ARCHIVE: What is the purpose of SPIRE?

In delivering the GI Strategy, the SPIRE project is implementing a set of shared spatial information services that enable the use of GI as a corporate resource and to provide a culture of active data management. These services will underpin the departmental objective to improve the current and future quality of life and working for the essentials of life – food, air, land, water, people, animals and plants.

SPIRE objectives

  • implement a set of shared spatial information services for the whole of the Defra Network
  • improve accessibility to spatial data and assist in the use of spatial information across the Defra Network
  • work towards improving spatial data standards and spatial data management across the Defra network
  • assist business areas to develop ‘end to end’ business processes where GI forms a component
  • work with stakeholders to identify, and if appropriate, procure new GI datasets to support changing, developing and emerging business requirements
  • be a flexible service which can work across existing and emerging business areas, helping them deliver, monitor and communicate their strategic outcomes

How SPIRE is being used

The SPIRE Online Service is used across the Defra Network and we plan to publish further case studies about how SPIRE is being used.

Further information

  • SPIRE is supporting Defra (and the UK Government’s) contribution to the INSPIRE initiative.

Page last modified: 8 January 2008
Page published: 7 February 2007