August 05, 2019 -- Official digital mapping plays an important role in helping to address the key global and regional issues that affect society and the planet, such as poverty, climate change, sustainable development, a digital economy, migration, security and health.

National and international geospatial experts gather during the first week of August at the United Nations Headquarters in New York to discuss how digital geospatial information management can help address these global challenges. 

European National Mapping, Cadastral and Land Registries will be represented by EuroGeographics, an international not-for-profit association, highlighting the importance of their geospatial information in helping to address these important topics. 

“In recent years, we’ve seen an explosion in location-based services,” says Mick Cory, EuroGeographics Secretary General and Executive Director, who is participating in GGIM9 this week at United Nations Headquarters in New York. 

“Many of us have a digital map in our pockets.  Whether it’s maps, cadastral data or land registration, geospatial information is driving applications to realise social, economic and environmental benefits for us all.”

“In the age of ‘Big Data’ and the ‘Internet of Things’ it is even more important to know which data sources are reliable, accurate, and trust-worthy, particularly for decisions that affect all our lives.” 

Demand for trusted authoritative geospatial information from official national sources will continue into the next decade, with quality, value, reliability and ease of re-use remaining key requirements for users.

Responding to the UN-GGIM consultation on future trends in geospatial information, EuroGeographics also identifies disruptive technologies, funding, and historical, linked and open data, as important themes for its members, the European National Mapping, Cadastral and Land Registration Authorities (NMCAs).

Mr Cory continued: “As the national authorities for official geospatial reference data in Europe, high quality and reliability is the calling card of our members. In an ever-changing world, our members play an important and often critical role in helping to address national issues and challenges.  In New York we will be highlighting how the key global and regional issues do not stop at borders and require collaboration and cooperation to ensure an effective global response.”

“There is no doubt that government, businesses and citizens will continue to need their geospatial information, particularly in monitoring and delivering the UN 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. However, we must do more to promote its value as quality assured data that meets high standards and specifications which ensures users can be confident that they are using the best available for their needs.”

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 63 members from 46 countries.

EuroGeographics is an observer organisation at the UN-Global Geospatial Information Management (UN-GGIM) Committee of Experts, and also an observer on the UN-GGIM: Europe Executive Committee, for which it provides the secretartiat on behalf of KadasterNetherlands. 

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