Geospatial data

Mapping of biodiversity, geology, place names, and various natural phenomena is a major undertaking of the Natural Science Institute of Iceland. Through mapping, geographic information is generated—digital data that contain information about the location and characteristics of features. The Institute also manages fundamental datasets such as contour lines, municipal administrative boundaries, and land use.

The Institute is responsible for implementing Act No. 44/2011 on Spatial data infrastructure and leads its national implementation. It also disseminates knowledge and operates the centralized Kortagluggi (Map Portal).

Mapping and geographic information play a crucial role in government policy-making, including in relation to infrastructure projects, spatial planning, environmental issues, and the monitoring of natural hazards. The data also reflect the development and changes in Iceland’s natural environment over time, as they are based on long-term research.

Most maps are published in map viewers, but the Kortagluggi provides access to all maps published by public institutions in Iceland in one place. Metadata about the maps are available in a metadata portal.

Map data are available for download through a download service or directly from the Kortagluggi, and they are open to all.

Geographic data are stored in specialized databases and processed in Geographic Information Systems (GIS). The main systems and software used by the Natural Science Institute of Iceland include QGIS, PostGIS, ArcGIS by Esri, and Global Mapper.