Improving operational efficiency with geographic information - Practical guidelines for the harmonisation of core geographic datasets

Abstract

These guidelines are intended for the enhancement of public administration and private sector productivity and operational planning using core geographic datasets. Compatible core geographic datasets are vital in planning locations for social, health care and civic services. Security services for the society are more dependent on the use of geographic information, thus emphasising the quality and interoperability of geographic information used. An example of such security services are emergency response centres, whose operations require the use of reliable and up-to-date geographic information.

At the European level, environmental impacts have risen to play a key role in operational planning and building. An example of this is the currently ongoing preparations of the INSPIRE geographic information directive, whose primary objective is to make all geographic information that has or could have an impact on the environment fully available to public administrations. The national geographic information strategy has set targets for dataset interoperability, commonality and harmonisation. In this context harmonisation refers to all measures which are taken to improve the commonality and interoperability of datasets and information systems and the integration of operational processes.

These guidelines address the requirements set for the harmonisation of geographic information. These requirements apply to modelling methods, data transfer, data content, process management and quality. Interoperability assessment levels are examined from a global, European, national, regional and local point of view. The guidelines can be used in the planning and decision-making concerning the development of organisational productivity for public administrations, the planning of operational processes, and evaluation of possibilities for the utilisation of geographic information. The operations of core geographic information producers should be based on networked production and maintenance processes as well as facilitate the use of common geographic information through information service networks.

The guidelines are divided into three main sections. In the first section the benefits of harmonisation for society and users of geographic information are outlined. In the second section technical specifications are defined. The third section deals with implementation. The guidelines were drafted by the Finnish Council for Geographic Information Harmonisation Division task force T1. The task force chairman was Chief engineer, D.Sc. (Tech.) Antti Jakobsson, of the National Land Survey of Finland, and the task force members were M.Sc. Antti Saarikoski of the National Land Survey of Finland, Specialist researcher, Lic.Sc. (Tech.). Lassi Lehto of the Finnish Geodetic Institute, and Land-use engineer, M.Sc. Matti Holopainen of the Association of Finnish Local and Regional Authorities.