Spatial data infrastructure includes metadata, spatial data and spatial data services sets, network services and technology, agreements on data exchange, access and use, coordination and monitoring mechanisms, the processes and procedures put in place, managed or provided by public-sector bodies that collect, generate, keep and make available updated spatial databases by law within the remit of their powers and obligations with a view to enabling service delivery in the public sector, along with the parties that make available spatial databases created and maintained, including the services relating to or enabled by such databases and provided within the framework of spatial data infrastructure.

The INSPIRE Directive aims to create a European Union spatial data infrastructure for the purposes of EU environmental policies and policies or activities which may have an impact on the environment. This European Spatial Data Infrastructure will enable the sharing of environmental spatial information among public sector organisations, facilitate public access to spatial information across Europe and assist in policy-making across boundaries.

INSPIRE is based on the infrastructures for spatial information established and operated by the Member States of the European Union. The Directive addresses 34 spatial data themes needed for environmental applications.

The Directive came into force on 15 May 2007 and will be implemented in various stages, with full implementation required by 2021.

This video provides an overview of why INSPIRE is needed and what types of spatial are covered by INSPIRE.