BESTSDI Partners

Coordinator:

1. Sveučilište u Zagrebu (University of Zagreb) – established in Croatia

   Role

   Faculty of Geodesy (FoG) acts, on behalf of the University of Zagreb (UNIZg), as applicant organisation – executive institution responsible for the execution of the project. FoG staff takes responsibility over project management, providing the project manager, project administrator and project office. Additionally, coordination of project activities with other projects in Partner countries and projects which might support this project is the responsibility of FoG.Based on its knowledge and experience in the field of SDI and other modern concepts related to Spatial Data, FoG project involved staff will also deliver an essential contribution to the preparation and drafting of SDI curricula/courses/course content for Partner country institutions, the preparation of teaching materials and creation of tailor made, but still standardized, content for each of the involved study programs and level of content.

   Description

   The University of Zagreb (UNIZg) established in 1669 is the oldest and biggest university in South-Eastern Europe. It consists of 33 faculties, academies and the Centre for Croatian Studies. With its comprehensive programmes and over 72,000 students the UNIZg is the strongest teaching institution in Croatia. At the UNIZg 191 undergraduate, 174 graduate, 72 doctoral (PhD) and 165 specialist postgraduate programmes are offered. Students at the UNIZg (40% female) represent 48,5% of all students in Croatia. About 11.500 students enrol in the 1st year of study. Annually some 5.500 students reach BA/BSc degrees, 2.300 MA/MSc degrees and 540 PhD’s. Teaching staff counts 7.915 person and they produce 51% of the total yearly scientific productivity in Croatia.

   Geodesy is studied at the UNIZg since 1775. Faculty of Geodesy (FoG) exists, as self-standing institution, since 1962. FoG is organized in three institutes (Geomatics, Cartography and Photogrammetry, Applied Geodesy), two laboratories and the Observatory Hvar. The FoG has 103 employees out of which 60 are teachers. FoG is the leading academic institution in geodesy and geoinformatics in Croatia and the region. It offers undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and specialist postgraduate study in geodesy and geoinformatics. Some 500 students are studying at the Faculty. Annually about 95 students enrolled in the 1st year of study.

   FoG is the pioneer in the field of Spatial Data Infrastructure (SDI) introducing it in its curriculum with the start of the Bologna system in 2005 (course Geoinformatic Infrastructure) and emphasizing it in a new undergraduate (started in 2015/16) and graduate (starting in 2016/17) study program. The new graduate study introduced new SDI related courses: Spatial Data Infrastructure; Smart Cities and SDI; Climate Changes and Spatial Data, etc.

   Faculty of Geotechnical Engineering (FGE) in Varaždin was founded in 1969 under the name School of Mining and Geotechnical Research. FGE has 60 employees out of which 30 teachers. FGE is organized in four departments and three laboratories. At FGE some 500 students are studying, and since 2012/13 on fully new and modern study program on Environment Engineering.
   

Partners:

1. Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (Catholic University of Leuven) – established in Belgium

   Role

   The two involved entities of KU Leuven will use their experience in the field of academic teaching in the field of SDI to support the design and development of SDI curricula for Balkan Universities. KU Leuven will make available teaching and training materials, and share its experience in applying innovative teaching methods. KU Leuven will also participate in and contribute to the working teams to help shaping SDI courses and evaluating the SDI curricula proposed in the different participating institutions. Where appropriate KU Leuven will also contribute to specific training actions. SADL will focus on the technological aspects of SDIs (e.g. semantic web, interoperability, Service Oriented Architecture, Linked Data), while the Public Governance Institute will focus on the non-technological aspects of SDIs (e.g. governance, economic, legal, and public administrative aspects). Both entities will help to introduce the concepts and methods for assessing the worldwide development of SDI’s and the socio-economic impact of SDI’s.

   Description

   KU Leuven is one of the oldest and well-known universities in Europe. It counts 55.676 students, of which 9.052 are international, while 4.676 are PhD students. KU Leuven has 11.544 staff. The University provides academic education at the Bachelors, Masters and Doctoral levels: 55 Bachelors, 133 Initial Masters and 48 Masters after Masters.
   KU Leuven is currently by far the largest university in Belgium in terms of research funding and expenditure (EUR 426.5 million in 2014), and is a charter member of LERU (League of European Research Universities). In the Times Higher Education ranking KU Leuven is ranked as the 17th European university, while in the Reuters Top 100 of the World’s most innovative institutions, KU Leuven is listed as the second European university. Leuven participates in over 540 highly competitive European research projects (FP7, 2007-2013), ranking sixth in the league of HEIs participating in FP7. KU Leuven currently has 101 approved H2020 projects.

   Many entities of KU Leuven are active in the field of Geographic Information Science and Technology (GI S&T) and Spatial Data Infrastructures (SDI). KU Leuven created also several spin-offs in the geospatial field: e.g. Luciad and GeoAutomation.

   The Spatial Applications Division of KU Leuven (SADL) aims to transfer academic knowledge to society in the geospatial field. SADL conducts applied research, offers consultancy and provides training in geomatics at large, and GIS, SDI and geo-ICT in particular. Various application and policy domains are covered, among which: agriculture and environment, forest, nature and landscape management, agriculture, mobility and transport, urban and regional planning and tourism.

   The KU Leuven Public Governance Institute is an internationally oriented and interdisciplinary research and education institute. It strongly focuses on the different aspects of public governance. Public governance is a broad domain, that’s why this research institute focuses on three distinct but partly overlapping research themes: a) Politics, citizens and policies; b) Administrative organization and HRM; and c) Management of information (including geographic), performance and finance.

2. Sveučilište u Splitu (University of Split) – established in Croatia

   Role

   The University of Split (UNIST), Faculty of civil engineering, architecture and geodesy will be involved in the BESTSDI project in coordination, dissemination, and in technical activities. UNIST will organize two Summer schools. It will in collaboration with other project partners contribute to the development and implementation of higher educational curriculums. Particularly in implementing knowledges considering projects on the EU level such as the Copernicus programme with sentinel satellites and related products and services, Internet of things, spatial reasoning systems and other. In the focus are first of all public sector products and services that should be obligatory part of national and local SDI. Principles of collecting spatial data using satellite data (small scale) and combination with in situ data (big scale) are requesting new knowledges and approaches in collecting, processing, analysing spatial data. These processes are also crucial for the development of the SDI in the EU (INSPIRE), and at the national, local and other levels.

   Description

   The University of Split (UNIST) participates in the Erasmus exchange programme since the very beginning of its implementation in the Republic of Croatia in 2009. In 2013 the University of Split has been awarded with an Erasmus Charter for Higher Education (ECHE) 2014-2020. Approximately 200 Erasmus+ agreements with partner universities provide the framework for students and staff exchange. The University of Split sees internationalization as an investment for the future development.

   UNIST is hosting many disciplines such as chemical engineering, civil engineering, architecture, electrical and mechanical engineering, social sciences, kinesiology, humanities, health sciences, forensics, all of which distinguish the University of Split, not only in Croatia but also beyond its borders. International programmes play a key role in the University of Split institutional strategy. Europe 2020 strategy, its flagship initiatives and new integrated guidelines put knowledge at the heart of the Union’s efforts for achieving smart, sustainable and inclusive growth.

   UNIST, Faculty of civil engineering, architecture and geodesy has the tradition of higher education in the field of Civil Engineering since 1971. The Faculty performs university study of Civil Engineering, Architecture and Geodesy and Geo-informatics and professional study of Civil Engineering. It consists of 21 departments and 5 canters. There are currently 1273 students enrolled in the Faculty. Until the present days the Faculty has produced 962 Bachelors of Science in Civil Engineering, 27 Bachelors of Science in Architecture, 473 Civil Engineers, 189 Bachelors of Civil Engineering, 94 Bachelors of Architecture, 129 professional Bachelors of Civil Engineering, 37 Masters of Civil Engineering, and 2 Masters of Architecture. 44 candidates have acquired a Master of Science degree and 19 candidates have acquired a Doctor of Science degree. Courses are delivered by 54 lecturers: 42 doctors of science, 6 masters of science, 14 assistants and 30 external associates. 26 junior research assistants have also been involved into the teaching process, three of which have a Ph.D. degree and 4 a M.Sc. degree. Four employees are academy members.

3. Univerzitet “Sv. Kiril i Metodij” Skopje (Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje) – established in North Macedonia

   Role

   Faculty of Civil Engineering (FCE) acts, in front of University of Ss Cyril and Methodius as BESTSDI project partner. FCE will participate in the project dissemination and technical activities.
   Based on experience and knowledge of faculty staff involved in the project in field of SDI and other modern concepts related to Spatial Data FCE will deliver essential contribution in preparation and drafting of SDI curricula. Coordination activities will be focused on national and regional connection of SDI interesting groups from higher education, public and private sector. Dissemination activities will, among other, include organization and realization of the meetings.

   Description

   Ss. CYRIL AND METHODIUS UNIVERSITY IN Skopje‐UKIM, the first and the largest State University in the Republic of North Macedonia, was founded in 1949. UKIM represents a functional community of 23 faculties, 5 research institutes and 4 public scientific institutions. UKIM offers high‐standard teaching and research in all scientific fields. Nowadays, over 60.000 domestic and foreign students are following the first, second and third cycle studies. Over 3.100 teaching, research, associate, as well as administrative staffs participate in the realization of the teaching and scientific process. UKIM has more than 100 well equipped laboratories that make the link between the economy and the private sector more direct, and the benefits are enjoyed by all – the institution, the scholars and the economy.

   The University has produced around 150.000 graduated high‐professional staff (which obtained Bachelor degree); 10.000 candidates obtained Master’s and Specialist’s degree and around 4.000 candidates obtained the doctoral degree in all teaching and scientific fields. All study programs in all the three cycles of studies (536) are adapted to the Bologna process. Considering the commitment for continuous evaluation, assessment, provision and improvement of quality in all areas of its operation, UKIM has successfully completed the fourth external evaluation, carried out by an expert’s team nominated by the European University Association.

   In relation to its international partners, UKIM has established cooperation and joint educational programs, double and joint degrees, including research projects in the European programs and bilateral partners, exchange, mobility, organization of scientific and other academic events. UKIM is a member of the Academic networks: UNICA, ERA, CEEPUS, EUA, IAU, UNI‐ADRION and other and has taken part in the Erasmus Mundus Networks: Basileus, JoinEUSEE, Eraweb and Euroweb. Now UKIM is a partner in 52 scientific projects founded by: TEMPUS, FP7, UNESCO, NATO, IPA, HORIZON 2020, ERASMUS and 14 bilateral projects.

4. Hochschule Bochum (Bochum University of Applied Sciences) – established in Germany

   Role

   Based on its knowledge and experience in the field of SDI (specifically INSPIRE), cutting-edge concepts related to spatial data sharing and processing, standardization as well as software engineering, HBO staff involved in the project will significantly contribute to the preparation and drafting of SDI curricula/courses/course content for partner countries’ institutions as well as to the preparation of teaching materials for the targeted study programs. HBO also plans to contribute to the preparation of on-site training and dissemination events like summer schools.

   Description

   Bochum University of Applied Sciences (HOCHSCHULE BOCHUM) specializes in various fields of engineering and business. With its main campus situated in the Ruhr region, amid one of the largest clusters of academic establishments in Europe, the university maintains close ties with its local community while reaching out internationally.
   With slightly more than 7,000 students, HBO is comfortably sized, offering a much more personal atmosphere than the larger universities in the surrounding area. In its original campus in Bochum itself and the new one at Velbert/Heiligenhaus, the university pursues an innovative path in teaching and research. Six departments cover the main focal areas of Construction (architecture, civil engineering, geodesy), Engineering (electrical engineering, informatics, mechatronics and mechanical engineering), and Business.

   More than 150 professors teach and research at HBO. All of them have spent several years as practitioners in the field, which was a basic precondition for their appointment to the teaching staff.
   The Faculty of Geodesy offers Bachelor of Engineering courses in both, Surveying (since 1971) and Geoinformatics (since 2001) as well Master of Engineering Courses in Geodesy and Geoinformatics (both since 2016). Currently the faculty employs 14 professors and 11 scientific staff members, which teach about 500 students enrolled for one of the courses offered by the faculty.
   The faculty’s Geoinformatics Lab is dedicated to research and education in the fields of i.a. spatial data infrastructures, distributed and interoperable spatial data sharing and processing as well as the development of spatial applications.

5. Universiteti Politekniki i Tiranës (Polytechnic University of Tirana) – established in
   Albania

   Role

   Faculty of Civil Engineering (Department of Geodesy) and Faculty of Geology and Mining of the PUT are partners in the BESTSDI project, and it will be responsible for implementation of the BESTSDI at PUT. It will participate in preparation and drafting of BESTSDI curricula, preparation of courses and teaching materials. It will participate in promoting developed courses for professionals, and also in coordination, dissemination, and in technical activities. In order to comply with EU regulations, our Faculty will especially focus on implementation of INSPIRE Directive on national level. Department is, in the last 5-years, involved in giving expertise in development of the NSDI Law in accordance with INSPIRE Directive. The Faculty will enhance BESTSDI international impact, and contribute to development of the regional and national SDIs in line with INSPIRE. In particular, the Faculty will contribute BESTSDI in sustainable knowledge transfer and knowledge implementation.

   Description

   The Higher Polytechnic Institute (HPI) of Tirana was established in 1951. At that period, three fields were involved: Civil, Mechanical and Electrical. Later, also other Faculties were established and in 1957 they founded the State University of Tirana. In the year 1991 the Engineering Faculties were reorganized in the Polytechnic University of Tirana (UPT). UPT is a Public Institution. It was the first University in Albania to adopt Bologna process. UPT has more than 12.000 students and more than 500 full time employed academic staff and almost the same number of part time staff. Currently UPT consists of seven Faculties and one Institution of Research.

   UPT is member of many university networks and agencies and has signed Cooperation Memorandums with many universities: Polytechnic di Torino, Polytechnic di Bari, Universities of Florence, Trieste and Molise (Italy); University de Technologies de Compiegne (France); Technical University of Fukuoka, MIE University (Japan); Bucharest Polytechnic University (Romania); Ljubljana University (Slovenia); Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (Greece); Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU) (Cyprus); North-eastern University of Shenyang and Xi’an University of Architecture and Technology (China); etc.

   In the period from 1992 to 2010 UPT has participated in: 30 TEMPUS and CEPUS projects, 46 projects supported by the World Bank and the Albanian Government, 30 projects of research and development, 49 projects from Excellence Fund and 16 other projects supported by FP6, FP7, IPA and ECOPORT. During these projects many staff mobility & training has taken place enforcing the relations with participating European and regional universities.

   Two faculties from UPT participate in the BESTSDI project: Faculty of Geology and Mining and Faculty of Civil Engineering.

6. Universiteti Bujqesor i Tiranes (Agricultural University of Tirana) – established in Albania

   Role

   Faculty of Forestry Science at AUT is partner in the BESTSDI project, and it will be responsible for implementation of the BESTSDI at AUT. It will participate in preparation and drafting of BESTSDI curricula, preparation of courses and teaching materials. It will also participate in promoting developed courses for professionals. But, as well in coordination, dissemination, and in technical activities. In order to comply with EU regulations, our Faculty will especially focus on implementation of INSPIRE Directive on national level. Faculty is involved in various projects regarding forestry and related to spatial data. The Faculty will enhance BESTSDI international impact, and contribute to development of the regional and national SDIs in line with INSPIRE. In particular, the Faculty will contribute BESTSDI in sustainable knowledge transfer and knowledge implementation.

   Description

   The Agricultural University of Tirana (AUT), is a public university. It is the unique centre of its own kind in providing undergraduate and graduate studies, scientific research, training and extension in the area of agriculture and food. It offers education in agronomy, veterinary, forestry, ecology, agribusiness, and similar subjects. AUT was founded in 1951 under the name “Higher State Agricultural Institute”. Starting from the academic year 2005-2006, AUT is considering organizing studies in conformity with the 3+2+3 schedule (Bachelor, Master and PhD). The number of students enrolled at AUT with reference to the academic year 2015-2016 jumped to a peak of 15.521.
   AUT includes the following faculties:

   • Faculty of Agriculture and Environment
   • Faculty of Economy and Agribusiness
   • Faculty of Forest Sciences
   • Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
   • Faculty of Biotechnology and Food

   The mission of AUT is geared towards professional education and scientific research of agriculture, food and environment. Its mission is closely tied up with provision of agricultural education in relation to fuelling the development of modern agriculture and warranting healthy and high quality food. The attainment of this outstanding target and objective is made possible through production, top quality of both agriculture and livestock related produce, the prudent and smooth administration of land, water and air as well as the synchronized utilization of both green and blue space functions.
   Scientific research at AUT is considered an essential component of the academic life and a concrete contribution to the progress of Albanian agriculture, as well. Scientific research has been conducted through participation in: national projects also National Agency for Environment; bilateral projects with Greece and Italy; DAD projects; NATO projects; IMG Tempus projects; World Bank projects; and projects for research and development which were funded by the Albanian government.

7. Univerzitet u Banjoj Luci (University of Banja Luka) – established in Bosnia and
   Herzegovina

   Role

   The Architecture – Civil Engineering – Geodesy Faculty of the UBL as partner on this project takes the responsibility for the participation in the preparation and drafting of SDI curricula/courses/course content, preparation of teaching materials, implementation and execution of developed curricula/courses in the study programme of the Geodesy on Architecture – Civil Engineering – Geodesy Faculty of the UBL.
   FACEG will also participate in presenting in practice and promoting developed training courses for professionals for improving and development of the concept of Smart Cities.

   Description

   The University of Banja Luka (UBL) has been established in 1975. UBL has 16 faculties with 55 licensed study programs and is fully committed to the idea of a borderless area for research and knowledge exchange in Europe. UBL has around 20.000 students, 1.050 professors and assistants, 1.100 research active staff for teaching and research excellence and 450 administrative staff members. Until now, at UNBL graduated more than 30.500 students, graduate studies completed 2.100 candidates, while the doctoral thesis defended more than 500. UBL, with 200 bilateral agreements with public and private universities worldwide, has been involved in more than 85 Tempus projects, several FP6 and FP7 projects, as well as a number of other international projects funded by the European Commission, Council of Europe, UN, UNESCO, the World Bank and other international organizations and foundations. UBL is the holder of the HR excellence in research logo since April 2015.

   The Faculty of Architecture, Civil Engineering and Geodesy (FACEG) was founded in 1995 but now it performs educational and research activities. It consists of three departments: Architecture Program (includes also courses on urban planning and design), Civil Engineering Program and Geodesy Program. There are around 1000 students involved in the study programs. Now, FACEG and its researchers are involved in four international research projects two Tempus, one ERASMUS+ and one HERD project. FACEG is credentialed and competent for the scientific sub-field of landscape planning and landscape design. Elective courses on Urban nature and Artificial nature are performed as part of the architecture curriculum, while the course Landscape architecture is planned as obligatory in the new architecture curriculum in preparation. From October 2015 FACEG is involved in ERASMUS+ project “Creating the Network for Knowledge Labs for Sustainable and Resilient Environments”.

8. Sveučilište u Mostaru (University of Mostar) – established in Bosnia and Herzegovina

   Role

   The Faculty of Science and Education of the UNMO has a partner role in the BESTSDI project. It will be involved in curriculum development, dissemination, and in technical activities.
   There are several ways the effective implementation of the BESTSDI project at this UNMO will be made. The Faculty will use the BESTSDI curricula to bring necessary knowledge’s in SDI development processes in the field of spatial data. Implementation of the BESTSDI curricula in the Faculty educational program will provide completely new competences to students. Our Faculty will especially focus on spatial data related to agriculture (EU Common Agriculture Policy) and environment (Water framework Directive, Noise Directive, etc.). The Faculty will enhance the international impact, and contribute to the development of the regional and national SDIs in line with INSPIRE. In particular, the Faculty will contribute to sustainable knowledge transfer and knowledge implementation in line with European standards.

   Description

   The Faculty of Science and Education is one of the faculties of the University of Mostar (UNMO) established as independent institution in 2005. In the same year the Bologna process was implemented on the Faculty. The basic framework adopted is of three cycles of higher education qualification which last 3+2+3 years or 4+1+3 years. Finishing the first cycle, Undergraduate Study, lasting 6 semesters or 8 semesters, a student is awarded with a Bachelor’s degree. The second cycle, Graduate Study, lasts 4 semesters or 2 semesters, and a student is awarded with a Master’s degree. The third cycle, Postgraduate study, lasts 6 semesters, and a student is awarded with a Doctoral degree. The study of Geographies has three levels of degrees: baccalaureate, Master of profession and open doctoral program called Geographic Basis of planning in the environment.

   At the first stage of the study courses Cartography, and Geoinformatics, GIS, GIS applications and other. On the second level there are numerous courses that rely on the cartographic material.
   At the Department of Geography there is a study of tourism and environment. In its curriculum there is a course ‘Thematic mapping’. The study also has GIS and IT. Doctoral study has designated two semesters of GIS related themes. After analysing specific needs of different educational profiles and interests of students, the need and interests are recognized for flexible organizational approach which will offer multiple combinations of courses.

   The Faculty of Science and Education offers a wide range of fields of study in many scientific areas. Education of almost all teaching staff for preschool, elementary, and secondary education is in the domain of the Faculty. 250 teachers and research assistants cooperate in the teaching process. UNMO has scientific and professional cooperation with many Universities like Universities from Zagreb, Zadar, Split, Rijeka, Osijek, Opatija, Sarajevo and Tuzla.

9. Univerzitet u Sarajevu (University of Sarajevo) – established in Bosnia and Herzegovina

   
   RoleThe UNSA will give full contribution to successful implementation of the BESTSDI project. Civil Engineering Department of Geodesy (GFSA) and Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences, in front of the UNSA, as a partner of the applicant, will participate in the execution of the project. Faculties’ staff took responsibility to participate in the project. Aware that the lack of experience and knowledge in the area of SDI and other modern concepts related to spatial data Faculties stuff needs significant help in the preparation and development of SDI curricula / courses / course content, preparation of teaching materials and the creation of prerequisites for standardized course content in line with modern EU approaches. It will establish and improve management system between partner universities at the Western Balkans, increasing ability to ensure transparency and efficiency in the management process.

   Description

   University in Sarajevo (UNSA) offers study and research opportunities at 22 Faculties, 3 Academies, 5 Centers, 5 Institutes, with National and University Library, Gazi Husrevbey Library, National Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Student Parliament, with over 100 study programmes and over 200 departments. Today, having around 34,000 enrolled students, it ranks among the largest universities in the region. The UNSA is the largest and oldest university in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and is the oldest institution of tertiary education in the ex-Yugoslav states. It was originally established in 1531 as an Ottoman Islamic law college; the university in its modern, secular incarnation being established and effectively added to that in 1949.

   Since 1949 when the Faculty of Civil Engineering was established, over 15000 students have enrolled. The Faculty of Civil Engineering at UNSA is organized in eight departments, and six institutes. The Department of Geodesy was created as Geodesy direction of Faculty of Civil Engineering in Sarajevo, by the Decision of the Council of Civil Engineering Faculty in Sarajevo at its meeting held on 7 July 1973, and then 1980 Geodesy direction turns into Department of Geodesy. The Department of Geodesy is the only higher education scientific research institution in the field of geodesy in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

   Two main tasks of the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences of the UNSA are education and scientific and research work. The education or teaching process is organized through four Departments and chairs within them, while Research and scientific activities are responsibility of eight Institutes. The Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences University of Sarajevo is the reference centre for the implementation of the EU/EEA/COPERNICUS CORINE programme. The Faculty implemented two CORINE projects: CORINE 2006 and CORINE 2012.

10. Javna Ustanova Univerzitet u Tuzli Universitas Studiorum Tuzla (University of Tuzla) –
    established in Bosnia and Herzegovina

    
    RoleThe UNTZ is project partner in the BESTSDI project. It will be involved in coordination, development and implementation of curriculum, dissemination and exploitation and technical activities. UNTZ is going to have spatial role in localisation of BESTSDI curriculum on national level. Coordination of the BESTSDI curriculum knowledge transfer between public and private sectors is one of the main tasks of the UNITZ. UNTZ will execute the courses, participate in material production. It will be involved with other BESTSDI project partners in development of quality plan. UNITZ has particular interest in implementation of INSPIRE Directive on national level and to provide to students the SDI knowledge.

    Description

    The University of Tuzla (UNTZ) was established in 1976 and today it includes more than 50 study profiles in various disciplinary fields. The UNTZ organises and implements teaching-scientific process at undergraduate and postgraduate levels of study, spread across 13 faculties, and involving around 13.400 students, 741 academic and administrative staff members. The teaching is organized in three cycles, in line with the Bologna Process, and the UNTZ offers study programs in bachelor, master and doctoral studies.

    Research, academic excellence, creative and critical approaches are the central values of the University of Tuzla. The vision of the UNTZ is to conduct relevant activities within the integrated European higher education and research area; furthermore, it aims to use the research and international achievements as a basis which would provide the students of all three cycles of studies with top-quality education, encourage fundamental research in the fields of natural science, technical science, biomedical and health sciences, biotechnical sciences, social sciences and humanities thus becoming a major generator of development in the Tuzla Canton in all areas of life, economy, education, health, culture and sports.

    The mission of the UNTZ is to continuously transfer and develop internationally recognized high-quality research in the fields of science, art, and higher education in three levels of the Bologna cycle and lifelong learning, by generating, transferring and applying knowledge gained in various science fields and thus position the University (and maintain the position of) the leading higher education institution in the area of the North East Bosnia and Herzegovina and abroad.

11. Universiteti Nderkombetar per Biznes dhe Tehknologji UBT (University for Business and
    Technology – UBT) – established in Kosovo

    
    RoleUBT will actively support the coordinator in development of the BESTSDI project and the curriculum development for improving the formal academic and professional skills for SDI and meeting the needs of labour market and other policy processes. UBT will support and implement the program aiming to prepare new generations in the SDI context with market needs and EU standards by offering its experience on implementing various EU founded projects in the past. Thus, UBT will actively participate on the project activities like quality assurance, course specifics, accreditation process and promotion. In addition, UBT will disseminate the progress of the project and project activities by measuring the impact on qualitative and quantitative surveys which are going to be develop by the coordinator and the partners. As a final goal of our institution is the sustainability of the BESTSDI project results which we aim to develop targeting the program to live long after the end of the end of the project.

    Description

    UBT (University for Business and Technology) College was established in 2004 and has been licensed by the Ministry of Education, Science and technology no. 808/02-1, date. 18.10.2004.

    The philosophy of the institution has been and is to offer competitive programs in education that would base teaching on labour market demands and international practices. UBT is demand-driven though it has also offered programs related that can contribute to long-term economic and social development in the country and the region itself. UBT offers a range of programs at undergraduate and graduate level. UBT is accredited by the Kosovo Accreditation Agency and maintains a solid growth by adding innovative programs based on country needs as well as regional trends.

    The institution has undergone a number of external accreditation (both institutional and program) phases and has developed and implemented many professional projects, such as curriculum development and training teachers for vocational schools in Kosovo, public administration, public companies, licensing of private companies according to ISO 9001/2000. Application of EFQM model of Management, evaluated, and certified with EFQM Certification.

    UBT offers a range of study programs on bachelor and master level in both Albanian and English language, which are operated within the following departments: Management, Business and Economics, Computer Science and Engineering. Information Systems, Media and Communication, Political Science, Law, Architecture and Spatial Planning, Mechatronics Management, Infrastructure and Civil Engineering, Energy efficiency (Tempus Financed Project).

12. Javna ustanova Univerzitet Crne Gore Podgorica (Unviersity of Montenegro) –
    established in Montenegro

    
    RoleUCG will have partner role in BESTSDI project with special emphasis on SDI knowledge development. It will participate in preparation and drafting of BESTSDI curricula and courses teaching materials. UCG will participate in development of the courses for professionals. But, as well in coordination, dissemination, and in technical activities.
    In order to fulfil EU regulations, UCG will especially focus on implementation of INSPIRE Directive on national level. UCG will contribute to development of the national SDIs in line with INSPIRE. UCG will In particular contribute the BESTSDI project in sustainable knowledge transfer and knowledge implementation.

    Description

    The University of Montenegro (UCG) in Podgorica was founded on 29 April 1974 when three faculties (Faculty of Economics, of Engineering and the Faculty of Law from Titograd), two colleges (Teaching College and Maritime Studies College) and three independent scientific institutes (for History, for Agriculture and for Biological and Medical Research), signed an Agreement on Association into the University in Titograd. A year after it was founded, it changed its name into the University ”Veljko Vlahović”. The seat of the University of Montenegro is in Podgorica (www.podgorica.me), the capital of Montenegro. UCG includes 20 faculties, three institutes and two independent study programmes. It is situated in ten Montenegrin towns. UCG is leading university in Montenegro (out of three). Out of 25.000 students studying in Montenegro, 20.000 of them (80%) are studying at the UCG (according to Ministry of education and sports, Strategy of development and financing of higher education in Montenegro, 2011). UCG BESTSDI partners are:

    Faculty of Philosophy in Nikšić, established in 1988 but taking his roots from 1947 (Higher Pedagogy College in Cetinje). Faculty is organized in 15 departments, among them also Department for Geography with 17 employees, the carrier of activities regarding usage of spatial information and respectively SDI.

    Faculty of Biotechnology in Podgorica, established in 1961 as Agriculture Institute has been transformed in 1997 in Biotechnical faculty. Faculty has 48 employees organized in 10 centres, among them also Centre for land and melioration with 8 employees, with main focus on research in field of usage, organization and protection of land, and therefore also interested in spatial domain and SDI.

13. Unvierzitet u Beogradu (University of Belgrade) – established in Serbia

    
    RoleThe Faculty of Forestry (FoF) acts, in front of UNBG as Partner organization on the project. This means that FoF staff will take responsibility over successful project execution and implementation on our side. Additionally to standard project participation tasks, cooperation with project manager and other projects participations in Partner countries is our role.
    Based on experience and knowledge of FoF staff involved in the project in the field of SDI and other modern concepts related to Spatial Data, FoF will also deliver an essential contribution in preparation and drafting of SDI curricula/courses/course content for our institution.

    Description

    The University of Belgrade (UNBG) is a state university. Its main activities in the fields of higher education and scientific research are activities of public interest. During the two centuries of its existence the UNBG has served its people, and its former students and teachers have greatly contributed to the development of cultural, scientific, educational, political and economic life of Serbia.

    UNBG is prepared to maintain and enhance its position as the leading institution of higher education in the region by adapting to the challenges of modern times on one hand, and preserving what is worth in its tradition on the other. The UNBG comprises 31 faculties, 11 research institutes, the university library, and 12 university centres. It has nearly 90,000 students (1,700 postgraduates) and over 4,200 members of teaching staff. Since its founding, the UNBG has educated more than 330,000 bachelors, 21,300 masters, 29,000 specialists and 12,600 doctors. UNBG has found its place amongst the top 400 universities in the world, according to the most recent global ranking on Shanghai List. In the area of mathematics, it is ranked among the top 150 universities in the world.

    The Faculty of Forestry (FoF) of the UNBG is the oldest higher education institution in the fields of forestry, wood processing, landscape architecture and horticulture and ecological engineering for soil and water resources protection in Serbia. FoF has in its educational program primary, graduate, specialized and doctoral studies. To become a rightful member of Information Society, for FoF is very important to introduce modern Geoinformation Technologies. The adoption of the Bologna Process, in addition to the Geodesy a new school subject Basis of GIS is introduced.

    Annually 180 to 200 students are educated in geoinformatics at the FoF at three departments: Forestry, Ecological Engineering for Soil and Water Resources Protection and Landscape Architecture and Horticulture.

14. Univerzitet u Novom Sadu (University of Novi Sad) – established in Serbia

    
    RoleThe Faculty of Technical Sciences (FTS) acts, on behalf of the UNS as a project partner organization. This means that FTS staff will participate in the development of main project tasks in accordance with the project plan. Based on the experience and knowledge of FTS staff involved in the project in field of SDI and other modern concepts related to Spatial Data, FTS staff will participate in delivering a contribution to the preparation and drafting of SDI curricula/courses/course content for our institutions, preparation of teaching materials and creation of tailor made but still standardized content for each of involved study programs and level of content.

    Description

    University of Novi Sad (UNS) is the second biggest University in Serbia and reputable educational and scientific institution, providing teaching and research. Having invested considerable efforts in intensifying international cooperation and participating in the process of university reforms in Europe, the UNS has come to be recognized as a reform-oriented university in the region. The University is multidisciplinary, committed to excellence, and produces well-qualified and competent graduates, who find their place in the labour market. During 2013/2014 academic year all three levels of studies were attended by 50 358 students at 14 Faculties and 359 study programs. In the teaching process are enrolled around 4.000 teaching staff, domestic and foreign.

    The Faculty of Technical Sciences (FTS) is the biggest faculty within the UNS according to the number of students (over 12 000) at all three levels of studies organized as a unique complex institution comprising smaller organizational units such as departments, chairs, research centers, registrar offices, etc. for appropriate scientific fields and laboratories. The Faculty was founded in 1960 and till now it has developed 13 departments, 10 administrative services and 33 research centres. With more than 1 100 employees, covering the area of over 35 000 m2 divided into 8 buildings, the Faculty ranks among the largest and most developed faculties in the region. The activities of the FTS have been divided in education, research and development and applied research in cooperation with Industry. The Faculty has been issued the certificates EN ISO 9001:2008, ISO 14001:2009 and OHSAS 18001:2007 and is accredited as a research and scientific institution.

15. Universiteti “Ukshin Hoti” ne Prizren (University of “Ukshin Hoti” in Prizren) – established
    in Kosovo

    
    RoleUPZ will as project partner use it’s experience to support the design and development of SDI curricula.
    UPZ will also participate in working teams to help shaping SDI courses and evaluating the SDI curricula. UPZ will use its knowledge and experiences especially in the technological aspects (e.g. Service Oriented Architecture, interoperability, SDI services etc.) to contribute BESTSDI project. The UPZ will contribute the project sustainability in curricula knowledge implementation and producing students with knowledge to contribute to labour geoinformation market.

    Description

    University “Ukshin Hoti” Prizren (UPZ) has been founded in 2010 after decision of the Kosovo Government. The seat of the University is in Prizren, which is one of the most ancient cities in Kosovo. UPZ is the second public university in Kosovo. In 2010 the number of enrolled students was 1700, while in 2014; the number of enrolled students is about 8000 students. The University is accredited since 2010. Mission of the University is to provide quality education, research and innovation in order to produce leaders in the field of Technology, Economics, Law, Education, Philology and other to suit the needs of a dynamic world.

    Faculty of Computer Science is one of the scientific teaching units of the UPZ. Through its research programs, the Faculty of Computer Science at UPZ provides guidance and prepares students for careers based industries. During studies, students are covered with all the necessary theoretical and practical knowledge in the field of CS, IT and GIS. In order to guarantee the study quality, students will get a solid background in theory and basic programming concepts, GIS and software engineering, database design, Web based and GIS based applications, Network Design and Security. Faculty of Computer Science has been established in 2010. It offers programs at Bachelor and Master level. The faculty is furnished with PC pool and appropriate software’s.

Associated Partners:

• Republička uprava za geodetske i imovinsko-pravne poslove Republike Srpske (Republic Administration for Geodetic and Property Affairs of Republika Srpska) – established in Bosnia and Herzegovina

  
  RoleRepublic administration for geodetic and property affairs will participate in the BESTSDI project as partner. It will coordinate activities between High educational institutions and private sector and coordination between University and professionals. It will support preparation of courses and teaching materials with special interest in development of SDI. Republic administration for geodetic and property affairs has the basic spatial data that should be transformed in INSPIRE model, and it has high interest in knowledge that BESTSDI will establish. It has interest in development of the SDI geoinforamtion sector on the Higher educational level but also on private companies and professionals levels.

  Description

  The Republic administration for geodetic and property affairs is an independent Republic administration. The place and role of the Republic administration for geodetic and property affairs is defined in the Law on Republic Administration (“Official gazette of the Republic of Srpska”, no. 118/08 and 74/10) whose article 33 and the Law on amendments to the Law on Republic administration state.
  The Republic administration for geodetic and property affairs performs administrative and other professional tasks related to:

  • survey and the establishment of the real estate cadastre,
  • renewal of the survey and real estate cadastre,
  • maintenance of the survey, real estate cadastre, cadastre of communal services, except for works that are legally transferred to the jurisdiction of local governments,
  • cadastral classification and land quality evaluation,
  • mapping the territory of the Republic,
  • keeping an technical archive of original plans and maps,
  • primary surveying work,
  • supervision of survey work and work on real estate, land and communal services cadastres,
  • land consolidation and surveying for special purposes,
  • property and other affairs related to publicly owned real estate,
  • property affairs on land, buildings, expropriation, land acquisition, agrarian relations, termination of state ownership,
  • establishment of earlier property rights on state owned land-denationalization,
  • records of properties and property rights,
  • property affairs related to real estate to which the Republic has the right of use,
  • supervisory, normative, legal and analytical activities and other activities in accordance with the law.

• Federalna uprava za geodetske i imovinsko-pravne poslove Federacije Bosne i Hercegovine (Federal Administration for Geodetic and Property Affairs of Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina) – established in Bosnia and Herzegovina

  
  RoleFGA of FBiH has partner role in BESTSDI project. It has strong interest in development of public, but as well private, geoinfromation sector, especially SDI. Particular interest is focused on obligations to implement INSPIRE Directive on national level and support to BESTSDI will be given in more directions. Support in development of curricula. The main support will be given in knowledge transfer to public bodies and private sector that can participate in development of national SDI. Considering that, it will support organization of workshops, meetings and development of knowledge transfer and workshops materials. The main role is in coordination between University and public sector, but also private sector.

  Description

  The Federal Administration for Geodetic and Real Property Affairs (FGA) of Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (FBiH) performs administrative and other technical tasks that are under the authority of the FBiH, relating to: survey, real estate cadastre establishment and updating, utility cadastre, with the exception of the tasks for which the authority was devolved by the law to the cantons and municipalities, mapping of the territory of the FBiH, geodetic and cartographic tasks of relevance to defense, keeping technical archives of the originals of plans and maps of basic geodetic works and other data resulting from geodetic works, land consolidation, special purpose land survey, real property records, making property reprivatisation proposals, inspection supervision of works related to survey, real estate cadastre, land cadastre, and utility cadastre. FGA cooperates with Republic Administration of the Republika Srpska on legislative and professional basis, and are partners in various projects and programs.

  FGA performs administrative and other technical tasks that are under the authority of the FBiH, relating to:

  • survey, real estate cadastre establishment and updating
  • utility cadastre
  • mapping of the territory of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina
  • geodetic and cartographic tasks of relevance to defense
  • keeping technical archives of the originals of plans and maps of basic geodetic works and other data resulting from geodetic works
  • land consolidation and special purpose land survey
  • real property records
  • making property reprivatisation proposals
  • inspection supervision of works related to survey, real estate cadastre, land cadastre, and utility cadastre.

  In addition to the Federal Administration for Geodetic and Real Property Affairs of FBiH, there are also four cantonal-level stand alone geodetic administrations, and 79 municipal departments responsible for geodetic and real property affairs, real estate cadastre, and land cadastre.

• Agencija na katastar na nedvižnosti (Agency for Real Estate Cadastre) – Established in North Macedonia

  
  RoleAREC is BESTSDI project Associated partner. It is responsible for development of national SDI and implementation of INSPIRE Directive on the national level and will participate in BESTSDI activities in the field of knowledge dissemination especial in to the public sector. AREC will be involved in coordination of its own, IMPULS project and BESTSDI project activities. It will provide necessary data and results about its activities and SDI development. AREC will particularly support curriculum development and knowledge transfer organising meeting with Universities, public sector institutions and private firms on national level. Support will be in coordination and logistic support, as well as in dissemination of the results of BESTSDI project on the national level.

  Description

  For the purposes of performing the works for establishment and maintenance of the real estate cadastre, the management of the geodetic-cadastre information system, as well as for establishment, maintenance and public access to the National Spatial Data Infrastructure is established the Agency for Real Estate Cadastre (AREC). AREC acts in the capacity of a legal person with its rights, liabilities and responsibilities as stipulated by the Law on Real Estate Cadastre and for its operation reports to the Government of North Macedonia. AREC operates on the principles of legitimacy, expertise, efficiency, transparency, service orientation, professionalism and liability for its operation and the achieved results.
  AREC’s responsibilities are:

  • establishment and management of geodetic-cadastre information system,
  • performance of basic geodetic works,
  • real estate survey,
  • registration of real estate rights,
  • establishment and maintenance of real estate cadastre,
  • geodetic works for special purposes of significance to North Macedonia as defined by the Government of North Macedonia,
  • production of state topographic maps,
  • administration of a Spatial Units Register,
  • establishment, maintenance and public access to the National Spatial Data Infrastructure,
  • supervision over the work of the sole proprietors–authorized surveyors and trade companies for geodetic works.

  AREC is managed by a Director. AREC Steering Board, comprised of five members, each representing the Ministry of Finance, Ministry for Transport and Communication, Ministry of Environment and Spatial Planning and the Ministry for Agriculture, Forestry and Water Supply is supervising the work of AREC.

Subcontractors:

• Lantmäteriet (Swedish National Mapping and Cadastre Authority) – established in Sweden
• Novogit AB – established in Sweden