International Case Study Development and Data Integration Activities in Australia

The ability to deliver sustainable development is a significant issue for countries world-wide and the use of correct, current and integrated spatial information about the built and natural environments is paramount to this. SDIs have become crucial tools in facilitating how spatial data and spatial information are used. Initially SDIs were implemented as a mechanism to facilitate access and sharing of spatial data hosted in distributed GISs. Users now however require precise spatial information in real time about real world objects and the ability to develop and implement cross-jurisdictional and inter-agency solution to priorities such as emergency management, natural resource management, water rights and animal, pest and disease control. In order to achieve this, the concept of an SDI is moving to a new business paradigm, where SDI is emerging as an enabling platform to promote partnerships of spatial information organisations and data sharing.