Users can now access free-to-use maps via the Open Maps For Europe online gateway at www.mapsforeurope.org

Release 1 of the maps includes four open datasets created using official national maps obtained from EuroGeographics members. The National Land Service has been cooperating with EuroGeographics since 2012, providing data for these projects, thus contributing to their success.

Four open datasets created using the official national map, geospatial and land information from members of EuroGeographics are included in this first release:

 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 –10 meter 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 program 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.

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.”

Open Maps For Europe runs until 31 December 2022.

EuroGeographics is an international not-for-profit organisation (AISBL/ IVZW under Belgian Law. BCE registration: 833 607 112) and the membership association for the European National Mapping, Cadastral and Land Registry Authorities. It currently brings together members from 46 countries, covering the whole of geographical Europe.