Australian Spatial Data Infrastructure (ASDI)
The Australian Spatial Data Infrastructure (ASDI) is a national framework for linking users with providers of spatial information and is similar in concept to a national highway or railway network. The ASDI comprises the people, policies and technologies necessary to enable the use of spatially referenced data through all levels of government, the private sector, non-profit organisations and academia.
Some elements of the ASDI are already developed, including policies, guidelines, the Australian Spatial Data Directory (ASDD), national data models such as ICSM's Harmonised Data Model, metadata records and institutional arrangements. However, times have moved on and there is more that can be done.
Since its inception in the 1990's the spatial environment has changed significantly. On-line systems (eg Google Earth) bring a form of the SDI to everyone, autonomous devices that know, think and communicate (sensor networks) are becoming available and progressive institutions (eg OGC) are being established. Web services are improving the ability of applications to access the SDI. The concept of Virtual Australia has emerged and been adopted as a key initiative by the CRC-SI.
ICSM is working towards redefining the vision for the Australian Spatial Data Infrastructure to ensure it continues to play a significant role in the provision of spatial services in the future. A revised 2006-2010 ASDI Action Plan is presently being developed.
ICSM, as a Standing Comittee of ANZLIC - the Spatial Information Council, is participating in the implementation of the ASDI.
In August 2006 ICSM sponsored a focus group meeting with representatives from
academia and industry. This meeting developed a new vision for the ASDI
based on the concept of Spatially Enabling Australia. This sees the spatial
dimension playing a ubiquitous role in a digital world that is 'Virtual Australia'.
It was also recognised that in many cases users do not know, or care, that
there is a spatial dimension; they will just have their question answered
or service provided. The discussion
paper from the workshop is available here for view.
(WORD .doc format - 334KB)
No one group, organisation or sector will own this virtual environment; it will be a collective effort with each sector playing a key and indispensable role. The work will continue in 2007.
Further information on the ASDI can be found on the ANZLIC and Geoscience Australia's web sites.
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