Building European Spatial Data Infrastructures promotes a general understanding of SDI concepts and provides examples of practical applications.
Redlands, California—The third edition of Building European Spatial Data Infrastructures presents an update on the efforts of the European Union (EU) to create a system for spatial data sharing among the 28 EU member nations. Building a spatial data infrastructure (SDI)—a common framework or language for sharing geographic information—will make providing geographic information and developing geographic information system (GIS)-based applications easier within the EU.
This nontechnical book covers several topics of interest to government agencies, businesses, and other organizations that want to improve the ability to share environmental, public health, or other types of spatial data throughout the EU. An SDI also creates a more transparent government and improves services to citizens.
Early chapters focus on the many uses of GIS technology, how GIS works, and why SDIs are needed. Later chapters are devoted to how member nations are complying with the plan to create a European SDI, called the Infrastructure for Spatial Information in the European Community (INSPIRE) by the deadline of 2020. Authors Ian Masser and Joep Crompvoets also describe what milestones have been reached and where more work needs to be done.
"GIS can help the EU better deal with many growth-related and other challenges," says Esri president Jack Dangermond. "However, to collaborate successfully, it’s imperative to implement an SDI with rules for exchanging data and services across boundaries."
Masser and Crompvoets are two of the world’s leading experts on SDIs. Masser is an emeritus professor at the University of Sheffield, United Kingdom, and was founder chairman of the Association of Geographic Information Laboratories for Europe (AGILE). He currently is a visiting professor at the Centre for Advanced Spatial Analysis at University College London. Crompvoets is an associate professor at KU Leuven Public Governance Institute in Belgium and secretary-general of EuroSDR, a European spatial data research network that promotes applied research between national mapping agencies and research institutes and universities.
Building European Spatial Data Infrastructuresis available in print (ISBN: 9781589483835, 100 pages, US$34.99) or as an e-book (ISBN: 9781589484061, US$34.99). The book is available at online retailers worldwide, at esri.com/esripress, or by calling 1-800-447-9778. Outside the United States, visit esri.com/esripressorders for complete ordering options, or visit esri.com/distributors to contact your local Esri distributor. Interested retailers can contact Esri Press book distributor Ingram Publisher Services.