Open Maps For Europe 2 Advances Harmonized Geospatial Data Across Europe

Open Maps For Europe 2 (OME2) has issued the final version of its high-value pan-European geospatial data prototype, marking a significant step forward in the harmonization and accessibility of authoritative spatial information across Europe. The release strengthens the availability of standardized datasets designed to support cross-border planning, policy development, and spatial analytics.

By consolidating essential themes such as administrative boundaries, transport infrastructure, and hydrography into a unified framework, OME2 provides a consistent resource for regional and transnational applications.

Expanded Geographic Coverage and New Hydrography Theme

The updated prototype broadens participation to ten countries, incorporating Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Luxembourg, Spain, Switzerland, and The Netherlands. This expanded footprint increases both geographic continuity and analytical potential across European regions.

A key addition in the final release is the hydrography theme. Detailed representations of rivers, lakes, and related water features enhance the dataset’s relevance for environmental management, infrastructure development, and natural resource planning. Water systems often cross administrative borders, making harmonized hydrographic data particularly valuable for multinational initiatives.

Standardized High-Resolution Data for Planning

The curated dataset delivers harmonized spatial layers at a 1:10,000 scale for administrative units and transportation networks, now complemented by hydrographic coverage. These layers were produced through a specialized workflow that aligns and edge-matches official geospatial data supplied by national mapping, cadastral, and land registration authorities.

This production methodology ensures spatial consistency across national boundaries. By reconciling differences in structure, scale, and formatting, the prototype supports interoperability—an essential requirement for cross-border spatial analysis and infrastructure coordination.

Advancing a European Spatial Data Infrastructure

OME2’s prototype aligns with European Union policy priorities and global recommendations on high-value geospatial data. The initiative contributes to the development of a broader European Spatial Data Infrastructure (SDI), designed to facilitate access to authoritative spatial information for public institutions, research communities, businesses, and civil society organizations.

Improved data accessibility enables more robust spatial modeling, evidence-based policymaking, and innovation across sectors. Harmonized datasets reduce technical barriers that previously complicated multinational planning and analysis efforts.

Collaborative Delivery and Funding

The Open Maps For Europe 2 project is coordinated by EuroGeographics in partnership with national geographic and cadastral authorities from participating countries. The initiative receives co-funding from the European Union alongside financial contributions from consortium members.

This collaborative funding model underscores the shared commitment to open, standardized, and authoritative geospatial information as a foundation for cross-border cooperation and data-driven governance throughout Europe.