An INSPIRE solution needs to work over time, even when data sources, information models and technical conditions change. Here we review what authorities should consider to ensure that data, services and metadata continue to work together.
Several INSPIRE products are affected
Lantmäteriet has announced that seven INSPIRE-compliant products will be phased out and that users will instead be directed to alternative products on Geotorget. For an organization that uses any of these products, the change may therefore affect existing data flows and technical solutions.
The first step is to determine whether and where the affected products are used in your own INSPIRE solution.
Start by mapping out the dependencies
An INSPIRE solution often consists of several components. Data is retrieved from various sources, processed, and linked to services and metadata before the information is made available in accordance with applicable requirements.
When an underlying product or service changes, you therefore need to do more than just ask what it will be replaced with. You also need to assess how the change affects the rest of the information flow.
Some questions to consider are:
The point is to identify dependencies well in advance of the phase-out, rather than treating the change as an isolated switch of data source.
INSPIRE Requires Ongoing Management
This change also illustrates a broader issue. Establishing an INSPIRE solution is not a one-time effort. Data sources, technical interfaces, standards, and other prerequisites change over time.
Management may also involve further development. When a solution does need to be adapted, it may be relevant to review how geodata is made available. More modern interfaces, such as the OGC API, can complement existing services and make geodata easier to access and use in more types of applications and digital services.
Therefore, a functional INSPIRE solution also needs to be managed.
This involves, among other things, monitoring changes, assessing how they affect existing information flows, implementing necessary adjustments, and ensuring that services and metadata continue to function as intended.
Metria assists government agencies with the entire INSPIRE process
Metria works with Swedish government agencies across the entire INSPIRE lifecycle—from implementation and technical solutions to operations, management, support, and further development. This work includes ensuring that data flows and metadata function properly, monitoring changes in regulations and technical requirements, and, when necessary, developing ways to make geodata accessible—for example, through more modern interfaces such as OGC API.
When conditions change, Metria can help analyze how existing solutions are affected and what adjustments need to be made.
Is your INSPIRE solution affected by these changes?
Contact us if you’d like to discuss how your data flows are affected or how your INSPIRE solution can be managed for the long term.
Learn more about Metria INSPIRE →
Metria offers digital solutions and services in GIS, geodata, real estate, and business information. Our offering covers the entire process—from identifying our customers’ needs for geodata, real estate, and business information to collecting, analyzing, and visualizing data to generate insights that lead to smarter, safer, and greener decisions.
Since spring 2022, Metria has been part of Spir Group, a Nordic group with approximately 400 employees in Norway and Sweden. Together, the group’s companies create value for the public sector, businesses, and citizens through an innovative approach to managing, analyzing, and deriving value from data. The goal is to improve public administration, help private companies develop their operations, and offer better services to citizens. Based on public and commercial data, as well as a deep understanding of customer needs, value is created through innovative services and solutions.
For more information about Spir Group, visitwww.spirgroup.com.