A Local-State Government Spatial Data Sharing Partnership

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Chapter 2 – Spatial Data and SDI in Context
The process-based model represents another important objective of SDI development,
namely to define a framework to facilitate the management of information assets
(Rajabifard et al. 2002). The second generation of SDIs are more process-based and are
distinguished by their leverage of experiences, expertise, social capital of SDI
development and development of clearinghouse systems with the use of the data and the
users driving the development (Crompvoets et al. 2004).
2.4.3 Definition and Components of SDI
Like the national information infrastructure visions espoused by governments in the early
to mid 1990s, SDI has developed in all shapes and sizes (Masser 1999). SDI is viewed
differently by different stakeholders. Not only do the views of the various sectors
(academia, government, business) vary, but the levels of government hold different views
and perspectives. Rajabifard & Williamson (2001) examined the definitions of SDI from
three key agencies, namely Australian and New Zealand Land Information Council
(ANZLIC), the Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC) and the Dutch Council for
Real Estate Information (Ravi). Although these definitions have some commonalities,
they illustrate the differing understanding of SDI. The result is a degree of fragmentation
in SDI as each organisation pursues differing goals. Table 2.2 illustrates the range of SDI
definitions and perspectives.
Source SDI Definition
Table 2.2 Differing perspectives of SDI
Brand (1998) A Global Spatial Data Infrastructure is one that encompasses the policies,
organisational remits, data technologies, standards, delivery mechanisms and
financial and human resources necessary to ensure that those working at the
global or regional scale are not impeded in meeting their objectives.
ANZLIC (1998) The Australian Spatial Data Infrastructure comprises a distributed network of
databases, linked by common policies, standards and protocols to ensure
compatibility.
Coleman and
McLaughlin (1998)
Executive Office of the
President (1994)
A Global Geospatial Data Infrastructure encompasses the policies, technologies,
standards and human resources necessary for the effective collection,
management, access, delivery and utilization of geospatial data in a global
community.
The Executive Order defines the NSDI in the following terms: National Spatial
Data Infrastructure (NSDI) means the technology, policies, standards and human
resources necessary to acquire, process, store, distribute, and improve the
utilization of geospatial data.
Groot (2000) SDI encompasses the networked geospatial databases and data handling
facilities, the complex of institutional, organisational, technological, human and
economic resources which interact with one another and underpin the design,
implementation and maintenance of mechanisms facilitating the sharing, access
to, and responsible use of geospatial data at an affordable cost for a specific
application domain or enterprise.
Rajabifard &
Williamson (2001)
Viewing the core components of SDI as policy, access network, technical
standards, people (including partnerships) and data, different categories can be
formed based on the different nature of their interactions within the SDI
framework.