June 20, 2007

Experts Analyze Advances in Creating Spatial Data Infrastructures

Book's Contributors Also Delve into Challenges and Future of SDIs

Redlands, California—International experts present the latest research in the development of spatial data infrastructures (SDIs) in a new book from ESRI Press. Research and Theory in Advancing Spatial Data Infrastructure Concepts will help readers better understand the importance and benefits of SDIs as well as the technical, legal, economic, and institutional challenges faced in building one.

The articles in this scholarly tome were first submitted at the Global Spatial Data Infrastructure (GSDI) Association's 2006 conference in Santiago, Chile. Representatives from universities, organizations, government agencies, and private companies with expertise in geospatial research selected the articles that appear. More than 45 scholars and other experts wrote about various aspects of SDIs, which serve as the framework for exchanging, using, and managing spatial data flexibly and efficiently. SDIs include geographic data, metadata, technology, services, standards, and partnerships that must be in place for the system to work smoothly.

The contributors presented their research on a wide variety of topics. They explored data-sharing partnerships among government jurisdictions, examined plans under way to create the Infrastructure for Spatial Information in Europe (INSPIRE), and evaluated national clearinghouses for spatial data. Models for planning, financing, and implementing SDI initiatives were analyzed. They also wrote about the extent to which established SDI projects in Australia, India, and the European Union are contributing to national economic competitiveness and social well-being.

The scholars also tackled some of the challenges of implementing SDIs including the impacts of government fees for and restrictions on geospatial data. The last articles in the book stress the importance of SDIs in providing the data needed to fight poverty and help prepare for and recover from natural disasters.

The book was edited by Harlan J. Onsrud, a professor in the Department of Spatial Information Science and Engineering at the University of Maine and a research scientist with the National Center for Geographic Information and Analysis (NCGIA). He is past president of the Global Spatial Data Infrastructure Association and the University Consortium for Geographic Information Science.

Research and Theory in Advancing Spatial Data Infrastructure Concepts (ISBN: 978-1-58948-162-6, 306 pages, $24.95) is available at online retailers worldwide, at www.esri.com/esripress or by calling 1-800-447-9778. Outside the United States, contact your local ESRI distributor. Visit www.esri.com/distributors for a current distributor list. Interested retailers can contact ESRI Press book distributor Ingram Publisher Services.

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About ESRI Press
ESRI Press publishes books on GIS, cartography, and the application of spatial analysis to many areas of public and private endeavor including land-use planning, health care, education, business, government, and science. The complete selection of GIS titles from ESRI Press can be found on the Web at www.esri.com/esripress.

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