Author: Arnela Čolak
48th Session of the SDI Council of FBiH Held
48th Session of the SDI Council of FBiH Held
On September 25, 2025, the 48th session of the SDI Council of the Federation of BiH was held in Mostar, within the framework of the “Days of the Spatial Data Infrastructure of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina” Conference.
The Council discussed the following agenda items:
- Adoption of the agenda of the 48th session of the SDI Council of FBiH;
- Adoption of the minutes from the previous 47th session of the SDI Council of FBiH;
- Information on the appointment of a new member of the SDI Council of FBiH and introduction;
- Information on the implementation of the Work Plan for the establishment, maintenance, and development of SDI FBiH for 2025;
- Information on planned support activities for entities in entering data into SDI FBiH applications;
- Information on the drafting of a bylaw – Implementing Rules for SDI FBiH network services (first draft);
- Information on the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding and institutional cooperation within the GeoConnect project;
- Information on the ongoing 6th Conference “Days of SDI Federation of BiH” with proposed conclusions;
- Other.
Through discussion, Council members contributed to improving activities related to the implementation of the SDI of the Federation of BiH, with particular emphasis on the planned tasks for 2025, strengthening cooperation with SDI entities, and active participation in the program of the “Days of the Spatial Data Infrastructure of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina” Conference.
Conference “Days of SDI FBiH” held in Mostar
Conference “Days of SDI FBiH” held in Mostar
The sixth “Days of the Spatial Data Infrastructure of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina” Conference was held on September 25–26, 2025, in Mostar, organized by the Federal Administration for Geodetic and Real Property Affairs as the coordinating body of the Spatial Data Infrastructure in the Federation of BiH. The Conference was organized with the support of the GeoConnect project, financed by the Netherlands Enterprise Agency under the Matra program.
During the opening session, participants had the opportunity to hear speeches from the Chair of the SDI Council of FBiH and Director of the Federal Administration for Geodetic and Real Property Affairs, Mr. Željko Obradović, a representative of the Swedish Mapping, Cadastral and Land Registration Authority, Mr. Mikael Lilje, and the Mayor of Mostar, Mr. Mario Kordić.
The Conference served as an important occasion for gathering all relevant stakeholders in the field of SDI – a place for exchanging views and experiences, as well as gaining insights into the current progress. It is especially worth highlighting that this year’s edition was the most attended so far, with a total of 120 participants from 56 different institutions.
The Conference program was spread over two working days with a total of five sessions, where the fourth and fifth sessions were organized as panel discussions on the following topics:
- “Practical applications and benefits of SDI”
- “Examples of good practice and interoperability in managing spatial data and network services.”
It should be recalled that the main goal of the Spatial Data Infrastructure is to create the conditions for consolidating all spatial data in one place, ensuring their inventory and availability. Capacity building, education, and awareness-raising are key activities in the development of SDI, and this Conference represents one of the means of their implementation.
Below are the conclusions from this year’s Conference, while the photo gallery and presentation repository will be published in the coming days.
Conclusions of the Conference:
- Further progress of SDI FBiH is recognized in the institutional involvement of entities, standardization of processes, and increased availability of spatial data through SDI applications (SDI Registers, Metadata Catalog, geoportal, and network services), with continuous support from the Coordinating Body and the SDI Council of FBiH.
- Further development of the formal implementation framework based on the SDI Law and Strategy (implementing rules and technical guidelines) is supported, with regular reporting to the SDI Council of FBiH and the inclusion of the professional public through public consultations.
- Full support is given to the GIVE, GeoConnect, and DELEF projects as key drivers of technical and institutional advancement of SDI FBiH, including capacity building, interoperability, and alignment with European standards, as well as the active involvement of the academic sector.
- SDI FBiH entities are invited to proactively use the opportunities offered by the projects, particularly GIVE, in order to increase readiness, publish metadata and network services, and achieve full operational integration into the SDI system in line with EU practice.
- The importance of operational accessibility and re-use of data in public policies, science, and the economy is emphasized, with encouragement for open sharing and interoperable network services in accordance with best European practices.
- Participants expressed their satisfaction with the continued organization of promotional and educational activities in the field of SDI as a key factor in strengthening inter-institutional cooperation and the exchange of professional knowledge and information.
- Participants expressed their gratitude to international donor actors for their support to date in the establishment and development of SDI FBiH, while also stressing the continued need for cooperation with donors and creditors in designing activities aimed at developing the Spatial Data Infrastructure in the Federation of BiH as a key factor of sustainable development.
Professional workshops held in Mostar as a pre-event to the “Days of SDI FBiH” Conference
Professional workshops held in Mostar as a pre-event to the “Days of SDI FBiH” Conference
On September 24, 2025, ahead of the “Days of the Spatial Data Infrastructure of the Federation of BiH” Conference, the Federal Administration for Geodetic and Real Property Affairs (FGU) gathered two target groups – FGU employees and representatives of SDI FBiH entities – in two focused workshops with a common denominator: how to ensure that the data and information we manage have verifiable quality and recognizable, standardized descriptions.
The first workshop addressed the issue of quality control in the collection of spatial data: from planning field activities and documenting procedures, to establishing control dashboards that transparently track deviations and record corrective measures. Through practical demonstrations, participants were able to see how quality principles are translated into everyday work – what is actually measured, who is responsible for verification, and how results become visible across the organization.
At the same time, a technical workshop on metadata was held, placing metadata at the very core of interoperability. Instead of abstract theory, the emphasis was on understandable examples: how to describe a dataset so that others can find it, understand it, and integrate it without delay; how to consistently apply ISO standards; and how to distinguish between datasets, series of datasets, and spatial data services in practice. This created a shared understanding that enables the SDI community to “speak the same language” when exchanging information.
After a short break, both topics were explored further through interactive sessions: participants defined key institutional needs, mapped challenges, and jointly agreed on the initial components of the framework – from checklists and guidelines to an initial activity plan. It was particularly emphasized that these elements will be further developed in coordination with SDI FBiH entities, to ensure that methodological guidelines are applicable across different institutional environments.
The workshops were held as part of the “Days of SDI FBiH” Conference as a pre-event thematic segment, with a clear intention to convey key messages to the target groups and to launch the conference program with concrete steps. The workshops were organized within the GeoConnect project (funded by the Kingdom of the Netherlands), through which capacities, tools, and work processes are being developed for sustainable cooperation and standardized practices within the SDI community.
Workshop “Geospatial Data for Transparent Governance” held in Sarajevo
Workshop “Geospatial Data for Transparent Governance” held in Sarajevo
On September 23, 2025, the Federal Administration for Geodetic and Real Real Property Affairs hosted a workshop entitled “Geospatial Data for Transparent Governance” at its premises in Sarajevo. The training was conducted within the framework of the GeoConnect Project – Linking Geoinformation Expertise for Responsible and Transparent Governance, financed by the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) under the Matra Government-to-Government (Matra G2G) program.
The aim of the workshop was to strengthen pedagogical and technical skills required for future trainings in the field of geoinformation and spatial data, as well as to build capacities for the application of standards aligned with the EU INSPIRE Directive. Special emphasis was placed on the use of modern teaching methods and collaborative approaches to ensure long-term institutional sustainability.
The workshop program included a series of lectures, interactive sessions, and group activities. Following the introduction of objectives and a review of the strategic directions of the National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI), participants presented institutional perspectives and experiences. Particular attention was given to presentations on the concepts and practices of NSDI and the INSPIRE Directive, methods of adult learning, as well as case studies from the Netherlands, Australia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Participants included representatives of universities, secondary schools, and the Federal Administration for Geodetic and Real Property Affairs. The workshop was led by international lecturers Rohan Bennett and Dimo Todorovski, whose expertise and approaches greatly contributed to the quality and interactivity of the program.
This workshop marked an important step in strengthening the capacities of domestic experts and institutions, reaffirming the importance of international cooperation in building a sustainable spatial data infrastructure in line with European standards.
Invitation for Expression of Interest-Research/surveys to determine the level of awareness/knowledge of the benefits of establishing an SDI-first phase
INVITATION FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST - Research/surveys to determine the level of awareness/knowledge of the benefits of establishing an SDI-first phase
REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST
Bosnia And Herzegovina
Federation of Bosnia And Herzegovina
Federal Administration for Geodetic and Real Property Affairs
Geospatial Infrastructure and Valuation Enhancement Project (GIVE)
Loan No.: 96760-BA
Issue date: 22.09.2025.
Assignment Title: Research/surveys to determine the level of awareness/knowledge of the benefits of establishing an SDI – First phase
Reference No: D.2.3.3
The Bosnia and Herzegovina has received financing from the World Bank toward the cost of the Geospatial Infrastructure and Valuation Enhancement Project (GIVE), and intends to apply part of the proceeds for consulting services.
The consulting services (“the Services”) include design and implement a baseline study on the awareness and knowledge of the benefits of the SDI in FBiH, to be conducted in the first year of the GIVE Project. The specific purpose is twofold:
- to establish a clear methodological framework that defines how awareness and knowledge will be measured, including identification of indicators, target groups, and data collection methods; and
- (ii) to conduct the first, comprehensive baseline survey and analysis of awareness levels in order to generate reliable data for monitoring the progress of the GIVE Project and for comparison with the planned follow-up study in year five. This activity directly supports Indicator D.2.3.3 from the Results Framework.
The detailed Terms of Reference (TOR) for the assignment can be found at the following website: www.fgu.com.ba
The Federal Administration for Geodetic and Real Property Affairs now invites eligible consulting firms (“Consultants”) to indicate their interest in providing the Services. Interested Consultants should provide information demonstrating that they have the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the Services. The evaluation of Expressions of Interest will be based solely on the qualifications and experience of the Consulting Firm (individual firm or joint venture). Key Experts’ CV are not required and will not be evaluated at the shortlisting stage. The maximum score that can be awarded to the firm is 100 points, based on the cumulative evaluation of all criteria.
Qualification requirements of the Consultant:
- General Experience (up to 10 points): Assessment of the firm’s overall business continuity and sectoral relevance:
- Years in business providing consulting services relevant to the assignment’s domain (e.g., social/communication research, policy/e-government analytics, data collection and analysis, or other related domains) — up to 5 points.
- Core business relevance and portfolio: demonstrated track record of assignments for public authorities and/or international organizations comparable in scope and complexity — up to 5 points.
- Specific Experience (up to 65 points): Assessment of project references directly comparable to this assignment (as defined in the ToR), with clear description of the firm’s role and delivered outputs:
- Design and implementation of large-scale quantitative surveys / data collection (e.g., sampling strategy, instrument design, multi-mode execution, quality assurance and representativeness) — up to 30 points.
- Application of qualitative methods (e.g., focus groups, in-depth interviews, facilitated workshops; methodological rigor and synthesis) — up to 15 points.
- Data management and analytics (data cleaning/validation, statistical analysis, indicator development; delivery of cleaned datasets in standard formats) — up to 10 points.
- Reporting and dissemination (analytical reports, visualizations/dashboards, stakeholder presentations and/or policy briefings) — up to 10 points.
- Additional Preferential Criteria (up to 25 points): These criteria are not eligibility conditions but award additional points:
- Experience in Bosnia and Herzegovina and/or in countries with a comparable legal/institutional framework, including cooperation with government institutions and projects financed by IFIs or bilateral partners — up to 10 points.
- Relevance to IPP/SDI and/or Land Administration, particularly work conducted in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina / BiH (e.g., awareness/outreach for SDI, geoportal promotion, public registries, cadastral/land registration, e-services) — up to 10 points.
- Local capacity and language: ability to perform services in the official languages of the Federation of BiH (Bosnian/Croatian/Serbian) and familiarity with the domestic legal/institutional context — up to 5 points.
The attention of interested Consultants is drawn to Section III, paragraphs, 3.14, 3.16, and 3.17 of the World Bank’s “Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers” September 2023, revised February 2025 (“Procurement Regulations”), setting forth the World Bank’s policy on conflict of interest.
Consultants may associate with other firms to enhance their qualifications, but should indicate clearly whether the association is in the form of a joint venture and/or a sub-consultancy. In the case of a joint venture, all the partners in the joint venture shall be jointly and severally liable for the entire contract, if selected.
A Consultant will be selected in accordance with the Consultants Qualification-based Selection method set out in the Procurement Regulations.
Further information can be obtained at the address below during office hours 08:00 till 16:00 local time.
Expressions of interest must be delivered in a written form to the address below (in person, or by e-mail) by 07.10.2025.
Federal Administration For Geodetic And Real Property Affairs
Geospatial Infrastructure And Valuation Enhancement Project (Give)
Attn: Iva Vidović, Procurement Specialist
Hamdije Kreševljakovića 96
71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Tel: +387 33 586 063
E-mail: give_procurement@fgu.com.ba; cc: iva.vidovic@fgu.com.ba
Invitation for Expression of Interest- SDI DIGITAL PLATFORM SPECIFICATIONS
Invitation for Expression of Interest- SDI DIGITAL PLATFORM SPECIFICATIONS
REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST
Bosnia And Herzegovina
Federation Of Bosnia And Herzegovina
Federal Administration For Geodetic And Real Property Affairs
Geospatial Infrastructure And Valuation Enhancement Project (GIVE)
Loan No.: 96760-BA
Issue date: 29.08.2025.
Assignment Title:SDI Digital Platform specifications
Reference No: A.1.3.1
The Bosnia and Herzegovina has received financing from the World Bank toward the cost of the Geospatial Infrastructure And Valuation Enhancement Project (GIVE), and intends to apply part of the proceeds for consulting services.
The consulting services (“the Services”) include development of a detailed functional and technical specification for the centralized SDI Digital Platform of the Spatial Data Infrastructure of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, which will serve as the foundation for its future development.
The detailed Terms of Reference (TOR) for the assignment can be found at the following website: www.fgu.com.ba
The Federal Administration For Geodetic And Real Property Affairs now invites eligible consulting firms (“Consultants”) to indicate their interest in providing the Services. Interested Consultants should provide information demonstrating that they have the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the Services. The shortlisting criteria are:
- Legal and professional capacity – The Consultant must be a legally registered entity with the capacity to operate in the fields of geospatial information systems, software development, or IT consulting.
- Relevant experience – Demonstrated experience in at least two comparable assignments within the last 5 years, involving: Spatial data infrastructure (SDI), Design of digital platforms for geospatial data management, Development of system specifications for public institutions or international organizations.
- Multidisciplinary capacity – Proven ability to mobilize a multidisciplinary team with expertise in SDI, software architecture, hardware infrastructure, and public sector project delivery.
- Standards and domain competence – Proven familiarity with relevant geospatial and interoperability standards and technologies (e.g., INSPIRE concepts, OGC web services such as WMS/WFS/WCS/WMTS, metadata/catalogs, raster/LiDAR/vector data handling).
- Language and local delivery capacity – Ability to perform the assignment in the English language. The Consultant must also be able to participate in on-site/remote meetings with the Client, as required.
The Consultant’s ability to perform the assignment in any one of the official languages of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina will be considered an advantage.
Preferably, the Consultant should have experience in projects funded by the World Bank, EU, UN, or other international donors, particularly in the fields of land administration, SDI, or e-Government.
The Consultant’s team responsible for preparing the specification under this Terms of Reference shall, at a minimum, include the following key roles:
- Team Leader/Coordinator: Responsibilities: Provide overall leadership and direction for the assignment, ensuring timely delivery of all outputs;Coordinate the work of the multidisciplinary team, consolidate inputs, and manage quality assurance of deliverables;Serve as the primary point of contact with the Client. Minimum requirements: University degree in geodesy, geoinformatics, geography, computer science, information technology or some other related field (Master’s degree preferred);At least 7 years of professional experience, including managing similar assignments;Demonstrated leadership in at least two SDI, GIS, or public sector IT projects of comparable scale and complexity;Excellent organizational, analytical, and communication skills;Excellent knowledge of the English language.
- SDI Specialist: Responsibilities:Provide expertise on SDI standards, metadata, interoperability and legal compliance;Ensure alignment with INSPIRE Directive, ISO 191xx series, and relevant national frameworks. Minimum requirements: University degree in geodesy, geoinformatics, geography, computer science, information technology or some other related field;At least 5 years of relevant professional experience in SDI design, metadata management, or policy alignment;Proven knowledge of SDI principles, geospatial information systems, geospatial data standards and the EU INSPIRE Directive;Knowledge of laws of Bosnia and Herzegovina, practice, and policies in the land administration sector is preferable.
- System Architect: Responsibilities: Define the overall system architecture of the SDI Digital Platform;Specify software components, application interfaces (APIs), data exchange mechanisms, integration workflows, and technical dependencies to ensure scalability, interoperability, and maintainability;Ensure that the architecture aligns with the Client’s infrastructure capacity, security requirements, and future scalability needs. Minimum requirements: University degree in computer science, information technology, software engineering or some other related field;At least 5 years of professional experience in system design and architecture; Experience with open-source geospatial tools and modern web frameworks; Experience with containerization, APIs, and version control systems (e.g., Git); Strong knowledge of server administration, virtualization technologies, and system monitoring tools; Experience in designing and operating secure, high-availability, and redundant infrastructures; Understanding of automation and configuration management; Experience integrating identity management, authentication, and authorization services (e.g., SSO, OAuth2, LDAP/AD); Fluency in English (spoken and written), with the ability to produce technical documentation to international standards.
- IT Specialist: Responsibilities: Define the hardware and network infrastructure architecture; Specify server, storage, backup, power, and networking requirements; Ensure the infrastructure supports high availability, disaster recovery, and scalability requirements; Ensure cybersecurity and data protection measures are implemented in compliance with relevant standards and privacy regulations. Minimum requirements: University degree in information technology, electronics engineering, systems engineering, or a closely related field;At least 5 years of professional experience in ICT infrastructure design; Demonstrated experience in sizing, scalability planning, and high-availability environments for data platforms; Proven expertise with storage technologies (SAN, NAS, RAID configurations, tiered storage) and backup/restore solutions; Proven experience with networking infrastructure (LAN/WAN design, switches, routers, firewalls, VPNs) and performance optimization; Experience with virtualization technologies (e.g., VMware, Hyper-V, Proxmox, or equivalent); Experience designing and integrating redundancy and failover mechanisms (dual power supplies, redundant paths, mirrored storage, load balancing etc.).
Consultant may consider additional experts such as:
- UI/UX Designer – Responsible for user-centered interface design and accessibility compliance;
- Business Analyst / Legal Consultant – Supports the alignment of technical solutions with institutional and legal requirements, including stakeholder mapping, workflows, and regulatory considerations.
The Expression of Interest should include references from previous assignments, CVs for all key experts and additional experts if required, as well as an estimated number of support staff if required. Key Experts will not be evaluated at the shortlisting stage.
The attention of interested Consultants is drawn to Section III, paragraphs, 3.14, 3.16, and 3.17 of the World Bank’s “Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers” September 2023, revised February 2025 (“Procurement Regulations”), setting forth the World Bank’s policy on conflict of interest.
Consultants may associate with other firms to enhance their qualifications, but should indicate clearly whether the association is in the form of a joint venture and/or a sub-consultancy. In the case of a joint venture, all the partners in the joint venture shall be jointly and severally liable for the entire contract, if selected.
A Consultant will be selected in accordance with the Consultant’s Qualifications Based Selection method set out in the Procurement Regulations.
Further information can be obtained at the address below during office hours 08:00 till 16:00 local time.
Expressions of interest must be delivered in a written form to the address below (in person, or by e-mail) by 22.09.2025.
Federal Administration For Geodetic And Real Property Affairs
Geospatial Infrastructure And Valuation Enhancement Project (Give)
Attn: Iva Vidović, Procurement Specialist
Hamdije Kreševljakovića 96
71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Tel: +387 33 586 063
E-mail: give_procurement@fgu.com.ba; cc:iva.vidovic@fgu.com.ba
Conference “Days of Spatial Data Infrastructure of the Federation of BiH” – Second Announcement
Conference “Days of Spatial Data Infrastructure of the Federation of BiH” – Second Announcement
The Federal Administration for Geodetic and Property Affairs, in cooperation with its partners, is organizing the 6th Conference “Days of Spatial Data Infrastructure of the Federation of BiH”, which will take place in Mostar, on 25–26 September 2025.
This year, the Conference will once again bring together numerous domestic and international experts, representatives of institutions, the academic community, and donor organizations. Special emphasis will be placed on the exchange of experiences and practical applications of SDI in various sectors, as well as the presentation of projects that contribute to the modernization and interoperability of spatial data in the Federation of BiH.
The Conference program will include:
- Opening addresses and keynote lecture,
- Presentation of the donor project GeoConnect of the Kingdom of the Netherlands,
- Presentations on current developments in the field of SDI in the Federation of BiH,
- Workshops focusing on quality control, metadata, practical applications, and good practice examples,
- Discussions and networking events.
The preliminary conference program is available via the following link Conference Program, and the final program will be delivered to all registered participants 7 days before the conference.All interested participants are invited to register for the Conference via the online form https://ippfbih.gov.ba/dani-ipp-registracija/
For further information regarding the Conference, please contact: ipp.fbih@fgu.com.ba.
Supported by the donor project of the Kingdom of the Netherlands
THE FORTY- SEVENTH SESSION OF THE SDI FBiH COUNCIL HELD
THE FORTY- SEVENTH SESSION OF THE SDI FBiH COUNCIL HELD
On August 20, 2025 the forty-seventh session of the Spatial Data Infrastructure (SDI) Council of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina was held at the premises of the Federal Administration for Geodetic and Property Affairs.
At the session, the Council addressed the following agenda items:
- Adoption of the agenda for the 47th session of the SDI FBiH Council;
- Approval of the minutes from the 46th session;
- Information about the new member of the IPP FBiH Council;
- Information on the implementation of the Work Plan for the establishment, maintenance and development of IPP FBiH for the year 2025;
- Information on the appointment of a working group for the implementation of the general conditions of spatial data licensing;
- Information on cooperation with SDI stakeholders as part of the GIVE project;
- Information on the effectiveness of the GIVE project;
- Information regarding 6th conference “SDI Days of the Federation of BiH”;
- Other.
Through the discussion, the members of the Council contributed to the improvement of activities related to the implementation of the IPP of the Federation of BiH, with a special emphasis on the planned tasks in Year 2025, the strengthening of cooperation with the subjects of the IPP and the preparation of the upcoming conference ” SDI Days of the Federation of BiH”.
Conference “Days of the Spatial Data Infrastructure of the Federation of BiH” – First Announcement
Conference "Days of the Spatial Data Infrastructure of the Federation of BiH" – First Announcement
Federal Administration for Geodetic and Real Property Affairs, as the coordinating body of the Spatial Data Infrastructure in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, is organizing the sixth conference titled “Days of the Spatial Data Infrastructure of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina”, which will be held from September 25 and 26, 2025, in Mostar, Hotel Mostar.
This year’s conference is being held as part of the GeoConnect project – Connecting Geoinformation Expertise for Responsible and Transparent Governance, which is funded through the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) under the Matra Government-to-Government (Matra G2G) programme. This programme supports projects in countries neighbouring the European Union that aim to strengthen the rule of law, democracy, and good governance. More information about the GeoConnect project is available on the official websites of IPP FBiH, FGU, and other project partner institutions.
As part of the conference preparations, thematic pre-conference workshops are planned – on September 23 in Sarajevo and on September 24 in Mostar – for targeted groups of SDI subjects of the Federation of BiH.
Detailed information about the conference (agenda, keynote lectures, and speakers) will be published in the second announcement at the end of August. This year’s program will feature a rich scientific and professional agenda, primarily oriented toward the SDI Subjects of the Federation of BiH.
For further inquiries, please contact us at: ipp.fbih@fgu.com.ba