European Union Location Framework Blueprint - Version 1

Abstract

The European Union Location Framework (EULF) is a package of recommendations, guidelines and actions to promote the effective use of interoperable location information in e government services. The EULF was initially developed in the ISA Programme, which supported interoperability solutions, sharing and re-use among European Public Administrations. It is now being enhanced and applied further through the European Location Interoperability Solutions for e-Government (ELISE) action in the successor ISA² Programme. ISA² develops digital solutions that enable interoperable public services across borders and sectors for the benefit of public administrations, businesses and citizens in the EU. ISA² solutions can be used free of charge and are open source when related to IT. A EULF Strategic Vision has been published that defines the policy approach based on an in-depth survey and assessment of Member States. Five focus areas were established: policy and strategy alignment, e-government integration, standardisation and interoperability, return on investment and effective governance and partnerships. The ‘current state’ assessment and desired ‘future state’ (what good looks like) are summarised in each focus area, outlining the direction of travel to make the necessary strategic improvements. This ‘strategic framework’ is complemented by an ‘implementation framework’, providing practical recommendations and guidance in the five focus areas. An overview of the recommended implementation approach is outlined in this EULF Blueprint, which contains a series of recommendations in the five focus areas, with each recommendation including guidance on how the recommendation may be undertaken, why the recommendation is being made, who it is targeted at, the risks to be considered, as well as where further information and best practices can be found. Illustrations of best practices are provided to give additional context. In a number of cases, the outline recommendations and guidance in this Blueprint is supplemented by more detailed guidelines. Such detailed guidelines have been prepared or are planned on the following topics: procurement, standards and architectures, policy alignment, e-government service design, location privacy, geodata and statistics, and Digital Single Market actions to improve the free flow of location data. The EULF also involves studies and pilots in key policy areas, to promote the use of the framework in tackling real-word issues, e.g. in delivering public authority road safety data to improve the accuracy of vehicle navigation systems, developing a harmonised data approach to support improvements in the energy efficiency of buildings, and facilitating e-reporting for European marine policy. The overall framework has been developed through wide consultation with stakeholders in Member States and Commission Services, and the Working Group for Spatial Information and Services, which is part of the governance for the ISA programme and advises on specific content and priorities for guidance and action.