While the E-GOS project clearly enhanced the potential and future career prospects of the researcher, it also had an impact on various other target groups. The impact of the project on current and future research in the domain of spatial data is in its contribution to an improved and more adequate science base for open spatial data, in particular for the governance and performance of open spatial data. With the introduction and further exploration of the Open SDI concept, the project demonstrated the links and interplay between SDI and open data developments and showed how both domains could benefit from an exchange of research experiences and findings, but also from a more unified approach and vocabulary. With regard to the governance of SDIs and open data initiatives, the project demonstrated that the instruments-based approach for analyzing governance as applied in public policy and public administration research, is a relevant and useful approach for analyzing governance of - open - SDIs and open data initiatives.
The E-GOS project also had an impact on open data policy making and practice. It increased awareness among decision makers and public servants about the need to make SDIs more open, and also provided guidance on how to do this. The Open SDI Assessment Framework demonstrated the key aspects and dimensions of an open SDI, relevant to not only the assessment of SDIs but also to the actual realization of more open SDIs. The identification of different sets of governance instruments contributes to the development and implementation of a well-balanced and effective approach for governing open SDIs. The development of the Map of Open SDI in Europe demonstrated the need to also consider non-expert users as important stakeholders in the development of more open spatial data infrastructures. One of the main findings of the Map of Open SDI was that non-expert users of spatial data, such as citizens but also other actors in the private and non-profit sector, face many difficulties in finding, accessing and using spatial data. The Map of Open SDI not only shows the openness of national SDIs in Europe, but also reveals several key aspects public authorities have to take into account in releasing spatial data. In this way, the Map of Open SDI, and the E-GOS project in general, contributed to enhancing the availability and use of data for businesses and citizens, which should lead to the creation of new products and services, a more transparent government and higher citizens engagement.
