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GSDI Survey Background and Purpose
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| Many national governments throughout the world are involved in developing spatial data
infrastructures that will better facilitate the availability and access to spatial data
for all levels of government, the commercial sector, the non-profit sector, academia and
citizens in general.
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| The goal of this survey is to gather baseline information on the nature and
characteristics of the national spatial data infrastructures (NSDI’s) currently being
developed. The information being collected may be used (1) to explore whether there are
sufficient similarities among the national approaches being used to describe basic models
of NSDI’s and their characteristics and (2) to assess the need for global
coordination or facilitation mechanisms.
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| An initial questionnaire was sent out in August of 1998 to contacts in approximately 100 nations. By the time the GSDI 3 Meeting was held in Canberra Australia in November 1998, we were able to provide a summary of responses from 22 nations. Several additional submissions have been received from other nations and multi-nation efforts since that time. The current intent is to make another major solicitation of further and updated responses during the summer and fall of 2000. Funding for the continuing solicitation of questionnaire responses and maintenance of this web site has been provided by FGDC. For further information on GSDI activities and events, see Global Spatial Data Infrastructure. For further information on related land tenure, cadastral, and GIS issues in developing countries and emerging economies see Land Tenure and Cadastral Systems. |