CODATA-CRIA Inter-American Workshop on Access to Scientific Data

1. CODATA-CRIA Inter-American Workshop on Access to Scientific Data GSDI: Vision, Goals and Progress Santiago Borrero, Secretary General Panamerican Institute for Geography and History -PAIGH and GSDI Past President Campiñas, Brazil, 3-6 March 2004

2. Overview • Need for a GSDI • GSDI Definition and Vision • A priority for Developing Nations • GSDI Association: Mission and Objectives • GSDI Association Strategic Plan • GSDI advances and contribution • Need for increased coordination • Priorities and short –term main activities • Conclusion

3. Basic Geo Data: A Prerequisite “ The role of a GSDI is to contribute for substantial and sustainable economic development for all nations, the prerequisite being that relevant basic geographic information must be readily available in digital form and compatible at the global level” Fritz Petersohn, GSDI 2, 1997 “A GSDI backed by International standards, guidelines and policies on access to the data is needed to support global economical growth, and its social and environmental projects” David Rhind, GSDI 3, 1998

4. GSDI Definition "The Global Spatial Data Infrastructure supports ready global accessto geographic information. This is achieved through the coordinated actions of nations and organizations that promote awareness and implementation of complimentary policies, common standards and effective mechanisms for the development and availability of interoperable digital geographic data and technologies to support decision making at all scales for multiple purposes. These actions encompass the policies, organizational remits, data, technologies, standards, delivery mechanisms, and financial and human resources necessary to ensure that those working at the global and regional scale are not impeded in meeting their objectives“ Resolution 5, GSDI 5 2001

5. The GSDI Association Definition A global undertaking committed to international cooperation and collaboration in support of local, national and international spatial data infrastructure developments that would allow nations to better address social, economic, and environmental issues of pressing importance.

6. The GSDI Association Mission • Serve as a point of contact and effective voice for those in the global community involved in developing, implementing and advancing spatial data infrastructure concepts, • Foster spatial data infrastructures that support sustainable social, economic, and environmental systems integrated from local to global scales, and • Promote the informed and responsible use of geographic information and spatial technologies for the benefit of society.

7. A trend inAutomated Cartography (Kelmelis, 2001) Web-based DSS APPLICABLE Web-based Spatial Data Clearinghouses Spatial Development Mobile Location-based Services & Solutions ACCESSIBLE Spatially Enabled Databases AVAILABLE GIS • 1985 1995 2000 2005 • Time

8. An Initiative for all Nations • Direct relationship between economic possibilities and improved geographic information • Geographic data must be accessible, documented, structured and reliable. Otherwise, is non-existent because it is unavailable • Developing Nations need to expand their knowledge base • Spatial data infrastructures at the local, national, regional, and global levels provide the integrating synergy required in the context of Sustainable Development

9. GSDI Objectives • To promote and develop awareness and exchanges on infrastructure issues for all relevant levels from local to global. • To promote and facilitate standards-based data access and discovery through the Internet. • To promote, encourage, support, and conduct capacity building. • To promote and conduct SDI development research. • To establish and support active programs for attaining funding and resources to accomplish its Vision and Goals

10. GSDI Conferences

11. GSDI Contribution • GSDI stimulates development of Planning and Decision Support Systems • GSDI contributes to the promotion of regional SDI Committees (PCGIAP, PCIDEA) and formation of NSDI. Already more than 65 initiatives • GSDI contributes to Sustainable Development (Agenda 21, WSSD Implementation Plan, by linking data at all levels • GSDI impacts the way production of data advances (global metadata, global quality standards, global terminology) • GSDI promotes recognition of Spatial Data as strategic for development in every nation or economic model • GSDI collaborates and coordinates with other global initiatives (Global Map, Digital Earth)

12. GSDI Agenda for 2004 • Make the GSDI Association operational • GSDI Strategic and Working Plans • GSDI “Cookbook” • Improve networking with other global initiatives • GSDI outreach for Africa and the Middle East • Capacity building efforts to advance NSDI efforts in Developing Nations • Contribute and participate in implementing WSSD and WSIS outcomes

13. In Conclusion • GSDI began in 1996 as the dream of a small group of visionaries. In August of 2002, the GSDI Association became incorporated. Today, the Association is an active participant in global spatial data activities, in addition to its continuing role as the premiere global spatial data forum. • Humankind will benefit with an infrastructure that will allow users globally to access spatial data at a variety of scales from multiple sources that ultimately will appear seamless to all users. This will be viable if geospatial data, services, and metadata are accessible through interoperable standards-based services, systems, software, and products operate in a web-enabled environment. • Such outcome provides an integrating synergy required in the context of Sustainable Development.

14. More Information http//:www.gsdi.org http//:www.gsdiassociation.org http//:www.ipgh.org.mx Thank you!