Within the framework of a joint research activity of the European integrated infrastructure initiative “Integrating Activity on Synchrotron and Free Electron Laser Science” four synchrotron facilities have jointly developed diagnostic systems for superconducting undulators. Four work packages have been successfully completed: Design and construction of a test cryostat for field measurements; design and construction of a mock-up coil; field measurement and field error compensation; diagnostics and measurement of the spectrum of low energy electrons responsible for beam heat load in a superconducting undulator. The development advanced the knowledge of magnetic field error compensation considerably and might be of help in understanding the different beam heat load sources. Based on the development a second generation planar superconducting undulator with 15 mm period length for the synchrotron light source ANKA has been specified and procured.