Objective
Introduction The use of geographic information in all parts of European society is growing. Private business, government, research and educational institutions as well as private individuals are increasingly using geographic information as a key component in their activities. Increased international co-operation and competition means that there is a need to determine what geographic information is available in other countries or organisations and how to obtain it. This need can be filled by providing metadata, or data about data. The proposed European Spatial Metadata Infrastructure is an initiative by several European public and private organisations to establish a framework for the distribution of geographic information by creating a universal metadata service. Background There are already a number of existing metadata services in Europe. At the national level, Spatial INformation Enquiry Service (SINES) run by Ordnance Survey lists all UK government geographic datasets. The National Geographic Metadata Service (IDEFIX), co-ordinated by RAVI and developed by Geodan in the Netherlands and Sistema Nacional de Informacao Geografica (SNIG) co-ordinated by Centro Nacional Informacao Geografica (Portugal) provide similar information about public and private data. However, these systems are specific, nationally oriented and rely on central servers which may be separate from the actual geographic data. At a European level, the Geographical Data Description Directory (GDDD) from MEGRIN contains information about products of European mapping agencies. In other disciplines the Centre for Earth Observation (CEO), part of the Joint Research Centre, has developed the European Wide Service Exchange (EWSE) for increasing the market for remotely sensed earth observation data. Their interface protocol could be used elsewhere. The European Environment Agency is also creating a Catalogue of Data Sources (CDS) that will provide access to environmental information. At present none of these systems, European or national, have the ability to communicate within themselves so as a result there is duplication and inconsistency. ESMI has the objective to link these existing and future metadata systems. Project Overview ESMI will create a European spatial metadata infrastructure by providing mechanisms to link spatial data users with metadata services using Internet. However, by allowing metadata services to communicate between themselves, a single access to the service by World Wide Web will allow access to all existing, connected metadata servers and provide multimedia tools to explore, search and compile relevant information. Links to data provision services will be made available where possible. ESMI intends to bring together existing technologies to add value to previous work. Existing messaging systems are explored. European standards for metadata are in late draft form (CEN/TC 287). All of this will be brought together by the participants who have wide experience and skills in these fields. In addition ESMI will result in tools that will simplify access and maintenance of metadata taking account of different systems, languages, etc.
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Data not available
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Data not available
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Coordinator
1071 CM Amsterdam
Netherlands
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.