EuroGeographics' members give seal of approval to INPO status at annual General Assembly

EuroGeographics’ members have given their approval to its new status as an international not-for-profit organisation (INPO) under Belgian Law at the 2011 General Assembly.

The vote to officially wind up the French Association and adopt the new status ensures a solid foundation for future activities that will benefit policy and decision makers, data users and members alike.

“We are delighted that our members have endorsed this change,” says EuroGeographics’ Secretary General and Executive Director, Dave Lovell. “We now represent 56 national mapping, land registry and cadastral agencies from 45 countries right across Europe, consolidating our position as the European voice for geographic information.

“Our structure and aim remain to achieve interoperability of members’ national land and geographic data to provide an information asset supporting Europe’s goal of becoming the most competitive and sustainable economy in the world. The extensive reach and expertise of our membership is crucial in delivering the European Location Framework to achieve this.”

The 2011 General Assembly, which was held in Belfast from 17 to 19 October and focused on quality information for the digital agenda, was hosted by Land and Property Services Northern Ireland. It was attended by 130 delegates drawn from members of EuroGeographics, its strategic partners and key players in the GI industry. In addition the Association was delighted to welcome delegates from the Republic of Azerbaijan State Committee on Property Issues who expressed a wish to become a member. Keynote speakers included representatives from the European Commission, Eurostat, GMES Bureau and EuroSDR.

The 2011 General Assembly appointed six new Management Board members and elected Ingrid Vanden Berghe, Director General, National Geographic Institute, Belgium as President.

Ingrid Vanden Berghe told delegates that users require a trustworthy source of quality assured information, with national mapping, land registry, cadastral and other government agencies having a key part to play in providing this reference data.

Mrs Vanden Berghe said: “Linking data to a common, maintained European Location Framework, built upon definitive, reliable public sector reference data, will bring a host of benefits for a wide range of users.”

Commenting on her appointment as President of EuroGeographics, Ingrid added: “It is a great privilege to represent so many highly-skilled and knowledgeable GI professionals who are committed to ensuring that reliable, high quality geospatial information for Europe is readily available and accessible to users.

“I look forward to meeting as many of them as possible in the coming year as we work together to deliver the definitive location framework for Europe.”

For further information please contact EuroGeographics’ Secretary General and Executive Director, Dave Lovell, on +32 2 888 71 93, +32 848 663 345 (mobile), email: dave.lovell@eurogeographics.org; Patricia Sokacova, EuroGeographics‘ Membership and Communication Manager on +421 903 056 418/+421 948 388 908, email: patricia.sokacova@eurogeographics.org; or Rhian French on +44 1264 338375, +447892 698 350 (mobile), email: press@eurogeographics.org.