Building European Spatial Data Infrastructures

by Masser, Ian

• ISBN13: 9781589481657
• ISBN10: 1589481658
• Edition: Illus.
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2007-06-01
• Publisher: Esri Pr

Summary

Written by one of the world's leading experts on spatial data infrastructures (SDIs), this book explores existing European SDIs and the efforts of the European Union to create a framework for a multinational Infrastructure for Spatial Information in Europe (INSPIRE) in order to exploit the many opportunities being created by modern geographic information technologies. The institutional and decision-making context within which SDIs must be developed requires partnerships between the public and private sectors, and concerted government action will play a key role in helping INSPIRE oversome political and institutional barriers. The author discusses the steps needed to create a legal framework for the wide-ranging project and identifies key strategic issues for future SDI development.

Author Biography

Ian Masser is visiting professor at the University of Utrecht, the University of Melbourne, and the Centre for Advanced Spatial Analysis at University College London.

Table of Contents

Foreword	p. vii
Preface	p. ix
Acknowledgements	p. xi
The Many Uses of GIS	p. 1
Local government	p. 1
Utilities	p. 4
Transportation and logistics	p. 4
Business	p. 4
Natural resources	p. 5
Environmental hazards	p. 5
Security	p. 8
Education	p. 8
Conclusions	p. 8
How GIS Technology Works and Why We Need SDIs	p. 9
Location, location, location	p. 11
Geographic information systems	p. 13
Spatial data infrastructures	p. 17
Conclusions	p. 26
Existing SDIs in Europe	p. 27
Working from a shared vision: Northern Ireland's MOSAIC	p. 36
Forming coalitions to create data resources: The Dutch GBKN	p. 43
Facilitating access to data resources: Catalonia's IDEC	p. 48
Conclusions	p. 54
Developing a European SDI Strategy: The INSPIRE Initiative	p. 55
Europe without borders	p. 56
INSPIRE	p. 62
Conclusions	p. 78
Prospects for the Future	p. 79
Emerging trends	p. 80
Key strategic issues	p. 82
Networking, networking, networking	p. 84
References	p. 85
Abbreviations	p. 89
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