From little things big things grow: building the SDI from local government up

Abstract

The sharing of spatial data across jurisdictions has the potential to deliver significant benefits to the community, business and government through improved access to a range of relevant geospatial data. This can be facilitated through an effective National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI) providing the vertical integration of spatial data at all levels of government. With local government being a custodian of a number of strategic SDI data sets, its role is now recognised as crucial to the development of these State and National Spatial Data Infrastructures. This paper investigates some of the technical and institutional impediments that must be addressed within local and state jurisdictions in order to realise these benefits. Some examples of local-state SDI arrangements in Australia are presented as a basis for discussion. A framework for the further investigation and research into these issues is outlined and some suggestions for progress put forward.