Websites using Geoportail

Okay, let s break down Géoportail, focusing on the aspects you requested: overview, revenue (if available), alternatives, pricing, and customer care.

1. Overview of Géoportail

• What it is: Géoportail is the official national geomatics platform of France. It provides a comprehensive collection of geographic data, imagery, and mapping tools for the entire French territory (mainland France and overseas territories). Think of it as France s equivalent to something like Google Earth, but with a greater focus on authoritative government data.
• Key Features:
  • High-resolution aerial imagery: Provides detailed aerial and satellite images.
  • Topographic maps: Includes topographic maps with detailed terrain information, roads, and points of interest.
  • Cadastral data: Allows users to view property boundaries and land parcel information (cadastre).
  • Geological data: Offers geological maps and information.
  • Environmental data: Includes data related to protected areas, forests, water resources, and environmental risks.
  • Transportation data: Provides information on roads, railways, and public transportation networks.
  • 3D views: Offers 3D visualization capabilities for some areas.
  • Search functionality: Enables users to search for specific locations, addresses, or points of interest.
  • Measurement tools: Allows users to measure distances and areas on the map.
  • Data download: Some data is available for download for various uses (subject to licensing).
• Purpose: Géoportail serves various purposes, including:
  • Land management: Used by government agencies and professionals for urban planning, infrastructure development, and land administration.
  • Environmental monitoring: Provides data for monitoring environmental changes, assessing risks, and managing natural resources.
  • Tourism: Offers information for tourists, including hiking trails, points of interest, and accommodation options.
  • Navigation: Can be used for navigation and route planning.
  • Research and education: Provides a valuable resource for researchers, students, and educators.
  • General public: Allows the public to access detailed geographic information about France.
• Authority: Operated by the IGN (Institut national de l information géographique et forestière) which is the French National Institute of Geographic and Forest Information. This lends it a high degree of authority and reliability.

2. Revenue (Availability and Model)

• Revenue Model: Géoportail is primarily a government-funded service. Its main purpose is to provide a public service, not to generate significant revenue.
• Revenue Streams (Limited):
  • Data Licensing: While much of Géoportail is freely accessible, some specific datasets or high-resolution imagery may be subject to licensing fees, especially for commercial use. These licenses contribute a small part to the funding.
  • Custom Services: The IGN might offer custom mapping services or data analysis to specific clients, generating some revenue.
• Information is Limited: Specific revenue figures for Géoportail itself are usually not publicly disclosed as it s part of a larger government institute s budget.

3. Alternatives to Géoportail

Here are some alternatives, depending on the specific use case:

• Global Alternatives (for general mapping and imagery):
  • Google Earth/Google Maps: Widely used, offers global coverage, satellite imagery, street view, and navigation. Pros: Easy to use, vast database. Cons: Imagery resolution may vary, data may not be as authoritative as Géoportail for France.
  • Bing Maps: Similar to Google Maps, with global coverage, aerial imagery, and street view.
  • OpenStreetMap (OSM): A collaborative, open-source mapping project. Pros: Free, customizable, community-driven. Cons: Data quality can vary.
  • Here WeGo: Offers mapping, navigation, and real-time traffic information.
• European Alternatives:
  • Copernicus Programme (European Union): Provides Earth observation data and services, including satellite imagery and environmental monitoring information.
  • Other National Geoportals: Many European countries have their own national geoportals (e.g., in the UK, Switzerland, etc.). If you need data for a specific country, check for its national equivalent.
• Specific Data Alternatives (France):
  • IGN Website (directly): The IGN (which runs Géoportail) provides access to many of its datasets directly through its website.
  • Data.gouv.fr: The French government s open data portal, which may include some of the same geographic data as Géoportail.
  • BRGM (Bureau de Recherches Géologiques et Minières): For geological data and information about France.
  • Météo-France: For weather and climate data.

Choosing an Alternative: Consider what specific data you need, the geographic area of interest, your budget, and the level of detail required. Géoportail is generally the best option for highly accurate and authoritative geographic information about France.

4. Pricing

• Free Access: The Géoportail website (geoportail.gouv.fr) offers free access to its basic mapping and imagery features.
• Data Licensing Fees: Access to certain high-resolution data, specialized datasets, or data for commercial use is subject to licensing fees. These fees vary depending on the type of data, the area covered, and the intended use.
• How to Find Pricing: To determine the pricing for specific data or services, you need to:
  • Visit the IGN website (ign.fr).
  • Navigate to the section related to data licensing or commercial services.
  • Contact the IGN directly through their contact form or by phone.

5. Customer Care Details

• Website: The primary point of contact is the IGN website (ign.fr).
• Contact Form: The IGN website usually has a contact form for general inquiries. Look for a Contact or Nous contacter link.
• Phone: You can find phone numbers for the IGN on their website. Look for numbers related to customer service, data sales, or technical support.
• Email: The IGN may provide specific email addresses for different departments or services.
• Help Section/FAQ: The Géoportail website itself may have a help section or FAQ that answers common questions.
• Social Media: The IGN might have a presence on social media platforms (e.g., Twitter, LinkedIn) where you can potentially ask questions or find updates.
• Specific Departments: Depending on your request (e.g., data licensing, technical support), you might need to contact a specific department within the IGN. The website should provide contact information for these departments.

Important Considerations:

• Language: Customer care will primarily be in French.
• Response Times: As a government agency, response times may vary. Be prepared to wait a few days for a response.
• Be Specific: When contacting customer care, be as specific as possible about your request. Include details about the data you need, your intended use, and any relevant geographic areas.

In summary, Géoportail is a valuable resource for geographic information about France, especially when authoritative and accurate data is required. While much of it is free to use, be aware that certain data and services may require licensing fees. Contact the IGN directly for detailed pricing and customer support.