A Local-State Government Spatial Data Sharing Partnership

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Chapter 2 – Spatial Data and SDI in Context
2.5.6 Status of Empirical Research on Spatial Data Sharing and SDI
Much of the research on data sharing and SDI development has been theoretical based but
has provided limited empirical evidence on the importance or otherwise of the various
factors that impact on the success of data sharing initiatives. Table 2.6 below summarises
the outcomes from a range of empirical research on data sharing and SDI development.
The table identifies both the concepts examined in each research study and the key
findings from the empirical analysis.
Table 2.6 Summary of empirical research findings for data sharing and SDI development
Author Concepts Examined Key findings
(Nedovic-Budic &
Pinto 2000)
(Harvey & Tulloch
2006)
(Nedovic-Budic et
al. 2004a)
(Tulloch & Fuld
2001)
(Crompvoets et
al. 2004)
Information sharing in an interorganisational
environment. Utilised case
study approach to examine context,
structure, process/issues and outcomes of
data sharing.
Evaluation of foundations of SDI through
local government data sharing by
comparing data sharing processes, issues
and practices across five domains.
Examined the properties of data sharing
and motivations for cooperative
arrangements.
Investigation of framework data for building
the NSDI, particularly the production at
local government level.
Assessed world-wide development of
national spatial data clearinghouses.
Empirical observation of developments of
clearinghouse implementation, growth,
usage, data sets, people, policy and
standards.
Coordination and implementation issues
including attitude, responsibilities, perception
of fairness (trust), commitment, teamwork,
negotiation process and persistence were
identified as critical. High data dependence
is conducive to a good fit but requires
organisational change, management support
and funding.
Symbiotic relationship between local and
state government must be better understood.
Policy development must reflect the business
needs of local government. Trust and
individual attitudes are important. SDI
development at local level is inconsistent
and not well understood.
Organisations collaborate for different
reasons but for common missions or goals.
Resources are a strong motivator for
external interactions but standards adoption
is still limited. Formal mechanisms
(contracts) predominate through policies and
mutual rules. Clearinghouse development is
more likely to only internal. Internet is
becoming a growing facilitator for
communications and relations
Low level of active or sophisticated data
sharing was reported. Growing importance
of internet for clearinghouses is identified.
Inter-organisational issues continue to be
major challenge. Benefits of sharing include
efficiency, effectiveness and equity. Less
structured chaordic approaches have
potential but not proven. Jurisdictional
coordination variation at state level including
political, legal, economic and governance
arrangements create challenges for NSDI.
The methodology of the survey approach
provided objective results. Decline in
clearinghouse activity reflect resourcing
issues and greater demand on application
services. Key success factors were stable
funding, web services, clarity of purpose,
good communication channels, user friendly
access and trust.
Many of these findings agree with the previously reviewed theoretical literature on data
sharing and SDI development. Factors and issues that appear to re-occur include the
growing importance of the internet connectivity, resourcing, trust and institutional
frameworks, particularly policy.