The interoperability of spatial data services is characterised by the capability to communicate, execute or transfer data among them. Therefore the spatial data services need to be further documented with additional metadata. To a lesser degree, it also concerns the harmonisation of the content of the service contrary to the spatial data sets implementing rules.
For the development of the implementing rules mandated by the INSPIRE Directive 2007/2/EC the emphasis was first put on the core services, i.e., the network services, with Commission Regulation (EC) No 976/2009, and on the interoperability of the spatial data sets, in Regulation (EU) No 1089/2010.
The Implementing Rules for Spatial Data Services and Technical Guidelines provide the technical specifications for the spatial data services necessary to implement the requirements of the INSPIRE Directive.