Critical issues in global geographic information management - with a detailed focused on data integration and interoperability of systems and data

Abstract

The GSDI Association continues its support for the United Nations for taking the initiative on this critical global geographic information issue; and is willing to contribute to new arrangements to improve global geographic information management.

The role of the GSDI Association, in essence, is to facilitate better global outcomes through utilisation of geographic information and spatial data infrastructures (SDIs). This role directly complements the proposal to establish a United Nations Committee on Global Geographic Information Management (UNCGGIM). The GSDI Association's view of the changes now taking place in the geographic information world and these changes exemplify convergence of technologies and disciplines. These changes need to be influenced where appropriate, and leveraged, by the global geographic information community, particularly by the United Nations.

This paper presents some views related to the “critical issues in global geographic information management” and in particular a response to the following issues:

- Governance: is global governance relevant and necessary?

- Interoperability of systems and data

- Data integration and layering, and

- Capacity building and technology transfer

In responding to these issues, the paper however provides a more detailed discussions on “interoperability of systems and data” and “data integration” in particular the technical and non-technical issues and heterogeneity associated with multi-sourced spatial data integration in the context of SDI.