Brussels, 14/02/2007 (Agence Europe) - Europe requires a more effective geographic data infrastructure to support environment, transport, energy and agriculture policies. INSPIRE, a new system for pooling and improving the quality of member states' geographical data (satellite images, temperature readings, precipitation levels), could be in place by 2009. In Strasbourg on 13 February, the Parliament opened the way for this advance by confirming the joint project following the deal struck between the Parliament and the Council on the draft directive setting up a geographical data infrastructure in the European Community (see EUROPE 9315). The formal adoption of the text will come very soon. (an)