GSDI12 Conference Emphasises Spatial Data

The Global Spatial Data Infrastructure - GSDI 12 World Conference took place in Singapore from 19th to 22nd October 2010. The partners organising this conference included the GSDI Association, the Permanent Committee on GIS Infrastructure for Asia & the Pacific (PCGIAP) and the Singapore Land Authority (SLA). The emphasis on spatial data is important, as it thrives other developments, is a conclusion that could be made.

"Governments at all levels in all countries depend on information about location and place," noted Abbas Rajabifard, President of the GSDI Association, "and the rapid advance of technology makes such information much easier to collect, use, and distribute. This creates opportunities and challenges for all countries. Technical innovation creates a need for policy innovation and for collaboration among government, the private sector and academia. GSDI World Conferences provide a unique forum for representatives of all these sectors to network and learn about the technical, societal, legal and policy issues concerning spatial data infrastructures."

The theme for GSDI 12 was "Realizing Spatially Enabled Societies." The conference organizers set out to encourage collaboration to help create an enabling environment that enhances outcomes in societies, economies and the global environment. A peer-reviewed book on this topic was launched during the conference. It focuses on research, emerging trends and critical assessment and it showcases examples of spatial enablement serving societal needs. More than 100 countries are actively developing spatial data infrastructures, and with over 650 attendees, GSDI 12 proved to be a very successful event.

Participants shared knowledge, attended workshops, traded experiences and listened to experts speak on a wide range of topics including technology, standards, and spatial law and policy. Jack Dangermond, President and Founder of Esri, received the Global Citizen Award of the GSDI Association and gave the opening keynote address. The UN Permanent Committee on GIS Infrastructure for Asia and the Pacific (PCGIAP) held its 16th regional meeting and the International Geospatial Society, the new arm of the GSDI Association for individual members, held its inaugural meeting.