EuroGeographics - Dave Lovell OBE FRGS CGeog

'Reality Check'

Abstract:
In a time of virtual earths and corporate branded worlds is there a danger of losing sight of reality? Are there not challenges enough in the real world, that we should create virtual alternatives? Are the aspirations of INSPIRE, which are after all built upon unproven technology and national subsidiarity, a valiant dream or frightening nightmare? Is it possible to provide seem-less pan-European geographic datasets of acceptable quality, at realistic cost in an appropriate time frame on acceptable licensing terms?

Who knows? After all, reality is just the impossible achieved and the impossible just reality yet to be achieved?

Only by aiming for the impossible can we achieve our full potential.

Dave Lovell OBE FRGS CGeog - Biography:
Dave took up the post of Executive Director at EuroGeographics, based in Paris, in October 2007. In this role he harnesses the expertise and resources of the 51 National Mapping and Cadastral member organisations to develop pan-European Geographic Reference datasets, to support the implementation of INSPIRE, GMES and other EU policies and programmes and to exchange best practise. Dave started his career with Ordnance Survey (Great Britain) and spent forty years with them in a variety of roles in Surveying, Sales and Marketing and concluded his time with them as their Head of Public Affairs. This role incorporated management of the National Interest Mapping Agreement, delivery of their Corporate Social Responsibility programme and developing a positive profile of Ordnance Survey with its many stakeholders in parliament, government the private sector and wider community. He has been on the Council of the Association for Geographic Information and was an active Steering Committee member of the Intragovernmental Group for Geographic Information.