Challenges
There are many challenging issues to address before the GSDI will become a reality:

• Raising the level of awareness, acceptance and support. The GSDI concept is not widely known, let alone well accepted and supported. Given the requirement for a broad group of stakeholder interests to be satisfied, this presents a significant communication challenge. Perhaps the most task at this present juncture is to gain the support of the senior-most members of government, non-government, business and community groups, and in doing so influence legislative, policy and financial decisions that are critical to effective GSDI implementation;



• Recognising and complementing related initiatives. The GSDI is but one of many global, regional and national initiatives aimed at improving access to geographic information. It is essential that these initiatives are identified, recognised and appropriately supported so that the maximum synergy can be obtained from their collective outcomes.



• Including all stakeholders. For the GSDI to be seen to be truly successful by its stakeholders, they must be appropriately involved in, and contribute to its design and realisation. Given the breadth of the GSDI stakeholder group the government and non-government organisations, education and research institutions, the commercial sector, and the general community, it is not surprising that many, if not a majority of stakeholders, are not yet included.



• Engaging the less developed economies of the world. Much of the thought, discussion and effort thus far in defining, design ing and implementing the GSDI has been from the perspective of the more developed economies of the world, Europe, North America, parts of Asia and Australasia. Most of the globe, generally the less developed economies of Africa, Asia, the Middle East and Oceania has played only a minor role, if any role at all. If the GSDI is to be a truly global initiative and confer its benefits to all global citizens, then a way must be found to bring these nations on-board.



• Maintaining enthusiasm and momentum. Having made the previous point, it would be unfair and misleading not to recognise the many individuals and groups who have contributed to the GSDI thus far. This enthusiastic and committed global group must be encouraged to expand their efforts.



• Delivering beneficial outcomes. The final, and arguably the most important, issue of all to be addressed is ensuring that the GSDI delivers benefits that can be described and measured in some way, and are regarded as important by the relevant stakeholder group.



• Notwithstanding these significant challenges, the potential of the GSDI to contribute to a better world in the future drives those who seek its realisation.

More information about the GSDI initiatives is documented on the web site at www.gsdi.org .

Peter Holland
Chairman, GSDI Steering Committee
General Manager, Australian Surveying and Land Information Group
Email: PeterHolland@auslig.gov.au

David Robertson
Executive Officer,  GSDI Secretariat
Australian Surveying and Land Information Group, PO Box 2, Belconnen
ACT, Australia, 2616
Email: DavidRobertson@auslig.gov.au