The new project titled “Creation of the Open Geoscientific Data Portal (GEOPORTAL)” by the Hellenic Survey of Geology and Mineral Exploration (H.S.G.M.E.) has officially entered its implementation phase. The Information Society S.A., with which H.S.G.M.E. has signed a Programmatic Agreement to ensure the timely and efficient execution of the project, has announced the launch of the Public Consultation for the project’s Electronic Open Tender.
The main implementing authority is the Hellenic Survey of Geology and Mineral Exploration (H.S.G.M.E.), and the funding authority is the Ministry of Digital Governance. The project has a total budget of €3,844,396.80 (including VAT) and is expected to be completed within 18 months.
The project aims to establish the H.S.G.M.E. Mapping Hub for providing free geospatial data services through web-based mapping technologies (WEB MAP SERVICES) and open standards (Rest, OGC, etc.), while also converting all data from H.S.G.M.E.’s unified database in accordance with the EU INSPIRE Directive.
Specifically, the project includes the following components:
- Creation of the H.S.G.M.E. Geospatial Data Portal
- Development of Mapping Services
- Creation of Indexing Services
- Conversion of all Geospatial Data in the Unified Database of H.S.G.M.E. and creation of Metadata in compliance with the EU INSPIRE Directive
- Applications for Geoprocessing and Crowdsourcing
- Digitization and dissemination of the H.S.G.M.E. Library’s materials
- Virtual navigation applications
- Expansion of existing functionalities
The project addresses the lack of accessible geospatial data in the field of Geosciences—data that are essential to a wide range of sectors, including energy, environment, large-scale engineering and construction projects, and entrepreneurship.
Through the implementation of GEOPORTAL, H.S.G.M.E. will digitize and make available its Library’s collections, which rank among the most specialized in Greece in geology and geosciences. The project will also include virtual navigation applications for the exhibits of the National Geological Museum and for important geological sites such as the volcanoes of Santorini, Milos, and others.
The benefits of implementing this project for the national economy, citizens, and businesses include:
- Free access to geoscientific data
- Contribution to the National Digital Strategy 2016–2021 by creating a Spatial Data Portal for Geosciences, fully interoperable and connected with national data and metadata portals
- Facilitation of new products and applications based on H.S.G.M.E.’s geoinformation, supporting fair competition and contributing to the country’s economic growth
- Easier dissemination of geoscientific knowledge and provision of digital information to business sectors that can benefit from it
- Promotion of scientific knowledge and strengthening of H.S.G.M.E.’s educational role in society
- Preservation and protection of the unique geoinformation archive of the former IGME from deterioration or potential destruction
- Enhancement of H.S.G.M.E.’s competitiveness among other Geological Institutes of the European Union