A Local-State Government Spatial Data Sharing Partnership

A Local-State Spatial Data Sharing Partnership Model to Facilitate SDI Development
(Car 1998), understanding human cognitive processes (Timpf & Frank 1997) and the
aggregation and interpolation of administrative boundaries (Eagleson et al. 1999).
From a SDI perspective the parallels with political and administrative systems can be seen
in the SDI development (Chan & Williamson 1999). Rajabifard et al. (2000) proposed that
these hierarchical systems of SDIs should be viewed from two perspectives: an umbrella
view from the global level looking down and a building block view where each level of
development supports the higher levels of development.
Global Planning
Regional Planning
National Planning
State Planning
Local Planning
Figure 2.6 Hierachical nature of SDI (Rajabifard et al. 2002)
A useful perspective with respect to this research is the authors’ view of the relationship
between the different levels of SDI from the corporate to the global level and the
corresponding level of data detail. In particular, the linkage and relationship of the data
flows as illustrated in Figure 2.6. Sub-national SDIs rely on collecting detailed
information from the local level to support the delivery of state government services and to
support state planning.
However, although the properties of hierarchical systems might be essential for the
development of a consistent database or data structure, the absence of a strict hierarchical
structure does not necessarily inhibit SDI development and implementation (Masser 2005).
For example national bodies such as FGDC work directly with local governments without
reference to the state level.
2.4.6 Sub-National SDI and the Private Sector
As described earlier, the first generation of SDI initiatives progressed through national
government agencies by a process of policy and standards development. However, the
focus in recent years has moved from the national to sub-national levels involving state
and local governments. This section will briefly highlight some of the issues and progress
in this area of SDI development.
Less detailed data
More detailed
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Global SDI
Regional SDI
National SDI
State SDI
Local SDI