An European Perspective on Geo-Information Infrastructure (GII) Issues
Mathias J.P.M. Lemmens
Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geosciences, Department of Geodesy
Section GIS Technology, Delft University of Technology
Thijsseweg 11, 2629 JA Delft, The Netherlands
Tel: +31-15-2781042; Fax: +31-15-2782745
Email: m.j.p.m.lemmens@geo.tudelft.nl
Abstract
Presented in this paper are a number of considerations and issues which may arise when one wants to establish a nationwide or even (sub)continental wide Geo-Information Infrastructure (GII). A GII concerns the technology, policies, standards and human resources, necessary to acquire, process, store, distribute and improve the use of geo-information. Our considerations are based on experiences gained within Europe. The main message of the paper is that the availability of a technical infrastructure, or more specific the Internet, is a necessary but not sufficient condition for GII establishment. Of particular importance will be the establishment of an open market place, where all types of users will be able to look for geo-information as a commodity. In addition, commitment of decision makers and the willingness of politicians to put the GII high on the political agenda are necessary conditions. And last but not least accurate, detailed and reliable geo-information, in which the users part of the actors has an implicit and unconditional faith, should be freely available, which does not at all mean free of charge.
Introduction
Our society increasingly becomes information intensive. Information is the key element for economic growth and decision-making. Despite we are living in the ‘Information Age’, the quality of decisions often suffers from lack of appropriate information. Often the required information is there, but we do not know that it exists or, even worse, we know that it exists but we are not able to get access to it. It is often stated that about 80 per cent of all public sector information has a geo-spatial component, which means that it is referenced by either address or location, for example a national grid reference. In order to facilitate the variety of needs, it is therefore crucial to stimulate the use of Geo-information in both the public and private sectors as well as by individuals.
Within this context, in the early 1990s, the US mapping community began discussions about the development of a National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI) to promote geospatial data-sharing (Tosta, 1997). More or less at the same time, the European Commission commenced initiatives to develop a unified European approach to the use of geographic technologies. Although already for a long time available in digital format, up to the mid-nineties one of the main hindrances for the fast and widespread dissemination of geo-information appeared to be the limited capacities of telecommunication networks. To date many of these technological impediments have been readily solved.
As a result, the paths seem to be levelled for a smooth implementation of a national Geo-Information Infrastructure (GII). Or aren’t they? The best indication why this question should be answered with a denial is to acknowledge that the actual establishment of a Geo-information Infrastructure in Europe is far from being a reality.
The remaining part of this paper is structured as follows. First, we elaborate upon the perspective from which this paper has been written. Next, we address the technological and social backgrounds, which induce the conditions of and trigger the needs for establishing a Geo-Information Infrastructure. The next section lists the main issues which may arise when one wants to establish a nationwide or even (sub)continental wide Geo-Information Infrastructure. Finally, we present some conclusions.
Perspective of the Paper
Presented in this paper are a number of considerations and issues which may arise when one wants to establish a nationwide or even (sub)continental wide GII. Our considerations are based on experiences gained within Europe. Our perspective is that of an interested scientific-oriented citizen. The author has not been involved in any of the many European GII initiatives. An obvious drawback is that the issues, which I attempt to convey, are not a result of indoor-experiences and lacks an insiders perspective. However, this disadvantage is at the same time an advantage, because I will be able to perceive the issues from an objectifying distance, while being free of any form of direct interest, involvement or opportunism.
Our considerations are the reflection of an extensive examination of papers, articles and reports, which have been disseminated over the last couple of years. This paper is not designed to provide a definitive list of issues or means for successfully tackling the problem of implementing GII. Since the paper summarises what the author believes are some of the key issues, its primary objective is to offer means for discussion. The main message of the paper is that the availability of a technical infrastructure, i.e. the Internet, is a necessary but not sufficient condition for GII establishment.
As a basic framework for my consideration, I have taken a recently published EUROGI report, called: Towards a Strategy for Geographic Information in Europe (EUROGI 2000). The report has been released on the 5th of October, 2000. EUROGI is the European Umbrella Organisation for Geographic Information representing over 3000 organisations in 20 countries. Set up in 1993, its mission is to maximise the effective use of geographic information for the benefit of the citizen, good governance and commerce in Europe and to represent the views of the geographic information community in discussion with the EU and other bodies (for more information refer to www.eurogi.org).