Background

National Mapping and Cadastral Agencies (NMCAs) across Europe have invested significantly in acquiring, managing, and disseminating 3D geospatial data. Considerable progress has been made in data capture technologies, modelling standards, digital twins, and web-based visualisation. However, many organisations still face challenges in moving from pilot projects and experimental initiatives to sustainable operational services.

Discussions at recent EuroSDR 3D workshops have highlighted several recurring challenges, including understanding user needs, demonstrating value, keeping datasets up to date, integrating 2D and 3D workflows, and establishing sustainable operational models. These challenges raise fundamental questions: Who are the users we aim to support, and how can 3D capabilities be delivered, maintained, and justified sustainably?

To continue the discussion from previous workshops, the EuroSDR Special Interest Group on 3D (3D SIG) invites participants to a workshop addressing practical challenges, organisational strategies, operational implementation, and collaboration across the European geospatial community.

Aim of the workshop

Building on the outcomes of previous workshops, this event aims to bring together NMCAs, academia, industry, software providers, and other stakeholders to identify practical actions to support the wider operational adoption of 3D geospatial information.

Through presentations, discussions, and collaborative working sessions, participants will develop a shared understanding of selected challenges, identify concrete actions for future cooperation, plan the specific elements of work, and identify the stakeholders and colleagues who will be involved. While each mini theme will be led by a EuroSDR colleague, success and progress will depend on the active, ongoing engagement and contributions of everyone.

Contributions

The programme will combine keynote presentations, NMCA updates, research highlights, and breakout sessions. Particular emphasis will be placed on practical experiences, lessons learned, and examples of operational implementation.

We are currently assembling the workshop programme and welcome additional contributions. If you would like to present a recent project, share operational experiences, discuss challenges, or showcase innovative applications of 3D geospatial data, please contact Knut Jetlund (knut.jetlund@kartverket.no) with a brief description of your proposed presentation.

Breakout Themes

A key objective of the workshop is to establish focused working groups around major challenges identified during previous EuroSDR discussions. Participants will be asked to select two breakout topics during registration.

1.      Use Cases and User Needs

Who are the users we are trying to support, and what value do they expect from 3D information?

2.      Making the Case for 3D

How can organisations demonstrate value and secure long-term support for 3D activities?

3.      Maintenance, Updates and Change Detection

How can NMCAs maintain reliable and up-to-date 3D datasets at national scale?

4.      2D/3D Interoperability and 3D-First Approaches

How can 2D and 3D data be integrated effectively, and what would it take to move towards 3D-first production?

Practical Information

Schedule

The workshop will run from lunchtime on Wednesday 20 January until lunchtime on Thursday 21 January 2027. For participants arriving the day before, there will be an extra session on Wednesday morning, presenting experiences with 3D data from Norwegian stakeholders.

Venue

The workshop will be hosted by the Norwegian Mapping Authority in Hamar (Vangsvegen 73, 2317 Hamar – entrance from the alley between number 71 and 73), within a short walking distance of Hamar railway station.

Travel

Oslo Airport (OSL) has frequent flights from and to most major European airports. Hamar is accessible within 50 minutes from OSL by direct trains operating 1-3 times per hour (timetable: https://www.vy.no).

Accommodation

Special rates have been arranged for workshop participants from 19 January to 21 January at two hotels. Both are located within approximately five minutes' walking distance of the workshop venue, railway station and the restaurant.

Thon Hotel Victoria Hamar

·         Single room: NOK 1,395-1,495 per night

·         Booking link valid until 4 December 2026: https://www.thonhotels.no/event/kartverket---workshop/

Home Hotel Astoria

·         Single room: NOK 1,320 per night

·         Double room: NOK 1,520 per night

Rooms are reserved under the name: "Kartverket"

Bookings can be made directly with the hotel before 20 December 2026:

·         Email: home.astoria@strawberry.no

·         Telephone: +47 62 70 70 00 (option 3)

Workshop Dinner

A three-course workshop dinner will be arranged at Basarene Restaurant, Hamar (https://basarenehamar.no/) on Wednesday 20 January 2027, within a short walking distance from both hotels and the workshop venue.

The price will be approximately NOK 745 per person. As at previous EuroSDR workshops, participants are expected to cover the cost of their own dinner.

Registration

The registration deadline is 8 January 2027. Participants will be asked to indicate:

·         Whether they will arrive on Tuesday or Wednesday

·         Whether they will attend the workshop dinner

·         Their preferred breakout theme

This information will help ensure balanced and productive working groups.

Organisation committee

·         Knut Jetlund, Kartverket, Norway

·         Claire Ellul, UCL, London

·         Jantien Stoter, Kadaster, The Netherlands

Welcome

We look forward to welcoming you to Hamar, Norway, in January 2027, and to continuing the journey from wish list to practice.

Participants wishing to extend their stay may enjoy a range of winter activities in the region. Cross-country skiing opportunities are available near Hamar, while the alpine ski resorts of Hafjell, Kvitfjell and Trysil can be reached within a short drive, bus or train journey.