Professor Ian Masser

It is with sadness that we note the passing of Professor Ian Masser. Over many decades Ian was a tireless communicator of the undoubted benefits of collecting, organising and using geospatial information.  As an excellent educator, author, innovator, colleague and inspiration to both students and many others in the geospatial information community and beyond, he stands out as a truly great role model. 

From 1999 to 2003 Ian was the President of EUROGI.  During his time as President one of the many activities which he initiated and promoted was highlighting the need for there to be a European Spatial Data Infrastructure (SDI). As part of this work he communicated regularly with the European Commission.  We have heard from a Commission officer who was involved at the time that his activities in this regard were one of the motivating factors for what later became the INSPIRE Directive.

Within the last year, in response to a request from EUROGI, Ian contributed his thoughts regarding what the geospatial information environment maybe would look like beyond SDIs. This is but one example of how his restless and inquiring mind was contributing to ongoing topical discussions even in very recent times.

 Ian will be sorely missed by very many people around the world.  However, his legacy will live on far into the future.

Ian, a great human being. RIP.