GISdevelopment.net ---> Policy ---> International

Global Access to Geographic Information


With the globalisation of industry and the move towards knowledge-based economies, the organisation of geographic information at the global level is more important than ever. The Global Spatial Data Infrastructure (GSDI) is viewed to encompass the broad policy, organisational, technical and financial arrangements needed to support ready global access to geographic information. It is seen by many as central to the response to the challenge of global sustainable development. It will potentially benefit many stakeholders, government and non-government organisations, education and research institutions, the commercial sector, and the general community at the national, regional and global level. The GSDI offers the prospect of better decision-making and thus improved economic growth, social development and environmental management.

Steering Committee

An ad hoc GSDI Steering Committee, comprising representatives from all continents, has responsibility for the management of the work activities and operations of the GSDI. This interim group has also been tasked with establishing a permanent global umbrella organisation to take the GSDI into the future. The Steering Committee is currently chaired by Australia as the nominated representative from the Asia-Pacific region and host of the GSDI conference held in Canberra in November 1998. The Chair of the Steering Committee rotates at each conference. The secretariat resides with the Chair and is currently provided by the Australian Surveying and Land Information Group (AUSLIG).

The business of the GSDI Steering Committee is undertaken through four initial working groups:
  • Operations Working Group - to oversee the implementation of the umbrella organisation structure, and general administrative issues related to the GSDI.
  • Technical Working Group – to advise the Steering Committee on technical aspects of the GSDI.
  • Communication and Awareness Working Group - to inform the broad community about GSDI and the value of spatial data, and to promote the GSDI concept.
  • Legal and Economic Working Group - to advise the Steering Committee on economic, legal and funding mechanisms underpinning the GSDI.
A taskforce has also been established to commission a major study into the business case for SDI development. The study will identify the economic, social, environmental and disaster management benefits that can be achieved through development of national and regional SDIs and the global SDI. The study will be used to gain financial support and capacity building from national governments and international agencies.

Conferences

The fourth GSDI Conference is going to be held in Cape Town, South Africa, from 13 –15 March, 2000. This meeting will continue the activities of the GSDI begun in Konigswinter, Germany and carried forward at Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA and at Canberra, Australia.

The fourth GSDI conference is a milestone event. Recognising the need to embrace the developing nations, this conference will be the first convened outside of the developed world. The intent to encourage the developing nations to participate in GSDI is highlighted in the conference theme “Engaging Emerging Economies”.

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