European National Mapping, Cadastral and Land Registry Authorities and the European Environment Agency (EEA).
The newly created Copernicus Knowledge Exchange Network (KEN) will enhance coordination and communication between the two organizations, with a focus on facilitating access to authoritative geospatial in-situ reference data for use in activities initiated by EEA and the European Commission’s flagship initiative for earth observation and monitoring. It will also evaluate the Copernicus services’ requirements for geospatial data to identify data gaps and propose solutions.
Anders Sandin, Chair of the Copernicus KEN commented: “We look forward to continuing our work with the EEA to establish how access to authoritative geospatial data may be provided in line with the Copernicus programme’s data and information policy, whilst also respecting EuroGeographics members’ national policy, legislative and business requirements. This will include exploring solutions to provide full, free, and open access to geospatial data for the Copernicus programme.”
“We are also working together to make the Copernicus reference data access portal (CORDA) available for EuroGeographics members to investigate how national and regional geospatial data services can be made readily and efficiently available. Data will be provided to CORDA via a pilot project for future European Location Services being developed by EuroGeographics and its members.”
“The vision is that these will provide the single access point for international users of harmonized, pan-European, authoritative geospatial information and services; and enable national mapping, cadastral and land registry authorities to be recognized in their international effort to contribute to the wider public good.”
The coordinating committee of the Copernicus KEN comprises representatives from Sweden, Austria, Denmark, France, Germany, Great Britain and Spain, with all members of EuroGeographics encouraged to participate in its activities.
