Best Practice 92

Short description: The ESPUS (Effective management of spatial data and services) project was launched in 2020 with a focus on "soft skills" support to INSPIRE implementation in synergy with eGovernment. The project aims to improve the functioning of public administration through efficient access to and use of spatial data and services. Four main  areas are addressed:

• legal and methodology framework;
• support for INSPIRE harmonisation;
• use of spatial data and services;
• awareness raising and capacity / skills improvement.

Although public administrations create and use a wide range of spatial data, their sharing and reuse falls far short of their potential. The ESPUS project will make use of and improve the existing legislative framework defining the National Spatial Information Infrastructure and increase synergies with eGovernment activities to foster the availability, quality and usability of spatial data and services.

To achieve the effective availability and use of this digital spatial content and functionality, ESPUS will provide an organisational and methodological framework for effective spatial data management. Last but not least, the project will provide expert capacity support, including awareness-raising activities.

The successful implementation of the project will create the conditions for achieving a situation where, in addition to ensuring compliance with legislative requirements and technical expectations, the National Infrastructure for Spatial Information (NIPI) will provide:

• coordinated support through the NIPI Data Office;
• support for application and further development for the Methodological Framework for effective management and monitoring of spatial data and services;
• continued harmonisation of spatial data and services to achieve the required degree of interoperability;
• support for the operation and further development of the use case outputs generated by the project, including activities aimed at enhancing the reuse of available data sources;
• awareness raising of the requirements and benefits of sharing of harmonised spatial data and services.

Project progress and success is monitored through a series of measurable indicators, concerning for example the development of the aforementioned methodological framework, the preparation of proposals for legislative amendments, use cases of requirements and process analyses, and the number of training events and workshops delivered.

Recommendations: Policy and Strategy Alignment (1, 2); Standardisation and Reuse (12); Return on Investment (15, 16); Governance, Partnerships and Capabilities (18, 19)