EUROGI makes an IMPACT
As part of its unified approach to GIS (Geographical Information Systems), the Commission has supported a study team of independent experts to create a European Umbrella Organization for Geographical Information (EUROGI). EUROGI has been established as part of the IMPACT programme which aims to develop the European information services market. EUROGI's purpose is to stimulate, encourage and support the development and use at European level as well as coordinating new initiatives. The first general assembly of EUROGI took place in Luxembourg on 19-20 May 1994. Support for EUROGI was demonstrated by the strong representative attendance at the meeting. The founding members consist of 12 interdisciplinary national Geographical Information Organizations from nine Member States (Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal, United Kingdom), three EFTA countries (Switzerland, Finland, Sweden), and five pan-European sectoral organizations: - AM/FM Europe; - EGIS; - GISIG (Geographical information Systems International Group); - GIVE (Geographical Information Vendors Europe); - UDMS (Urban Data Management Society). An ambitious workplan has been developed and adopted which centres on the following: - Copyright, costs and data availability; - Standardization; - Information activities; - Projects and information activities in Central and Eastern Europe; - Directories of data, research, training and support schemes. The Commission will host the next Executive Committee meeting in Luxembourg on 22 July. The next general board meeting will take place in March 1995, in conjunction with the Joint European Conference and Exhibition on Geographical Information in the Hague.