This post is for organizations currently using ArcGIS for INSPIRE (Classic), including national mapping agencies, environmental authorities, statistical offices, and Spatial Data Infrastructure (SDI) coordinators across Europe.
INSPIRE’s Role in Europe’s Spatial Data Infrastructure
Since 2007, the INSPIRE Directive has provided a shared framework for spatial data across Europe. It established common principles for interoperability, access, and reuse, enabling countries to develop Spatial Data Infrastructures (SDIs) that support environmental policy, cross‑border cooperation, and evidence‑based decision‑making. Together, these efforts have strengthened national SDIs and contributed to a more connected pan‑European geospatial ecosystem.
Retirement of ArcGIS for INSPIRE (Classic)
As INSPIRE implementation has matured, expectations for how spatial data is delivered and used have changed. Open data, cloud platforms, and easier access to ready‑to‑use information now play a central role in European data strategies. The INSPIRE Directive is undergoing modernization to simplify its legal framework and align with the EU’s Open Data Directive, aiming to reduce administrative burdens and support the Green Deal data agenda.
ArcGIS for INSPIRE (Classic) was designed to support an earlier phase of INSPIRE implementation, focused on schema‑driven harmonization and service‑based compliance. To align with INSPIRE’s continued evolution and modern data practices, ArcGIS for INSPIRE (Classic) will retire on 1-August 2026.
This planned retirement provides customers with a clear timeline to prepare and transition.
What This Means for Customers
ArcGIS for INSPIRE (Classic) will remain available and supported according to its lifecycle until the retirement date. Customers should begin planning next steps now.
Esri remains committed to supporting INSPIRE‑aligned data sharing across Europe. Future investment is focused on modern approaches that improve accessibility, reuse, and collaboration. A separate ArcGIS Blog post outlines how Esri is supporting this next phase through ArcGIS INSPIRE Open Data, including alignment with High‑Value Datasets (HVDs).
Next Steps
We recommend that customers:
- Review current use of ArcGIS for INSPIRE (Classic)
- Engage with your Esri Distributor or an Esri partner to discuss transition options
- Read the companion blog post ArcGIS supports the EU Open Data Directive
- Evaluate migration options ahead of 1 August 2026
- Publish ready-to-use data layers, starting with your highest priority HVD themes, using ArcGIS INSPIRE Open Data.
The retirement of ArcGIS for INSPIRE (Classic) reflects a transition in implementation approach, while continuing to support the goals and principles of the INSPIRE Directive. The legislative activities are underway, but not yet finalized. We continue to support ongoing simplification and alignment with the Open Data Directive as it develops.
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