The GEOSTAT 3 project (2017-2019) has drafted a European implementation guide for the Global Statistical Geospatial Framework. In order to assess the soundness of the requirements and recommendations proposed in the implementation guide, the project has undertaken a series of practical tests, drawing on the need to calculate indicators for the monitoring of Agenda 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Three SDG indicators involving use of geospatial information were selected for testing and the work was carried out mainly by means of geospatial data and spatial operations. Countries participating in the indicator tests were Portugal, Estonia, Poland, Austria, Sweden and Norway.
A number of national, European and global data sources were tested and compared. The European and global data sources comprised the Urban Cluster and High Density Grids provided by Eurostat as well as the Global Human Settlement Layers (GHSL) from the Joint Research Centre.
In order to conduct the calculations, the UN metadata definitions needed some adaption to European conditions and due to the fact that not all indicators had a consistent and agreed methodology (Tier II and III). The specifications used for the testing can be found in the summary report (see link below). Please note that the test results presented here does not necessarily reflect the approach finally used by the participating countries to officially report on the SDGs. However, it is assumed that the test cases can provide some valuable insights for other countries currently setting up their frameworks for calculation of these indicators.
Summary report: Testing the GSGF Europe by calculating a selection of SDG indicators
Indicators:
11.2.1 Proportion of population that has convenient access to public transport, by sex, age and persons with disabilities
11.3.1 Ratio of land consumption rate to population growth
11.7.1 Average share of the built-up area of cities that is open space for public use for all, by sex, age and persons with disabilities