Onsrud, H.J., Data Integration Research: A Reaction, GISDATA Meeting on GI Research at the Millennium, Strasbourg, September 16, 1997 (Based on oral presentation)

DATA INTEGRATION RESEARCH: A REACTION

Harlan J. Onsrud

Department of Spatial Information Science and Engineering

University of Maine

Orono, ME 04469-5711 U.S.A.

Ian Masser describes in his article some of the causes of the current information explosion we are currently experiencing. There is now almost universal use of electronic data processing in the day to day operations of private businesses and government agencies. The electronic form of this information makes it much easier to distribute and share. In addition, emerging technologies are placing unprecedented data capture and manipulation capabilities into the hands of increasing numbers of individuals. Amassing and using very large data sets no longer requires a substantial outlay of capital and human resources. In the past, the only practical way to acquire the required capital and human resources to handle large data sets, such as mapping data sets, was through an agency or corporate structure. This is no longer true. GPS data, remotely sensed images, digital photography, and video camera images are now routinely used by small businesses and individuals for a wide range of useful purposes and are merged regularly with other datasets. All of these increasing numbers of individuals and businesses with access to new information and spatial technologies have the ability to publish their data globally over the Internet. This comment piece responds to this and other issues raised in the keynote address by Ian Masser at the GISDATA Meeting on Geographic Information Research at the Millennium.