Geographic Information and Defra
Geographic Information (GI) constitutes any information that is referenced to a specific location, defined by a grid reference, postal address or an agricultural field or holding number, for example. All GI is capable of being represented on a map and analysed spatially.
Defra fully recognises the role that GI can play in evidence-based policy making, and has made extensive use to support the development and delivery of its policies, as well as underpinning the communication of the impact of those policies to a wide variety of audiences. Defra is one of the leading users of GI in government and has been at the forefront of a number of innovative developments using geographic information systems (GIS).
Defra maintains strong relationships with other users of GI across government, in particular Defra sponsored bodies such as the Environment Agency and Natural England. GI is made widely available within the Department and the rest of government. Examples of its use include the flexible provision of information about rural communities, supporting commitment to tackle environmental noise, modeling the impact of climate change and monitoring trends in sustainable development.
The following pages provide a background to the use of GI within Defra. If you would like to know more, please contact the GI Co-ordination Team.
Page last modified: 7 February 2007
Page published: 7 February 2007