Book Description

Spatial Data Infrastructures (SDIs) are key for effective cross-border data-sharing. A Spatial Data Infrastructure is "a framework of policies, institutional arrangements, technologies, data, and people that enable the sharing and effective usage of geographic." As such, they can play a pivotal role in digital government transformation. The present study demonstrates how geospatial data from multiple countries can be used to develop location powered insights. In addition, it provides information on the types of enabling environments that can foster data-driven innovation. The overarching question that the study seeks to respond to is: "What is the current state of play on sharing and using geospatial data across European borders? What can we learn from these practices to support the evolution of Spatial Data Infrastructures?" The study builds on the analysis of data collected through desk research, eight case studies and a dedicated workshop. The case studies, through customised interviews, provide first-hand knowledge and experiences on the exchange of geospatial data across borders in the European context of public, private and non-profit organisations. Insights include benefits such as improved collaboration, economic gains, improved access to information, and new and improved services. Among the challenges that emerged are worth mentioning the lack of technical and organisational interoperability to establish a sustainable ecosystem with a culture of sharing data, including problems with licensing, data portability and privacy issues. This study forms part of the European Location Interoperability Solutions for e-Government (ELISE) action of the European Interoperability solutions for public administrations, businesses and citizens Programme, better known by its acronym ISA. ELISE aims to facilitate the cross-border use of location data and support the digital transformation of public services.