The digital project “Creation of the Open Geoscientific Data Portal (GEOPORTAL)” of the Hellenic Survey of Geology and Mineral Exploration (EAGME) has entered its final implementation phase. As part of the country’s ongoing digital transformation strategy, the Information Society S.A., with which EAGME has signed a Programmatic Agreement for the implementation and operation of the project, has announced the launch of the Electronic Open Tender for the Geoportal.
EAGME is the main implementing body of the project, while the funding authority is the Ministry of Digital Governance. The project has a total budget of €3.8 million and is expected to be completed within 18 months.
The project’s objective is to establish a Unified Digital Infrastructure for the Provision of Open Geospatial Data (EAGME GEOPORTAL, OPEN DATA EAGME) related to energy, entrepreneurship, and innovation, through web-based mapping services (WEB MAP SERVICES) and open data standards. At the same time, all of EAGME’s geospatial datasets will be converted in accordance with the EU INSPIRE Directive.
The GEOPORTAL project will also enable the digitization and public dissemination of EAGME’s Library material, which is among the most specialized scientific libraries in Greece in the fields of geology and geosciences. Furthermore, it will include the development of virtual navigation applications for the exhibits of the National Geological Museum, as well as for significant geological destinations such as the volcanoes of Santorini, Milos, and others.
The project aims to become the main reference point for providing accessible Geospatial Data in the field of Geosciences, which are valuable across multiple sectors such as energy, environment, major infrastructure and construction projects, and entrepreneurship.
The benefits of the project for the national economy, citizens, and businesses include:
- Free access to Geoscientific Data.
- Contribution to the National Digital Strategy 2016–2021 through the creation of a Spatial Data Portal for Geosciences, fully interoperable and interconnected with national data and metadata portals.
- Enabling the development of new products and applications based on EAGME’s geoinformation, contributing to fair competition and national economic growth.
- Facilitating the dissemination of geoscientific knowledge and the provision of digital information to business sectors that can benefit from it.
- Promoting scientific knowledge and strengthening EAGME’s educational and outreach role in society.
- Preserving and safeguarding the unique geoinformation archive of the former IGME.