The role of sub‐national government and the private sector in future spatial data infrastructures

A Spatial Data Infrastructure (SDI) facilitates and coordinates the exchange and sharing of spatial data between stakeholders in the spatial data community. With this objective in mind, countries throughout the world are developing SDIs to manage and utilize their spatial data assets more effectively. These countries are developing SDIs to assist in various kinds of decision‐making at different levels of government jurisdictions that have an important impact within their national boundaries. However, current research shows that SDI is understood and described differently by stakeholders from different disciplines and different jurisdictional levels. Therefore, in many cases, SDI initiatives remain very much an innovation, even among practitioners. There are still uncertainties regarding the benefits and identities of SDIs, particularly in connection with how they evolve over time to meet user needs. This paper reviews and assesses the development of SDIs throughout the world over the past 15 years and the leadership role of national governments in SDI creation. This assessment is based on the SDI activities of various jurisdictions including Asia‐Pacific, Australia, North America, and Europe, and research into the worldwide effects of spatial information clearing houses. This assessment includes a discussion on emerging trends in SDI development, with particular reference to the increasingly important role played by sub‐national governments and the private sector within the framework of SDI development. The paper concludes with a discussion of the implications for future SDI development, including the delivery of a virtual world that has a particular focus on facilitating decision‐making at a community level within a national context.     

Tuning the second-generation SDI: theoretical aspects and real use cases

Spatial data infrastructure (SDI) actors have great expectations for the second-generation SDI currently under development. However, SDIs have many implementation problems at different levels that are delaying the development of the SDI framework. The aims of this article are to identify these difficulties, in the literature and based on our own experience, in order to determine how mature and useful the current SDI phenomena are. We can then determine whether a general reconceptualization is necessary or rather a set of technical improvements and good practices needs to be developed before the second-generation SDI is completed. This study is based on the following aspects: metadata about data and services, data models, data download, data and processing services, data portrayal and symbolization, and mass market aspects. This work aims to find an equilibrium between user-focused geoportals and web service interconnection (the user side vs. the server side). These deep reflections are motivated by a use case in the healthcare area in which we employed the Catalan regional SDI. The use case shows that even one of the best regional SDI implementations can fail to provide the required information and processes even when the required data exist. Several previous studies recognize the value of applying Web 2.0 and user participation approaches but few of these studies provide a real implementation. Another objective of this work is to show that it is easy to complement the classical, international standard-based SDI with a participative Web 2.0 approach. To do so, we present a mash-up portal built on top of the Catalan SDI catalogues.     

Investigating the system dynamics technique for the modeling and simulation of the development of spatial data infrastructures

Spatial data infrastructure (SDI) is a complex system for which huge investments are being made worldwide. These large-scale investments in the development of SDIs incontrovertibly require reliable design and planning that guarantee a successful outcome. One approach to deal with such an expectation is to model the development process of the SDI system over time. If the model can be translated into the computer-based environment to be used as a virtual world, then the real situation can also be simulated. Such a simulation will enable the SDI coordinators/managers to gain knowledge about the behavior of the system under different decisions and situations and eventually help them to better develop the SDI through the informed decision making. However, a limited number of tools and techniques are currently available in the SDI modeling history in terms of the modeling and simulation of such a complex system. The system dynamics technique based on systems theory is a method for modeling and managing the feedback systems that are complex, dynamic and nonlinear over time. This article addresses the applicability of the system dynamics technique for modeling and simulating the development process of SDIs. It is argued that the system dynamics technique is capable of modeling the interactions among the factors affecting the SDI, the feedback loops and the delays. It is also highlighted that an SDI model based on the system dynamics technique enables the SDI coordinators/managers to simulate the effect of different factors or decisions on various aspects of SDI and evaluate alternative decisions and/or policies prior to making any commitment.     

荒漠绿洲PRED系统特征与可持续发展定量研究

荒漠绿洲PRED系统是一个相当脆弱的系统，自然灾害频繁、水分失衡导致的生态风险大。在分析其特征的基础上，建立了衡量可持续发展的指标体系并运用层次分析法得出了这些因子对绿洲PRED系统可持续发展的权值，影响最大的前三位因子是：人均水资源量、绿洲化面积、人口素质、其权值分别为0.124、0.077、0.062。计算了河西走廊20个县（市、区）的SDI，排在最前面的依次是：萧北蒙古族自治县、嘉峪关市和玉门市、金川区，其SDI分别为0.437、0.406、0.405，排在最后面的依次是：古浪县、民勤县、天祝藏族自治县，其SDI分别为0.150、0.213、0.217。分析了这种格局产生的原因并提出了相应对策。     

A Review of: “Accuracy of Spatial Databases”. Edited by M. Goodchild and S. Gopal. (London: Taylor & Francis, 1989.) [Pp. 290.] Price £35.00.

The integration of multisource heterogeneous spatial data is one of the major challenges for many spatial data users. To facilitate multisource spatial data integration, many initiatives including federated databases, feature manipulation engines (FMEs), ontology-driven data integration and spatial mediators have been proposed. The major aim of these initiatives is to harmonize data sets and establish interoperability between different data sources.

On the contrary, spatial data integration and interoperability is not a pure technical exercise, and there are other nontechnical issues including institutional, policy, legal and social issues involved. Spatial Data Infrastructure (SDI) framework aims to better address the technical and nontechnical issues and facilitate data integration. The SDIs aim to provide a holistic platform for users to interact with spatial data through technical and nontechnical tools.

This article aims to discuss the complexity of the challenges associated with data integration and propose a tool that facilitates data harmonization through the assessment of multisource spatial data sets against many measures. The measures represent harmonization criteria and are defined based on the requirement of the respective jurisdiction. Information on technical and nontechnical characteristics of spatial data sets is extracted to form metadata and actual data. Then the tool evaluates the characteristics against measures and identifies the items of inconsistency. The tool also proposes available manipulation tools or guidelines to overcome inconsistencies among data sets. The tool can assist practitioners and organizations to avoid the time-consuming and costly process of validating data sets for effective data integration.     

Reconsidering the definition of a spatial data infrastructure

The great interest in spatial data infrastructures (SDIs) has led to a wealth of SDI definitions in SDI debates. The article aims to contribute to both theory-oriented and practice-oriented SDI research by providing a critical re-examination of the SDI literature. Ashby's formal theory of regulation, which sees infrastructures as regulatory devices, is used to identify the strengths and weaknesses of several SDI definitions. This exercise shows how debates of the SDI objectives and the roles of users get caught in mantraps and also opens the door for a way out of this confusion by distinguishing between functional and adoption objectives. It also highlights the emphasis on technological components in the SDI definitions, which sidestep the importance of structural and human resource components in SDI.     

A Dasymetric Map of Maine Lobster Trap Distribution Using Local Knowledge

As coastlines face increased development pressure, it is important to have the best available spatial information on coastal activities, including commercial fishing. This article describes the creation of a fine-scale spatial representation of lobster fishing activity along the Maine coast of the United States using a combination of participatory geographic information systems (GIS) and dasymetric mapping methods. These methods are employed here to support data collection from a large number of active lobster harvesters while maintaining individual privacy. The resulting representation of the fishery is designed as a planning tool for identifying potential interactions between marine resources and human activities.     

Logical data modelling for geographical applications

Abstract.

A formal, yet practical, GeoRelational Data Model (GRDM) is presented for the logical database design phase of the development of spatial information systems. Geographic applications are viewed in the context of information systems development. The generic needs of modelling spatial data are analyzed; it is concluded that they are not served satisfactorily by existing data models, so specifications of modelling tools for spatial application design are given. GRDM provides a set of representational constructs (relations and layers for the logical schema; virtual layers, object classes and spatial constraints for the user views) on top of well-established models. It constitutes part of a full, easily automated application design methodology. Extensive examples demonstrate the relevance, and ease-of-use of the platform-independent GRDM.     

论地理信息系统及其在地理学中的地位

地理信息系统技术的兴起代表了地理学发展的一个重要方向。地理信息系统是一门处理地理(空间)数据的综合信息技术,它属于技术地理学的范畴,它为资源与环境的管理和规划以及地理学的研究提供了一个革命性工具。另一方面,地理信息系统的建立和应用又依赖于地理学理论和实用模型的发展。进一步勾通地理信息系统与空间分析之间的关系是目前促进地理信息系统发展的重要课题。     

Address databases for national SDI: Comparing the novel data grid approach to data harvesting and federated databases

The original purpose of addresses was to enable the correct and unambiguous delivery of postal mail. The advent of computers and more specifically geographic information systems (GIS) opened up a whole new range of possibilities for the use of addresses, such as routing and vehicle navigation, spatial demographic analysis, geo‐marketing, and service placement and delivery. Such functionality requires a database which can store and access spatial data effectively. In this paper we present address databases and justify the need for national address databases. We describe models used for national address databases, and present our evaluation framework for an address database at a national level within the context of a spatial data infrastructure (SDI). The models of data harvesting, federated databases and data grids are analyzed and evaluated according to our novel framework, and we show that the data grid model has some unique features that make it attractive for a national address database in an environment where centralized control and/or coordination is difficult or undesirable.     

宁夏生态移民村空间剥夺测度及影响因素

生态移民村是一种具有扶贫脱贫与生态保护双重意义的特殊乡村类型,是乡村振兴不可或缺的重要对象。在空间重构过程中形成的空间剥夺现象,是当前生态移民村全面振兴面临的一个新问题。为探究生态移民村空间剥夺规律,以宁夏70个生态移民村2017年相关数据为基础,构建了以收入就业、教育培训、社会生活、居住环境及公共服务可达性为主要内容的空间剥夺指标体系并进行水平测度,进而运用地理加权回归和地理探测器对其影响因子进行探测。结果显示：① 宁夏生态移民村空间剥夺整体水平较低,但总指数均值相对于非生态移民村显著高出0.023;② 宁夏生态移民村空间剥夺时空分异特征明显,总指数均值在时间上呈现“先较低—后上升—再下降”趋势,在空间上呈现“北部低—中部高—南部次高”分布;③ 民族构成、地形地貌、移民时段、依托资源和经济区带是影响生态移民村空间剥夺的重要因子,前3项对空间剥夺总指数的解释力分别达到了22.4%、10.6%和14.0%。空间剥夺水平测度为生态移民生产生活评价和政策调整完善提供新的客观依据,相关部门可据此优化调节生态移民村空间资源配置,增加其获取资源的能力和机会,推动生态移民村全面振兴。     

"数字广州"空间数据基础设施建设策略研究

该文探讨了空间数据基础设施（SDI）在“数字城市”建设中的地位和作用,在此基础上,结合“数字广州”的要求和发展现状,指出了目前广州市空间数据基础设施建设存在的不足,并从政府管理的角度提出了加强空间数据基础设施建设的若干策略,涵盖了机构设置,数据政策,数据生产管理模式,人才培养和市场化等方面。     

Local‐government data sharing: Evaluating the foundations of spatial data infrastructures

This paper presents a typology of local‐government data sharing arrangements in the US at a time when spatial data infrastructures (SDI) are moving into a second generation. In the first generation, the US National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI) theoretically involved a pyramid of data integration resting on local‐government data sharing. Availability of local‐government data is the foundation for all SDI‐related data sharing in this model. However, first‐generation SDI data‐sharing activities and principles have gained only a tenuous hold in local governments. Some formalized data sharing occurs, but only infrequently in response to SDI programmes and policies. Previous research suggests that local‐government data sharing aligns with immediate organizational and practical concerns rather than state or national policies and programmes. We present research findings echoing extending these findings to show that local‐government data sharing is largely informal in nature and is undertaken to support existing governmental activities. NSDI principles remain simply irrelevant for the majority of surveyed local governments. The typology we present distinguishes four distinct types of local‐government data sharing arrangements that reflect institutional, political, and economic factors. The effectiveness of second generation, client‐service‐based SDI will be seriously constrained if the problems of local government take‐up fail to be addressed.     

网络地理信息系统研究*

网络地理信息系统(WebGIS)是近年来地理信息系统发展的方向之一.文中在分析网络地理信息系统内涵和功能的基础上,认为地理数据的空间可视化和空间分析是网络地理信息系统的重要特点.为此提出基于元数据的网络地理信息系统代理服务器的概念,并探讨了在JAVA平台上实现的一些技术问题.最后以京九沿线投资环境网络评估信息系统原型为例,给出了网络地理信息系统一个具体应用实例,实现了网络环境下地理模型分析功能.     

Spatial data infrastructures as complex adaptive systems

Many researchers throughout the world have been struggling to better understand and describe spatial data infrastructures (SDIs). Our knowledge of the real forces and mechanisms behind SDIs is still very limited. The reason for this difficulty might lie in the complex, dynamic and multifaceted nature of SDIs. To evaluate the functioning and effects of SDIs we must have a proper theory and understanding of their nature. This article describes a new approach to understanding SDIs by looking at them through the lens of complex adaptive systems (CASs). CASs are frequently described by the following features and behaviours: complexity, components, self-organization, openness, unpredictability, nonlinearity and adaptability, scale-independence, existence of feedback loop mechanism and sensitivity to initial conditions. In this article both CAS and SDI features are presented, examined and compared using three National SDI case studies from the Netherlands, Australia and Poland. These three National SDIs were carefully analysed to identify CAS features and behaviours. In addition, an Internet survey of SDI experts was carried out to gauge the degree to which they consider SDIs and CASs to be similar. This explorative study provides evidence that to a certain extent SDIs can be viewed as CASs because they have many features in common and behave in a similar way. Studying SDIs as CASs has significant implications for our understanding of SDIs. It will help us to identify and better understand the key factors and conditions for SDI functioning. Assuming that SDIs behave much like CASs, this also has implications for their assessment: assessment techniques typical for linear and predictable systems may not be valid for complex and adaptive systems. This implies that future studies on the development of an SDI assessment framework must consider the complex and adaptive nature of SDIs.     

An initial formal model for spatial data infrastructures

The Commission on Spatial Data Standards of the International Cartographic Association is working to define formal models and technical characteristics of Spatial Data Infrastructures (SDI). To date, this work has been restricted to the Enterprise and Information Viewpoints from the ISO Reference Model for Open Distributed Processing standard. The Commission has developed models for these two viewpoints. These models describe how the different parts of an SDI fit together in the viewpoints in question. These models should be seen as a contribution towards the overall model of the SDI and its technical characteristics. During the model development process, the roles of the different Actors in an SDI in the Enterprise and Information Viewpoints have also been identified in Use Case diagrams of an SDI. All the models have been developed using the Unified Modeling Language.     

面向对象的区域规划空间信息时空数据模型

区域规划的空间信息具有动态性和复杂性,面向对象技术作为一种有效的空间数据建模技术,为区域规划空间信息整合提供了思路。本文以面向对象的基本理论和方法为基础,提出采用面向对象技术建立区域规划空间信息时空数据模型,并对所建立的主要地理特征类进行定义与描述。     

信息化对旅游经济效率的影响及其作用机制研究

基于31个省（市、区）的平衡面板数据,利用DEA模型测度各研究单元的旅游经济效率,并分别考察信息基础设施与信息技术消费对于提升旅游经济效率的作用。研究发现：① 信息化并未从整体上提升中国旅游经济效率,这初步证实了“索洛悖论”和“戈登效应”在旅游部门的存在性;② 信息化对旅游经济效率的促进作用主要得益于信息基础设施的驱动,但信息技术消费对旅游经济效率产生显著的抑制作用,旅游经营主体对信息技术的应用不足是主要原因;③ 中国三大地区的旅游经济效率依然存在东部＞中部＞西部的梯度特征,规模效率在空间上以胡焕庸线为分界线,东侧地区的效率值整体高于西侧,总体表现出与地区经济发展水平一致的空间分布规律,且空间分异不断扩大,西部地区应着重提高信息技术消费对旅游经济效率的促进作用。     

安徽省级资源环境空间信息服务系统研究与开发

研究建立一个结构规范、服务便捷的省级资源环境空间信息网，实现资源环境空间信息的网络共享和服务已经是迫在眉睫。安徽省资源环境空间信息网首次在省政府网络上实现了资源环境空间信息的快速访问，具有数据最大、覆盖面全、类型多样的特点，并且采用SuperMap国产GIS软件进行开发，运行稳定、安全可靠，具有很好的可扩展性。系统地介绍了安徽省资源环境空间信息网的系统结构、数据库建设、数据更新和系统的主要功能。