GeoPackage in INSPIRE: efficiency and usability for geospatial data geospatial data.

In the field of geospatial data, encoding and standardisation play a key role in ensuring interoperability between systems and improving accessibility to information.

The INSPIRE Directive (Infrastructure for Spatial Information in Europe) determines the general rules for the establishment of an Infrastructure for Spatial Information in the European Community based on the Member States' Infrastructures.  Adopted by the European Parliament and the Council on March 14, 2007 (Directive 2007/2/EC), it is designed to achieve these objectives by ensuring that spatial information is consistent and accessible across EU member countries.

Among the various encodings available for INSPIRE datasets, the GeoPackage standard emerges as a flexible and efficient alternative to traditional formats such as GML or GeoJSON. This article will explore how GeoPackage can improve INSPIRE data management and how it can be implemented using tools such as hale studio, a visual platform that facilitates data transformation according to INSPIRE specifications.

What is GeoPackage?

GeoPackage es un estándar desarrollado por el Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC) que utiliza SQLite como base para almacenar información geoespacial de manera compacta y accesible. Unlike other formats that require intermediate transformation processes, the data in a GeoPackage file can be read and updated directly in its native format. This allows for more efficient read and write operations, especially in GIS applications.

Main features of GeoPackage

• Open format and standard: as an open standard, GeoPackage is suitable for the publication of open spatial data, facilitating access to geospatial data in formats that users can handle without costly licensing or usage restrictions.
• Unique container: a GeoPackage file can store vector data, image mosaics and non-spatial data.
• Compatibility: is supported by several GIS platforms, including QGIS and ArcGIS, as well as ETL tools such as FME.
• Spatial indexing: the format includes spatial indexes (RTree) that allow faster data search and manipulation.

For more technical details, please refer to the GeoPackage standard on the OGC website.

Why use GeoPackage in INSPIRE?

INSPIRE requires spatial data to be interoperable at European level, and its default encoding standard is GML. However, GeoPackage is offered as an alternative that can reduce complexity in certain use cases, especially those where performance and usability are crucial.

The use of GeoPackage within INSPIRE is supported by good practices developed to create optimised logical models for ease of use in GIS environments. These practices allow the creation of use-case specific schemas and offer a flexibility that other formats do not provide. In addition, GeoPackage is especially useful in scenarios where medium to large datasets are handled, as its compact format reduces file size and therefore facilitates data exchange.

Implementation of GeoPackage in INSPIRE using Hale Studio

One of the recommended tools to implement GeoPackage in INSPIRE is the software open-source hale studio. This data transformation software allows mapping and transforming data models visually and without programming.

The following describes the basic steps for transforming an INSPIRE-compliant dataset using hale studio:

1. Load the source model: import the dataset in its original format, such as GML.
2. Define the target model (GeoPackage): load a blank GeoPackage file to act as the target model for storing the transformed data.
3. Configure data mapping: through the hale visual interface, map attributes and apply transformation rules to ensure compliance with the INSPIRE GeoPackage model.
4. Export the dataset: once the transformation has been validated, export the file in GeoPackage format.

Hale studio facilitates this transformation and enables data models to be optimised for improved performance in GIS environments. More information about hale studio and its transformation capabilities is available on its official website.

Examples of implementation

The application of the GeoPackage standard in INSPIRE has already been tested in several use cases, providing a solid framework for future implementations.

1. Environmental Noise Directive (END): in this context, GeoPackage has been used to store and manage noise-related data, aligning the models with INSPIRE specifications. The European Environment Agency (EEA) provides templates and guidelines to facilitate this implementation, available in its repository.

2. Project GO-PEG: this project uses GeoPackage to develop 3D models in geology, allowing the detailed representation of geological areas, such as the Po basin in Italy. Guidelines and examples of GO-PEG implementation are available here.

These examples illustrate how GeoPackage can improve the efficiency and usability of INSPIRE data in practical applications, especially in GIS environments that require fast and direct manipulation of spatial data.

The implementation of GeoPackage in the framework of INSPIRE demonstrates its applicability for open data at the European level. Initiatives such as the Environmental Noise Directive (END) and the GO-PEG Project have shown how open data in GeoPackage can serve multiple sectors, from environmental management to geological surveys.

Benefits of GeoPackage for data providers and data users

The adoption of GeoPackage in INSPIRE offers benefits for both data generators and data consumers:

• For suppliers: GeoPackage's simplified model reduces coding errors and improves data harmonisation, making it easier to distribute data in compact formats.
• For users: compatibility with GIS tools allows access to data without the need for additional transformations, improving the consumption experience and reducing loading and consultation times.

Limitations and challenges

While GeoPackage is a robust alternative, there are some challenges to consider:

• Interoperability limitations: unlike GML, GeoPackage is not compatible with all network data publishing services, although advances in protocols such as STAC are improving these limitations.

• Optimisation for large datasets: although GeoPackage is optimal for medium to large datasets, file size can be a constraint on extremely large data or low bandwidth networks.

Conclusion

The incorporation of the GeoPackage standard into INSPIRE represents a significant advance for the management and distribution of spatial data in Europe, promoting a more efficient and accessible spatial data infrastructure. This approach contributes to the interoperability of data and facilitates its use in various GIS systems, improving the experience of both providers and users.

For those wishing to implement this format, tools such as hale studio offer practical and accessible solutions that simplify the INSPIRE data transformation process. With the adoption of best practices and the use of optimised data models, GeoPackage can play a crucial role in the future of spatial data infrastructure in Europe. In addition, this approach aligned with the principles of transparency and data reuse allows administrations and organisations to take advantage of open data to support informed decision-making and the development of innovative applications in various areas.

Content prepared by Mayte Toscano, Senior Consultant in Data Economy Technologies. The contents and points of view reflected in this publication are the sole responsibility of its author.