Framework agreement boosts geospatial access across Copernicus Programme countries

Thanks to a new expansion, users of the Copernicus Reference Data Access (CORDA) database now have access to more authoritative geospatial information than ever before – including 102 newly added datasets from official national sources. CORDA offers authorized users a centralized entry point to geospatial reference data from across the European countries involved in the Copernicus Programme.

This significant increase is the result of the Copernicus Services Framework Agreement between the European Environment Agency (EEA) and EuroGeographics, the not-for-profit organization representing Europe’s national mapping, cadastral and land registration authorities. Delivered through the Copernicus In Situ component, the agreement simplifies licensing procedures and provides a practical solution to overcome legal barriers. This ensures smoother access to data for Copernicus Services in areas such as disaster response and recovery, security and land monitoring.

Overcoming technical barriers

Angela Baker, head of partnerships and sustainability at EuroGeographics, said: "We have worked extensively with our members to overcome any technical barriers in accessing their authoritative national geospatial data. This framework licence therefore not only improves access but also increases its use through the Copernicus In-Situ Component. Currently, 28 national mapping, cadastral and land registration authorities have signed the agreement which covers the Copernicus Emergency Mapping Service; the Copernicus Land Monitoring Service (CLMS); and the Copernicus Security Service (CSS). As a result, in addition to the 102 new datasets, users of CORDA also have access to 34 updated datasets."

"Copernicus Services also have access to harmonized, value-added administrative boundary data through our agreement with Eurostat, as well as pan-European topographic, gazetteer and imagery datasets and services delivered through the Open Maps for Europe interface and the Open Maps For Europe 2 project (OME2)."

Jose Miguel Rubio Iglesias, Copernicus in-situ data expert EEA, added: "Copernicus relies on the availability of a wide variety of in-situ data, including high-quality, authoritative geospatial data which is essential for ensuring the accuracy and reliability of Copernicus data, products and services. By facilitating access to geospatial information from official providers, our agreement with EuroGeographics strengthens synergies with its members to help us meet growing user demands for real-time, high-resolution geospatial information. This in turn ensures fit-for-purpose products that also bring valuable benefits back to the Member States."

"We continue to build on this collaboration to address the evolving needs of the Copernicus component of the EU Space Programme and we ensure that national mapping, cadastral and land registration authorities continue to be recognized for their essential contributions to Copernicus."