IfG.CC -
Institute for eGovernment

Spatial information is the backbone for several modern technologies. Several applications in the telecommunications industry oriented around GPS mobile devices, particularly location based services (LBS) are dependent upon spatial information. Additionally, spatial information is useful for answering questions related to the environment, agriculture, forestry, water and air. This information also provides the means to compare one European country (or region) to another, considering health factors, consumer factors and other variables related to where, when and how Europeans live. A key necessity for answering these questions about our environment requires that pan European geo-spatial information is developed and available.

This information would be consistent across the entire of Europe, providing the means to interpret, communicate and resolve pan-European issues, have similar quality and be accessible by industry, government and the general public, not only in Europe– but the world. Europe does not have this now.

At this time the European Commission through the Geographic Information Network In Europe (GINIE) is seeking consultation regarding the development of a pan-European organisation and has released a document entitled ‘Establishing a European Advisory Board for Geographic Information: A Consultation Paper’ (ABGI).

During this past week, the ‘OASIS e-Gov Technical Committee’ was formed, consisting of several industry and governments around the world. "...OASIS produces worldwide standards for security, web services, XML conformance, business transactions, electronic publishing, topic maps and interoperability within and between marketplace...” Europe is in the unique, and precarious position of watching international spatial data and information standards become developed without a strong cohesive pan-European spatial data policy – which will inevitably affect Europeans, particularly those involved in the study of pan-European geo-spatial issues.

While several governments in Europe have developed their own independent spatial data and information programs and several e-government initiatives are underway, a combined ‘geographical information framework’ for Europe remains illusive.

Some might even argue that that lack of development is actually hindering the development of new applications and preventing the harnessing and detracting from the potential growth of a truly vibrant and growing geo-spatial industry for Europe. An industry estimated to be in the several billions of Euro – conservatively.

However, while higher employment and economic returns may be expected for a growing integrated geo-spatial industry based upon an integrated European geo-spatial framework, more basic everyday issues could result. These include, for example:

• What is the current extent of sustainable clean water available in Europe?
• How are agricultural practices affecting Europeans collectively?
• What are the sustainable ecological indicators for a pan-European continent?
• Can school children look at pan-European geographical issues consistently?
• Are our communities sustainable?

While many assume that ‘geography’ is only about the environment, they are incorrect. Geography is highly linked to economic factors and the quality of living for Europeans.

The need for a pan-European ‘geographical framework’ at this time is critical. This will lead to heightened awareness about geo technologies and the telecoms technologies associated with them as well as their delivery. Ultimately, that will result in higher levels of sustainability, answer important geographical questions and increase the standard of living for all Europeans.

Quelle: europemedia.net