Building European Spatial Data Infrastructures

"In describing the emergence of the spatial data infrastructure (SDI) phenomenon, this book covers the diffusion and evolution of SDIs around the world, and indicates the countries in which SDIs are far along, and those in which more work is needed. The implementation of SDIs from a practical perspective and a method of institution building for regional, continental, and global SDIs is outlined. This guide offers recommendations about how SDI stakeholders around the world can leverage the work already done and maintain the momentum that is currently driving the global SDI phenomenon." -- Publisher.

This book covers some of the most prevalent policy issues evolving around spatial data infrastructure. First, the book addresses a variety of European SDI projects aiming at the creation of regional spatial data infrastructure. Secondly, the Dutch and American situation are described, providing insights on how two rather different legal and economic SDI settings can still allow for and serve very similar infrastructure functions. Keywords: spatial data infrastructures, development, legal and economic, Europe, United States, Netherlands.

Expert perspectives on SDI theory and practice The spatial data infrastructure (SDI) concept continues to evolve and become an increasingly important element of the infrastructure that supports economic development, environmental management, and social stability. Because of its dynamic and complex nature, however, it remains a fuzzy concept

This book draws on author’s wealth of knowledge working on numerous projects across many countries. It provides a clear overview of the development of the SDI concept and SDI worldwide implementation and brings a logical chronological approach to the linkage of GIS technology with SDI enabling data. The theory and practice approach help understand that SDI development and implementation is very much a social process of learning by doing. The author masterfully selects main historical developments and updates them with an analytical perspective promoting informed and responsible use of geographic information and geospatial technologies for the benefit of society from local to global scales. Features Subject matter spans thirty years of the development of GIS and SDI. Brings a social science perspective into GIS and SDI debates that have been largely dominated by technical considerations. Based on a world-wide perspective as a result of the author's experience and research in the USA, Australia, Canada, Brazil, Peru, China, India, Korea, Malaysia, and Japan as well as most European countries. Draws upon professional and academic experience relating to pioneering UK and European GIS research initiatives. Includes updated historical material with an analytical perspective explaining what was done right, and what didn't work.

Spatial data infrastructures (SDIs) have come a long way in the last two decades.

This book contains papers presented at the first Open Source Geospatial Research Symposium held in Nantes City, France, 8-10 July, 2009. It brings together insights and ideas in the fields of Geospatial Information and Geoinformatics. It demonstrates the scientific community dynamism related to open source and free software as well as in defining new concepts, standards or tools.

Expert perspectives on SDI theory and practice The spatial data infrastructure (SDI) concept continues to evolve and become an increasingly important element of the infrastructure that supports economic development, environmental management, and social stability. Because of its dynamic and complex nature, however, it remains a fuzzy concept to many, and depending on their needs and circumstances, practitioners, researchers, and governments adopt different views of it. Developing Spatial Data Infrastructures: from Concept to Reality makes a timely contribution to the theory and practice of SDIs and breaks new ground in improving understanding of their relevance and value. It provides expert overviews of policies, concepts, standards, and practices associated with the design, implementation, and operation of SDIs. It introduces the concept of an SDI Hierarchy based on Hierarchical Spatial Reasoning, sets out the similarities and differences between SDIs operating within and between different jurisdictions, and identifies factors key to the success of SDI initiatives. Built on key contributions to the International Symposium on Spatial Data Infrastructure held in Melbourne in November 2001, this book is the first of its kind to provide address both the theoretical and practical aspects of developing appropriate SDIs. It offers unique, detailed discussions on the challenges and direction of future SDI development and thus provides an outstanding resource for those involved in building and maintaining SDIs and for GIS professionals and students.