A Survey of National Spatial Data Infrastructure
Across the Globe

Yuji Murayama

Professor

Brandon M. Vista

Teaching Assistant

What is a SDI?

The term “Spatial Data Infrastructure” (SDI) is often used to denote the relevant base collection of technologies, policies and institutional arrangements that facilitate the availability of and access to spatial data.

The SDI provides a basis for spatial data discovery, evaluation, and application for users and providers within all levels of government, the commercial sector, the non-profit sector, academia and by citizens in general.

(Source: SDI Cookbook V.2, 25 January 2004)

Drivers for SDI

Most decision making place today require spatial information.

(e.g. Disaster management, transportation and communication, public utilities and services, climate change and a lot more….)

There is an increasing demand for spatial data.

But, spatial data are expensive and time-consuming to produce.

Problems of geo-information exchange and sharing among user community and various stakeholders

Need for efficiencies in information capture, management and use

Need for common standards and protocols

What constitutes a NSDI?

Policy – overarching framework of the creation of a National level SD; embodies strategies and plans 2. Institutional framework

Institutions – the lead and member organizations that are willing to cooperate in the creation, sharing and use of fundamental geospatial data.

Data – fundamental datasets

Standards and protocols – metadata, technical guidelines e.g. reference system, etc., and specific guidelines for sharing and exchange of spatial data

Examples of NSDI Initiatives

US National Spatial Data Infrastructure

Enabling Act:

Executive Order 12906 (Clinton)

Year Enacted:

April 1994

Led by:

Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC)

Basic Features:

7 themes of digital geographic data commonly used

Procedures, technology, and guidelines that provide for integration, sharing, and use of these data

Institutional relationships and business practices that encourage the maintenance and use of data.

Canadian Geospatial Data Infrastructure (CGDI)

Japan National Spatial Data Infrastructure

National Fundamental Geographic Information System of China

Geonovum (The Netherlands)

Swiss Organization for Geographic Information

Australian Spatial Data Infrastructure (ASDI)

National Spatial Data Framework (South Africa)

Some concluding thoughts…

NSDI provides an overarching framework that allows for interoperability of geographic datasets.

Establishment of NSDI in respective countries is vital for growth and development.

The development of NSDI is spreading across the globe especially in developed countries but similar initiatives are taking place among the developing nations.

Each country which embarked on NSDI development has its own rationale, legal basis, key features and experience to share such that others which are just underway have something to emulate.


	The term “Spatial Data Infrastructure” (SDI) is often used to denote the relevant base collection of technologies, policies and institutional arrangements that facilitate the availability of and access to spatial data.

	The SDI provides a basis for spatial data discovery, evaluation, and application for users and providers within all levels of government, the commercial sector, the non-profit sector, academia and by citizens in general.
		(Source: SDI Cookbook V.2, 25 January 2004)


	Most decision making place today require spatial information.
		(e.g. Disaster management, transportation and communication, public utilities and services, climate change and a lot more….)
	There is an increasing demand for spatial data.
	But, spatial data are expensive and time-consuming to produce.
	Problems of geo-information exchange and sharing among user community and various stakeholders
	Need for efficiencies in information capture, management and use
	Need for common standards and protocols


	Policy – overarching framework of the creation of a National level SD; embodies strategies and plans 2. Institutional framework
	Institutions – the lead and member organizations that are willing to cooperate in the creation, sharing and use of fundamental geospatial data.
	Data – fundamental datasets
	Standards and protocols – metadata, technical guidelines e.g. reference system, etc., and specific guidelines for sharing and exchange of spatial data


	Enabling Act:
	Executive Order 12906 (Clinton)

	Year Enacted:
	April 1994

	Led by:
	Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC)

	Basic Features:
	7 themes of digital geographic data commonly used
	Procedures, technology, and guidelines that provide for integration, sharing, and use of these data
	Institutional relationships and business practices that encourage the maintenance and use of data.


	NSDI provides an overarching framework that allows for interoperability of geographic datasets.
	Establishment of NSDI in respective countries is vital for growth and development.
	The development of NSDI is spreading across the globe especially in developed countries but similar initiatives are taking place among the developing nations.
	Each country which embarked on NSDI development has its own rationale, legal basis, key features and experience to share such that others which are just underway have something to emulate.