A collaborative approach to building national SDI in Federated State Systems: case study of Australia

Abstract

Spatial information is now recognised by governments as essential in supporting theeconomic, social and environmental interests of a nation. The demand for high-qualityspatially related information that is complete, up-to-date, interoperable, and readily availableis increasing with impetus for managing widespread, long- and short-term disaster events,domestic security, environmental degradation and the need for improved communitypreparedness. There are many and varied organisations and stakeholders that use, provide anddistribute spatial data.National SDI is being progressed throughout the world with the majority of countriesreporting SDI activity. However, a nationâ  s need for SDI is not well understood and furtherwhat constitutes National SDI and how to build one is the source of much debate. Thisresearch reveals organisation-based collaboration and effective coordination of spatialinformation and activities is required across and within jurisdictions to progress National SDIin a federated system. The role of the State has never been so important to achieving thisnational imperative.Whilst much literature exists on SDI initiatives, advances in components of SDI, data sharingand how to structure and manage GIS-based projects, little contribution has been made to thenature of the interactions between the various organisations and stakeholders. Results from acomprehensive investigation of SDI at the State and National level in Australia will illustratethese issues.This paper highlights new research by the Centre for Spatial Data Infrastructures and LandAdministration at the University of Melbourne and the development of the National SDICollaboration Model to facilitate National SDI development, particularly in federatedcountries and with relevance to all nations. Strategies were developed as part of the Model forimproving collaboration and coordination in countries negotiating federal structures,independent states, private industry and the needs of the c