Spatial data infrastructure (SDI) includes the technologies, policies, standards and human resources needed to collect, process, store, distribute and improve utilization of geospatial data.
Advantages of SDI
Spatial data is a shared asset. The SDI enables spatial data to be effectively collected, shared and distributed among public authorities, the general public and the private sector. A coordinated approach to the development of spatial data standards for the collection, maintenance, distribution, application and safeguarding of spatial data will improve the quality of spatial data and reduce the costs of using them
Five basic principles
• Data should only be collected once
• Data should be maintained where this can be done most effectively
• Data should be combinable, regardless of their source
• There should be clear conditions which assure that data can be utilised by many users in many contexts
• It should be easy to get an overview of the available data and internet services
These so called “infrastructure principles” are the basis for the development of the national spatial data infrastructure. The principles can also be used as a general basis for enhanced cooperation between public authorities in the development and sharing of public data infrastructures in general. Moreover, the principles also play a prominent role in the national e-government strategy and the priorities it contains.
The components of SDI
The SDI seeks to ensure interoperability, making it possible for spatial data to be merged and used together without being further manipulated. The SDI comprises:
• Spatial data themes, which are collections of spatial data grouped by application. Examples include the transport network, hydrography and buildings. These themes are available as spatial data sets and services.
• Metadata, which is information describing spatial data sets and services, making it possible to find, register and use them.
• Shared infrastructure services, which consist of a set of web services that allow access to documented spatial data themes and to metadata from distributed sources of data. Geodatainfo.dk is an example of this type of service.
• Standards, which are common rules, conditions, guidelines or characteristics of data, as well as their associated processes, technologies and organisation.
• Collaboration between central, local, and regional authorities, universities and private businesses in order to ensure that the national SDI meets its user requirements and is utilized.
• Binding agreements between public bodies regarding the national SDI.