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.
ANZLIC - the Spatial Information Council, is taking a lead role in developing the ASDI, and ICSM, as a Standing Committee of ANZLIC, is participating in its implementation. For more informantion, you can visit the ANZLIC website at http://www.anzlic.org.au, or alternatively, you can directly access their Quick Reference to the Australian Spatial Data Infrastructure.
2008 ICSM REVIEW OF THE ASDI
ANZLIC - the Spatial Information Council (ANZLIC) has stated that it believes that there is need for an 'infrastructure' that achieves the outcome of improving discovery of, access to and use of spatial information and services. The challenge is to bring all spatial data and services under a similar approach.
In line with this, in 2007 ICSM engaged Geomatic Technologies to review the current status of the ASDI and to make recommendations for appropriate actions to ensure the continued vigour of the ASDI. In January 2008 they released a Comprehensive Report. In June 2008 this report and a subsequent ICSM Review Report was then endorsed by ICSM and its ASDI Working Group. Both reports were then submitted to ANZLIC for their consideration and they are now able to be released for general comment.
These ICSM Reports can now be accessed here:
» Comprehensive Report
» Review Report
ANZLIC acknowledged the work ICSM has undertaken on the ASDI and their significant contribution to ANZLIC's decision to take a pathway on a new direction and purpose for ASDI.
ANZLIC is advanced in the development of a new framework statement for an Australian and New Zealand Spatial Infrastructure (ANZSI) within which the current and future spatial and related information can be referenced.
It is important that any ASDI or similar concept/structure is not viewed as a singular hierarchical structure within which all data must be logical squeezed, but rather a dynamic, evolving framework which allows the relevance and potential of information to be recognised and realised.
Prior to this, 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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