Oct 3, 2016 -- Emergency services responding to disasters will continue to benefit from fast access to authoritative maps from official sources following a renewed agreement between EuroGeographics and the European Environment Agency (EEA).

The agreement, first signed in 2011, enables the Copernicus Emergency Mapping Service to quickly produce maps for crisis management using geospatial data from EuroGeographics’ members, the European National Mapping, Cadastre and Land Registry Authorities (NMCAS). It was signed today (3 October) during EuroGeographics 2016 General Assembly in Budapest, Hungary which was attended by leaders from 51 NMCAS.

“Confidence in the accuracy and quality of geospatial data is vital for providing a common operational picture for crisis management,” said Mrs Ingrid Vanden Berghe, President of EuroGeographics.

“Our members fulfill a unique role by creating, managing and maintaining official sources of definitive and detailed map and land information. Many already provide advice and support to their national governments regarding mapping for emergencies. They are delighted that their data will continue to be at the heart of the Copernicus Emergency Mapping service which benefits people right across Europe.”

Hans Bruyninckx, Executive Director, EEA said: “When working in the aftermath of crises such as floods, storms, earthquakes or industrial accidents, emergency response teams need rapid access to the most up-to-date geospatial data.”

“This agreement is extremely important as it brings together authoritative information from official sources to quickly produce emergency response maps. Civil protection agencies, national and local emergency services, humanitarian aid organisations and European Union bodies will all benefit from the renewal of this agreement with EuroGeographics’ members.”

The Copernicus Emergency Mapping Service can be activated on any day and produces mapping products to support the different phases of emergency response inside and outside Europe.

It is provided free of charge in rapid mode for emergency management activities, which require immediate response, and risk and recovery mode, supporting emergency management activities. The service is activated by authorised users including national authorities in the EU countries or EU bodies responsible for the coordination of emergency management activities in the respective country.

For more information, visit http://copernicus.eu.

EuroGeographics
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, Cadastre and Land Registry Authorities. It currently brings together 61 members from 46 countries.

To find out more about EuroGeographics, please visit www.eurogeographics.org.