The economic value of the Dutch geo-information sector

Abstract

Defining the geo-information sector and estimating its economic value on a national level is difficult and standard methodologies are not available. The aim of this paper is to clearly define the geo-information sector and to measure its economic value in terms of turnover, employment, activities and the market. The results of the survey in the Netherlands estimate the economic value of the Dutch geo-information sector at € 1,4 billion, 0,25% of the national GDP. Furthermore the results show that the Dutch geo-information sector is a fast developing sector with high potential. The authors conclude that together, the definition used and the developed survey methodology provide a good basis for measuring the value of the national geo-information sector. They suggest to carry out comparable studies in order to increase awareness of the geo-information sector as a sector of economic importance and to stimulate further development and innovation.