Question (NPOC)

Can spatial data sets coming form Non-Governmental organisations be included in the monitoring list? Can these data sets be taken out again if it becomes clear that it will not be possible to make them INSPIRE compliant?

Answer (EC Inspire Team)

The list of spatial data sets is a legal obligation and it is meant to support the implementation of INSPIRE. It should help the countries to get an overview and program their work. So this should be the rationale to fill the list.

The list of spatial data sets and services is not a static list, it can evolve. On the other hand it is supposed that for the data sets on the list there is a plan to get them INSPIRE compliant.

Non-governmental organisations may be associated to those third parties which the INSPIRE Directive allows to contribute to national infrastructures (Certain spatial data sets and services relevant to Community policies that directly or indirectly affect the environment are held and operated by third parties. Member States should therefore offer third parties the possibility of contributing to the national infrastructures, provided that the cohesion and ease of use of the spatial data and spatial data services covered by those infrastructures is thereby not impaired).It is therefore legitimate to include datasets and services held by non-governmental organisations in the monitoring information reported yearly to the Commission, in case the responsible Member State agrees on the condition above and provided that the compliance with the INSPIRE requirements is going to be achieved.