Page 12 - Green knowledge 2025

Photo: Erling Fløistad
NIBIO leads national mapping research forum
NIBIO research scientist Jonathan Rizzi has been elected to lead the national R&D forum
for geographic information. The aim is to strengthen research on geospatial data so that
Norway is ensured high-quality maps that are accessible to everyone who needs them.
The national R&D forum has been established under
the Norway Digital collaboration, a partnership
between organisations responsible for producing
georeferenced information or that are major users of
such data. It will bring together research environ-
ments and public-sector actors to ensure that
Norway has up-to-date and accessible map data.
“Without good maps, Norway stops,” says Dr Rizzi.
Maps and geographic information are essential for
spatial planning, emergency preparedness and envi-
ronmental management. NIBIO plays a central role
in Norway Digital, both as a provider of georefer-
enced information and as a developer of systems and
services. The collaboration ensures the free flow of
data between public bodies and facilitates efficient
use and sharing of map data.
Dr Rizzi highlights three main challenges: map data
must be up to date and of high quality, easily accessi-
ble, and well protected against misuse.
Research into new technologies such as drones, sat-
ellites and artificial intelligence can make data col-
lection and analysis more efficient. At the same time,
data systems must be interoperable, and information
must be available to the right person at the right time
– without critical societal information falling into the
wrong hands.
Norway has more than 30 years of experience in col-
laboration on map data, and NIBIO has been a driv-
ing force in this development, together with the Nor-
wegian Mapping Authority and other actors.
“What we now need is greater participation from
universities and research institutes. We need exper-
tise across disciplines,” Rizzi concludes.
Purpose: Contact: Strengthen research on geographic information so that Norway has up-to-date, accessible and
secure map data for the benefit of society.
Research Scientist Jonathan Rizzi, Division of Survey and Statistics.
Email: jonathan.rizzi@nibio.no | Telephone: +47 483 47 537.
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