Can you elaborate on the evolution of GSDI?
In the early 1990s a few nations saw the benefit of sharing digital geospatial information across boundaries. Some had then started developing National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI). Essentially, this small group could see that the benefits generated by sharing data across boundaries internal to any nation were also realized by sharing across international borders. An informal group promoting GSDI evolved and sponsored regular sharing of information on Spatial Data Infrastructure (SDI) activities both nationally and globally. The first GSDI meeting was followed by five others. GSDI-6 convened in Budapest, Hungary in September 2002 attracted roughly 250 attendees representing over 50 nations. The GSDI had no formal organizational status and no funding base except what the participants contribute. The organization is now seeking a more robust organizational structure: one that interacts with other global organizations and meets regularly to exchange ideas: one that actively promotes/conducts capacity building and research: and one that seeks and distributes funds to help fledgling SDIs around the world.

How are the objectives of GSDI any different from similar regional initiatives?
The Global Spatial Data Infrastructure (GSDI) Association is dedicated to international cooperation and collaboration in support of local, national, and international SDI that would allow all to better address social, economic, and environmental issues of pressing importance. The GSDI will support the work of organizations to develop their own National Spatial Data Infrastructures (NSDI), and will collaborate with local, national, and international organisations to ensure that the geospatial data and metadata are accessible through interoperable web services, systems, and software. The success of the GSDI depends on the quality of its partnerships with public, private, academic, and non-governmental organizations. The scope of GSDI is perhaps a very broad spectrum - one that can encompass most regional initiatives across the globe at one point.

Does the GSDI create, manage or audit datasets?
GSDI does not mandate to directly manage or audit datasets of geospatial nature. It works towards five main goals that definitely lead to the development of proper quality datasets that can have wide outreach and easy access. GSDI continues to promote and develop awareness and exchanges on infrastructure issues. It promotes and facilitates standards-based data access/discovery through the Internet. It actively encourages, supports, and conducts capacity building. GSDI also aims to promote and conduct SDI development research and through these processes develops active fund raising programmes.

Many governments regard geospatial data as sensitive and/or strategic information. How have such governments reacted to freely available data?
Responses have been various. The position in Europe with respect to the INSPIRE initiative is particularly interesting in this respect.

How much of a GSDI has been formed to date?
An invitation has been sent out to 300 organisations globally and it is also possible to become a member via the GSDI Association website. The recent successful global conferences in Bonn (Germany), Chapel Hill (USA), Canberra (Australia), Cape Town (South Africa), Cartagena (Colombia), Budapest (Hungary) and the upcoming conference in Bangalore (India) attest to the growing influence of the Association. These international events, where diverse parties are invited on a regular basis to share experiences, serve on working groups, and receive training in SDI advancements, form extremely rich platforms to leverage the growth and development of a wider and bigger network.

Global Spatial Data Infrastructure (GSDI)

GSDI encompasses the policies, organisational remits, data, technologies, standards, delivery mechanisms, and financial and human resources necessary to ensure that those working at the global and regional scale are not impeded in meeting their objectives. For more information: GSDI Secretariat, 590 National Center, Reston, VA 20192, United States http://www.gsdi.org