The Future of Spatial Data Infrastructures

• Published in: Geographic Information Systems to Spatial Data Infrastructure pp. 227 - 252
• Main Author: Masser, Ian
• Format: Book Chapter
• Language: English
• Published: Routledge 2020
• Edition: 1
• Subjects: FGDC; SDI Initiative; Joint Research Centre; Spatial Sciences Institute; Global Geospatial Information Management; SDI Activity; National Mapping Agencies; Global Spatial Data Infrastructure; SDI Development; National SDI; SDI Model; Implement Reform; Geospatial Data; SDI Implementation; Human Language Technologies; Uncertainty Avoidance; GEOSS; SDI Concept; SDI; Ministries Of The Environment; Local Spatial Data Infrastructure; Dg Information Society; National Academy; Geospatial Information Management
• ISBN: 1138584622; 9781138584624
• DOI: 10.1201/9780429505904-12

The development of spatial data infrastructure (SDI) has been studied extensively in Europe. The remaining countries have made other arrangements for the coordination of their national SDI activities. The SDI initiatives show the extent to which they come in all shapes and sizes with respect to population size, land area, level of economic development and distribution of administrative responsibilities. The driving forces behind these initiatives are generally similar: i.e. promoting economic development, stimulating better government and fostering environmental sustainability. The impression given by many national SDI documents is that they abide by the principle of 'one size fits all'. Many countries are moving towards more inclusive models of SDI governance to meet the requirements of a multi-level multi-stakeholder SDI. The chapter concludes with a discussion of four key issues that are likely to play a vital role in determining the future success of SDIs.