Open Maps For Europe Releases First Datasets

Users can now access the first free-to-use maps via the Open Maps For Europe online gateway. Four open datasets created using official national map, geospatial and land information from members of EuroGeographics are included in this first release.

These four open datasets are:

• EuroRegionalMap – multi-themed topographic open data at 1:250,000 scale – initial data provided by 31 national mapping, cadastral and land registration authorities.
• EuroGlobalMap – provides multi-themed topographic open data at 1:1 million scale covering 55 countries and territories in the European region.
• EuroDEM – 1:100,000 scale digital open data elevation model providing height data provided by 26 national mapping, cadastral and land registration authorities.
• Open Gazetteer – an open gazetteer service providing authoritative multilingual geographical names – data provided by 36 national mapping, cadastral and land registration authorities.

Release 1 also includes Pan-European Imagery provided by Germany’s Federal Agency for Cartography and Geodesy –10m-resolution high-quality open data images and mosaics as uniform reference products for mapping and visualization, created from data taken from the European Union's Earth observation programme Copernicus (Sentinel-2, L1C-L2A).

Users can discover, view, license and download the open datasets, produced by members of the not-for-profit membership association for Europe’s national mapping, cadastral and land registration authorities, through an online interface developed by thinkWhere.  

Realizing the potential of geospatial open data

Angela Baker, programme manager, data access and integration, EuroGeographics said: “We are delighted to unveil the first Open Maps For Europe datasets. Release 1 of the project is the first step in realizing the potential of geospatial open data from official national sources, and as it progresses, we aim to deliver continuous improvements and to increase coverage. The next phase will be the release of an open cadastral index map in 2022.”

“By working together to deliver pan-European data, our members are demonstrating not only what can be achieved through Europe-wide cooperation but also the benefits that result for the wider public good, specifically in support of policy decision-making at the European level.”

“Our unique approach to interoperable pan-European datasets unlocks the value of authoritative geospatial information and is one of the key ways members are supporting The Open Data Directive, which recognizes that the value of data lies in its use and re-use.”

“By working to ensure their data is interoperable, readily available and easily accessible, they are demonstrating a commitment to delivering Open Maps for Europe both now and in the future," Baker concluded.

The Open Maps For Europe project, which is co-financed by the Connecting Europe Facility of the European Union, is coordinated by EuroGeographics in partnership with the National Geographic Institute (NGI) Belgium. The cartography and styling on the Open Maps For Europe interface is based on NGI Belgium cartography.

Open Maps For Europe runs until 31 December 2022.