The European Geographic Information System (GIS) fact sheets

The European Commission, DG XIII, has published an information pack on European Geographic Information System (GIS) projects. The pack gives background information on a variety of issues related to GIS and describes eight projects funded by the Community's IMPACT 2 programme t...

The European Commission, DG XIII, has published an information pack on European Geographic Information System (GIS) projects. The pack gives background information on a variety of issues related to GIS and describes eight projects funded by the Community's IMPACT 2 programme to develop applications of GIS technology. The eight projects reviewed include:

- ENVIDUCATION: a multimedia GIS for elementary environmental education with a range of tools to suit the needs of students and teachers at all levels from primary school to adult education;

- ERGIS: a European marine resource GIS which embraces the vast range of subjects, from oceanography to shipping lanes, which describe the ecostructure and exploitation of coastal and offshore waters;

- EURIPIDES: a European information project, involving demographic and economic statistics, which provides information about 17 countries in western Europe at national, regional and local level;

- EXPLORER: The "Space Explorer" is a projected series of electronic travel guides specifically designed to exploit the power of interactivity and GIS technology;

- MAGIS: (Map-supported area information service based on GIS) a flexible package designed primarily for real estate agents, but with potential applications in the many other organizations, public and private, which need and use information about property;

- OMEGA: The OMEGA (Object Metadata for European Geographic Analysis) project combines GI and multimedia technology to create a comprehensive directory of data sets, maps, books and journals, with further information about sources suppliers and consultants;

- TITAN: This "Tourist Information and Travel Assistance Network" is an electronic travel planner which combines a route-finder with information about hotels, restaurants, sights and facilities. The first release in a projected series covers the UK, and the Republic of Ireland;

- VITAL: (Visitors' Information on Transport And Location) offers a complete package for the creation of public information systems for tourists, business travellers and local residents, with up-to-the-minute listings of places of interest and facilities such as hotels, shops and restaurants, and transport. Through GIS technology, VITAL can also devise complete itineraries with point-to-point instructions, as well as details of timetables, distances and fares.

These eight projects have involved the participation of 43 organizations from 11 countries. The information pack includes, in addition to descriptions of each project, a list of the consortia which developed the projects and contact information for all participants. The projects are scheduled for completion in early 1996.