Final Event of the SPATIAL II Project Held in Belgrade

From December 4 to 6, 2024, the final event of the regional SPATIAL II project, focused on the modernization of geodetic processes and spatial data management in the Western Balkans, was held in Belgrade. The host of this important gathering was the Republic Geodetic Authority of Serbia (RGA), and the event brought together representatives from key geodetic institutions in the region, including the Federal Administration for Geodetic and Real Property Affairs (FGA), as well as delegations from Montenegro, Albania, Kosovo, and North Macedonia.

Launched in 2020 with financial support from the Kingdom of the Netherlands, SPATIAL II aimed to strengthen the capacities of national geodetic agencies for the collection, analysis, and exchange of spatial data. The project’s key partner was Kadaster, the national land administration agency of the Netherlands.

The project lasted four years, during which regional institutions received continuous support to enhance digital registers, standardize procedures, and increase the interoperability of their systems. Particular emphasis was placed on the application of new technologies.

During the closing event, participants presented the results of their work and exchanged experiences gained during the project’s implementation. The following achievements were particularly highlighted:

• Development of modern digital geodetic products such as digital terrain models and orthophoto imagery.
• Enhancement of infrastructure for data exchange between countries in the region.
• Introduction of innovative technologies for spatial data management, with a special focus on updating land registers.

Discussions also addressed the challenges faced in the digitization process, including legal and technical barriers, and emphasized the need for continued regional cooperation and sustainable spatial resource management.

SPATIAL II has made a significant impact on advancing geodetic practices in the Western Balkans, laying the groundwork for future projects focused on digitization and spatial modernization. Participants highlighted the importance of continuing collaboration, particularly in the context of harmonization with European Union standards.