Surveying and Mapping Authority of the Republic of Slovenia: Data That Defines Space and Ownership
Host Petra Prešeren Golob and Tomaž Petek. | Author Government Communication Office
The Surveying and Mapping Authority of the Republic of Slovenia manages several core national registers, including the real estate cadastre, building registers, house number records, state border records, and numerous spatial data databases. More than 450 employees are responsible for managing millions of data records, ensuring reliable information about space and real estate.
GURS is also responsible for the development of modern spatial data systems. Slovenia is among the countries that began systematically digitizing spatial records and opening data to the public at an early stage. “I would even dare to say that we are among the pioneers when it comes to the transition from paper to the digital world.”
As a result, Slovenia often follows the most advanced practices in geodetic data management and digitalisation—and helps shape them as well. When asked whether Slovenia keeps pace with the world’s best in this field, Petek responds: “If I may be a little immodest, I would say yes.” The Surveying and Mapping Authority is also involved in numerous international organisations and collaborations, with Slovenian experts actively contributing to the development of European standards in geodetic and spatial data.
Well-maintained registers are not only important for the state but above all for property owners. Petek emphasizes that ownership is not self-evident and requires active responsibility: “The key message would be that ownership requires action. It is not self-evident that our property will be properly protected.”
You are invited to listen to the conversation on all major podcast platforms and on the YouTube channel of the Government of the Republic of Slovenia.