GSDI Support for SDI Initiatives Continues

In 2014, the GSDI Association was once again able to support international spatial data infrastructure (SDI) initiatives through the Small Grants Program. With resources and cooperation from Natural Resources Canada’s GeoConnections, U.S. Federal Geographic Data Committee, and the GISCorps of URISA, four projects received awards. Since 2003, the GSDI Association's Small Grants Program has supported more than 100 projects worldwide with outcomes that include convening national or sub-national seminars or workshops related to SDIs, producing training manuals and modules related to SDI and Earth observation systems (EOS), establishing metadata and clearinghouse nodes, establishing web mapping services and applications, accomplishing geodata and/or SDI surveys or inventories, producing and disseminating newsletters and awareness-raising materials about SDI, and drafting policy and legislation related to SDI.

A Call for Proposals was issued in March 2014, resulting in 40 proposals from organisations in over 20 countries. The proposals were reviewed by volunteers from six continents and those selected to receive USD2,500 are listed below. The project in Ghana is also receiving consulting services from the GISCorps.

Establishing standards-based web mapping and data access services using open source geospatial software technologies for CERSGIS

Institution: Centre for Remote Sensing and Geographic Information Services (CERSGIS), University of Ghana, Legon

Summary: The project focuses on development of a clearinghouse for spatial data for CERSGIS and is a case study for full-scale implementation of recommendations and activities for the National Spatial Development Framework for Ghana. Activities include:

• Developing data policies and standards

• Developing metadata for datasets based on defined standards

• Implementing a web-based SDI portal for public access to datasets

• Presenting a workshop on the SDI portal to stakeholders.

Towards GIS Interoperability for Environmental Protection and Sustainable Development

Institution: Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda

Summary: Develop a structured organisation of geodata and geographic information based on OGC and ISO standards to guarantee interoperability in Uganda. Activities include:

• Evaluating existing spatial datasets and value of geoinformation
• Documenting spatial data according to the ISO 19115 standard
• Developing a one-stop gateway to discover, access and evaluate spatial data.

Developing a Reliable Agriculture GIS Database for Belize through Partnership with Key Stakeholders

Institution: Land Information Center, Ministry of Natural Resources and Agriculture, Belmopan, Belize

Summary: Develop a reliable agriculture GIS database in collaboration with agriculture stakeholders to:

• Establishing an Agriculture GIS data integration working group comprising key stakeholders from government, the private sector and other relevant stakeholders

• Identifying the types of agriculture-related data and data gaps that exist for large farms (and commercial farms) within the country

• Establishing standards for data integration based on identified needs of stakeholders, best practices and international standards

• Developing and providing accessibility of the final database through the Belize NSDI geoportal to enable improved decision-making.

Introducing EnviroSDI for Armenia: Piloting Publicly Accessible Online Platform

Institution: Institute of Archaeology and Ethnography, National Academy of Sciences, Republic of Armenia

Summary: Create an online SDI open-source-based platform (e.g. Ushahidi), enabling the non-profit sector and the wider public to access a wide range of geographic data including base maps and sector-specific thematic maps. Main components of the project are:

• Designing the concept of the online SDI platform, with specifics of its use/users in mind

• Developing (customising) an (existing) open-source platform and implementing the platform online

• Populating it with base maps

• Populating the platform with geographic (environmental, conservation) thematic data collected during fieldwork over a pilot area.

For further information see http://www.gsdi.org/sic1.

Learn more about the GSDI Association and how to participate here: http://www.gsdi.org/joinGSDI

Gita Urban-Mathieux is vice-chair, Small Grants Program, GSDI Societal Impacts Committee and works for GSDI members at the U. S. Federal Geographic Data Committee. (burbanma@usgs.gov)