The directive will cover a very wide range of spatial data ranging from basic mapping information, such as geographical names and administrative units, to key environmental information such as emissions, environmental quality and location of protected sites. The new directive sets obligations on what the public authorities of the Member States do with the data they collect. The directive will now be formally adopted early next year and the Member States will then have two years to transpose it into national law.
"This is a good first step in moving towards a more open attitude to data policy within the EU. This is crucial if we are to make full use of the possibilities offered by modern information technology to support our policies", said Environment Commissioner Stavros Dimas. "Good policy depends on good information, and this directive will help improve both the availability and the consistency of the information we need."
Spatial information has the potential to present environmental information in a way that is both lively and understandable to citizens and stakeholders. It is crucial to improve environmental policy-making, ensure the implementation of existing environmental legislation, integrate environmental concerns into all relevant policy areas, and develop a more environmentally conscious attitude towards land use.
For the full EU press release on the INSPIRE system, see http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/06/1612&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en
Also available in French, German and Greek.
