Copernicus Services will benefit from easier access to a wider range of data from Europe’s National Mapping, Cadastral and Land Registration Authorities thanks to a new era of cooperation announced today.

The partnership between the European Environment Agency (EEA) and EuroGeographics will increase the number of official national geospatial datasets available via the Copernicus Reference Access Data (CORDA) gateway. By streamlining the licensing process, it will also facilitate their use in services such as Land Monitoring, Emergency Management and Security.

Henrik Steen Andersen, Project Manager Copernicus In Situ Component, EEA said: “To meet end user requirements regarding data content and quality, Copernicus Services need access to open, up-to-date, and harmonised geospatial information across Europe. Data produced by the members of EuroGeographics is therefore key to its success.”

“It is clear we share a joint vision for cooperation and data sharing which will provide a firm foundation for our future relationship. By working closely together, we can improve the use of authoritative data and services by Copernicus and ensure National Mapping, Cadastral and Land Registration Authorities are recognised for their essential contributions.”

Sallie Payne, Head of Operations and Association Management, EuroGeographics added: “We already have a long-standing agreement with the EEA that enables the Copernicus Emergency Mapping Service to use members’ authoritative data to quickly produce maps for crisis management. We will now build on the success of this to develop one licence agreement to benefit all Copernicus services.”

EuroGeographics is working as a subcontractor to e-Geos, which is leading work for the EEA to improve the provision of Copernicus In situ data, to deliver:

• An updated partnership agreement with the EEA.
• A single agreement between EEA and EuroGeographics for the provision of member’s data to the Copernicus services (currently the EEA has bilateral agreements with 22 National Mapping, Cadastral and Land Registration Authorities).
• An audit of all geospatial datasets owned by EuroGeographics members, and their dissemination systems and data policies.
• Communications activities related to the engagement of NMCAs.

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.