Synonyms
Map distribution; Digital divide
Definition
Spatial data infrastructure (SDI) is the well connected and functional assemblage of the required technology, policies, and people to enable the sharing and use of geographic information. It should include all levels of organizations and individuals such as government agencies, industry, nonprofit organizations, the academic community, and individuals.
Historical Background
The creation of the concept of SDI is the result of the increasing availability of geospatial data. This increase is due mostly to the spread of the technology, which leads to lower costs. Growing concerns with the environment also lead many governments to start distributing data and creating policies that allow for a broader access to the data. Along with the availability of data soon came an awareness that the technology was difficult to handle for most end users. Geospatial data by itself is not enough to enable users to effectively reason and make decisions...
Recommended Reading
Câmara, G., Fonseca, F., Monteiro, A.M., Onsrud, H.: Networks of innovation and the establishment of a spatial data infrastructure in Brazil. Inf. Technol. Dev. 12, 255–272 (2006)
Onsrud, H., Poore, B., Rugg, R., Taupier, R., Wiggins, L.: The future of the spatial information infrastructure. In: McMaster, R.B., Usery, E.L. (eds.) A Research Agenda for Geographic Information Science, pp225–255. CRC, Boca Raton (2004)
Aanestad, M., Monteiro, E., Nielsen, P.: Information infrastructures and public goods: Analytical and practical implications for SDI. Inf. Technol. Dev. 13, 7–25 (2007)
Davis, C.A., Fonseca, F.: Considerations from the development of a local spatial data infrastructure. Inf. Technol. Dev. 12, 273–290 (2006)
Georgiadou, Y., Bernard, L., Sahay, S.: Implementation of spatial data infrastructures in transitional economies. Inf. Technol. Dev. 12, 247–253 (2006)
Lance, K., Bassolé, A.: SDI and national information and communication infrastructure (NICI) integration in Africa. Inf. Technol. Dev. 12, 333–338 (2006)
Satish, K.P.: Technological frames of stakeholders shaping the SDI implementation: A case study from India. Inf. Technol. Dev. 12, 311–331 (2006)
Sorensen, M., Sayegh, F.: The initiation, growth, sustainment of SDI in the Middle East—notes from the trenches. Inf. Technol. Dev. 13, 95–100 (2007)
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© 2008 Springer-Verlag
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Fonseca, F. (2008). Data Infrastructure, Spatial. In: Shekhar, S., Xiong, H. (eds) Encyclopedia of GIS. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-35973-1_243
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-35973-1_243
Publisher Name: Springer, Boston, MA
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