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National Geo - Spatial Data Infrastructure (NGDI) (A Simplified Aproach)
- Speed of Change
It is seen that any society which is greatly influenced by the traditions and very old culture will resist any change which is imposed in a hurry. The pace of change should, therefore, be deliberately made slow so as to generate acceptability by a large number of affected persons and organizations. NGDI may, therefore, be introduced in small phases.
- Availability of the Internet Technology
Internet technology has made all the sea-change in information-technology. It will be a great step in providing information about the stored-data to the user in the form of web-site. It is suggested that almost all the organizations involved in exchange of spatial data should have their own web-sites. The contents of the web-sites should optimally be designed to disseminate relevant information to the users.
As a matter of convenience to the users and launching of NGDI, the web-sites should play a significant role in enhancing the concept of meta-data. The user after knowing the 'where' of the data can enter into dialogue with the organization for the contents, copyright and the cost (3 'C' s of the data). The nodal agencies e.g. Dept. of Science and Technology and Dept. of Space should help the intending organizations with financial and technical support in the beginning.
Let us now discuss about the various components of the Model.
Spatial Data producing agencies suggested role
Meta-Data about the spatial data - Use of Internet Technology
There are more than twenty different data-producing organizations - and to add to the difficulty - under different Ministries of Govt. of India and also States. The first and most important activity of any one trying to generate database is to find out where the relevant data resides. Which organization has 'what' and 'where' is the most vital question to be answered at the beginning of the GIS project. Even after a lot of legwork, the information about the data may not be available. This aspect of the data collection becomes one of the most formidable and frustrating (teaches the value of patience!) endeavour.
As a first step, it is easy to have cost and time effective policy of encouraging the organizations to have their own Internet web-sites. NRSA has a web-site, which provides good information about their services and products. Data producing agencies will have the 'contents' of the web-site oriented towards information about data and not the data itself. The user will, after due diligence, will enter into dialogue with the concerned agency for purchase etc. of data.
Ofcourse, a final and more effective solution is to have a common server of NGDI where this Meta-data is stored.
NGDI-Mailing List, Publications Etc.
Pending the formation of the Internet web-sites, the NGDI office in Dept. of Science and Technology can compile the meta-data based on the periodical communications from the partners of NGDI. The combined information can be disseminate through material/publication(s).
Inter-Agency-Coordination-Committee
Linkage between the Spatial-Data Producing Agencies
United States started with having an 'Inter-Agency Coordination Committee' representing major data producing agencies. In our case also, Dept. of Science and Technology can take the initiative to bring (formally or informally as was done in the February Workshop) the concerned organizations to one platform. Although organizations will belong to the different Ministries, it should not deter the idea of sitting together.
The first objective of the proposed Inter Agency Coordinating Committee should be to discuss the NGDI Draft Report and concentrate on the priorities of action. Let us not leave anyone who is interested in NGDI like Universities, Private Organizations, NGO's and motivated individuals in our evolution of thoughts on NGDI.
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