Europe's Official Mappers - Quo Vadis?
by John Leonard
Key words: National Mapping Agencies, Government policies,
Public-Private collaboration, Global Mapping.
Abstract
1. Background
Perhaps the earliest concept we were taught as
surveyors was that you should work from the whole to the part. i.e.
you plan the big picture before you start drawing the detail. The need
for detailed regional and global mapping came long after individual
nations had created their own "big pictures", so we either
have to start again, or exploit as best we can what already exists.
The choice that is made between these options will affect critically
the future of National Mapping Agencies (NMAs).
2. National Mappers - What are they?
The first question for which an answer is sought is
"What exactly is a National Mapping Agency?" Although every
nation has one, this proves to be difficult to answer concisely and
comprehensively. It is like asking, "What is a European?"
because the NMAs of Europe (and indeed of everywhere else) are as
varied as the cultures, economies, and politics in which they operate.
The Paper argues that notwithstanding these
differences, there are also similarities between NMAs. There is a
tendency for them to be somewhat steeped in history and, because of
this and despite their ready acceptance of new technology, to be
surprisingly reactionary when it comes to developing and responding to
the new needs of their markets.
3. National mappers - Why Change or Develop?
Already the policies and plans of the European
Commission have a profound effect on the current activities of the
mapping agencies of all European countries, whether inside or outside
the European Union. But however omnipotent the Commission becomes, it
is suggested that individual NMAs will continue to vary greatly in
terms of the range of tasks for which each is made responsible, and
the ability they have to customise their products to meet needs beyond
those of their principal employers.
On the other hand, no one seems to doubt the
benefits of consistent and "joined up" international
geography, and it is increasingly difficult for any European country
to isolate itself. Will this reduce the current differences of
attitude held by national governments about the relevance of involving
their mapping agency in international projects? Or will a "Big
Brother" appear and do it for them?
New technology has a profound effect on the style
and quality of the life we enjoy. This is inevitable, and frequently
to our advantage. But in an ideal world it should be the real needs of
those most in need that drive developments – not only in technology
but also in the attitudes of those who direct the services provided to
society – in the public and private sectors alike.
4. What to Change? - What to Develop?
It is suggested that governments need help to
understand exactly what they and their societies require of geographic
and other information, and that changes of policy that they introduce
will force everyone else to review their own positions, whether they
be users or suppliers. The paper analyses the range of actions that
will need to be taken, and the attitudes that need to be re-assessed
if National Mapping Agencies are going to play a key role on the
international stage – or even at home. It poses questions, but
suggests that the readers are the ones to provide the answers.
5. Warning!
I have written this Paper in my personal capacity
and the views expressed are mine alone.
CERCO (Comité Européen des Responsables de la
Cartographie Officielle) is the voice of official mapping in Europe.
As its Secretary General I have the privilege of working with the
Heads and staffs of 37 different National Mapping Agencies. Clearly
this advantage gives me no certain view into the future, but when
considering the future destination of national mapping it allows me to
identify the various starting points for this journey, at least in
Europe.
Many CERCO members – the NMAs of Europe – may
see their individual futures through very different eyes from mine,
and they are much closer to the action than I am. Representatives of
other parts of the Geographic Information industry will probably have
still different views. In that case perhaps this paper will encourage
debate – it is meant to.
John Leonard
Secretary General CERCO
c/o Dellbrook
Hubert Road
WINCHESTER, SO23 9RG
UNITED KINGDOM
E-mail: johnleonard2@compuserve.com
http://www.cerco.org
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