The Azores, along with Algarve, are at the forefront of the implementation of EU INSPIRE directive, which has lead to the creation of an Interactive Spatial Data Infrastructure of the Azores - IDEiA.

This platform, which brings together all public entities responsible for the production, management and supply of geographic data, is a key tool for spatial planning and land management areas.

The Regional Secretary for Science, Technology and Infrastructures was heard on Friday by the Parliamentary Commission on General Policy about a proposal for Regional Legislative Decree establishing IDEiA. According to the government official, this legislation aims to adapt Geographic Information Systems of the Azores ( GIS) to the EU policy principles and rules, ensuring that data will be become available and usable in the future according to standards implemented across EU community. The standardisation and operationalisation of several GIS public services and entities are other goals the legislation.

"We are creating a regional geographic information system that will be aligned with Community directive INSPIRE and we want it to become an accessible tool for those in charge of territory management," said José Contente.

The document provides the establishment of a Geographic Data Register in the Azores with the purpose of disseminating the data comprised the document through metadata, a system that includes all sets of data as well as data services.

As the Regional Secretary assured, the regional decree safeguards the confidentiality of data as provided by law, especially in terms of private intellectual rights, secrecy of  justice or disclosure of private data.

In the case of maritime territories, which comprise the subarea of the Azores Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and the Portuguese continental shelf adjacent to the archipelago, the legislation will be applicable to public entities referred to herein and does not have any implication for the existence or ownership of private intellectual property rights.