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What is SPIRE delivering?

SPIRE project provides:

  • analysis and development of business processes where GI forms a component
  • efficient data purchasing and licensing
  • Defra’s INSPIRE activities
  • SPIRE online service portal
SPIRE's online spatial service

SPIRE's online spatial service (launched January 2007) is available to the Defra network and third parties working for the Defra network. All spatial data within the portal meets agreed geometric and metadata standards.  Some key contextual layers are provided to the Defra Network, including Ordnance Survey mapping and MasterMap, UK Perspective Aerial Photography and SeaZone HydroSpatial. Additionally, an offline data delivery facility will enable users to request alternative data delivery methods, for example via hard copy CD.

This is web based portal application allowing users to:

  • search the data catalogue
  • review the suitability of any dataset by reviewing its metadata
  • view the data on-screen
  • navigate that data via location-based services (searching data by postcode, place name, and by map and grid references)
  • gain access to that dataset, either via a Web Map Service or through a download facility. The Web Mapping Service (WMS) streams data directly to the user through their own GIS, negating the usual requirement to load up data at the outset of opening a GIS application. .

How is SPIRE being delivered?

The team responsible for delivering SPIRE is based within the Chief Information Officer Directorate. The project team reports to a project board who meet regularly. There is also a Data Working Group providing technical and strategic input to the project. 

SPIRE operates for the whole of the Defra network and has been developed in close collaboration with key stakeholders. 

The development and operation of SPIRE has drawn on the expertise of organisations which have experience of spatial information, Infoterra, and systems development.

Data has been sourced from commercial organisations, such as Ordnance Survey and SeaZone and other public sector bodies and Non-government organisations.

Major data suppliers include Natural England, English Heritage, Forestry Commission, Department for Communities and Local Government and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB).

Page last modified: 8 January 2008
Page published: 27 April 2007

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs