The GIS4EU Project

In Europe, spatial information, is characterised by lack of harmonisation between datasets at different geographical scales, fragmented datasets and sources, gaps in availability and duplications of information.

GIS4EU project aim is to provide base cartography datasets (administration units, hydrography, transportation networks and elevation themes) for Europe and to ensure its cross scale, cross language and cross border interoperability and accessibility according to standards and to requirements of INSPIRE Directive (2007/2/EC).

The approach consists in the development of a common data model as well as of harmonisation, aggregation and data exposition rules and guidelines in order to enable the access to the consistent and homogenous reference data provided by cartographic authorities from different countries and levels (national, regional and local) without building one central database and service.

After GIS4EU full implementatiom, there will be a significant progress noticed of accessibility, usability and exploitation of reference data through Europe.

Research

GIS4EU aims at organising a system to share base cartography layer in order to make accessible and generate a common level of sharing information, without building a central database but sharing data through standard services.

The project intends to develop a common data model and support tools for assessment of common standards based on INSPIRE Directive.
The achievement of this objective is translated into six major objectives:

• create a system approach Network through all different classes of subject involved: stakeholders, users, scientists, technicians, data collectors;
• overcome the critical aspect linking together all subjects involved in the decision process;
• implementing and developing a test side, related to four different basic cartographic layers;
• generate a web site for free testing, and share information and methodology;
• improve communication and integration among the main actors at different level of producing, using and manipulating base cartography all over EU, in particular related to standard use and common requirements;
• generate new opportunities for sharing information and develop common standard compliant to INSPIRE directive and technical aspects.

This will create an operational validation of INSPIRE implementing rules and proactive suggestions in order to cover critical issues. The project will provide also guidelines and training initiatives.