Conference Topics

GSDI-11 invites presentations covering the full range of practice, development and research experiences that advance the practice and theory of spatial data infrastructure development. Submissions relating to the GSDI-11 theme of "Spatial Data Infrastructure Convergence: Building SDI Bridges to Address Global Challenges" are particularly attractive.

Specific presentation topics of interest may include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Design and development of depositories, portals, and registries for geographic data, metadata and services.
  • Innovative methods for addressing technical, legal, economic or institutional challenges in implementing spatial data infrastructure concepts, components and systems.
  • Experiences with current spatial data infrastructures at local, regional, national and multi-national levels and their evaluation.
  • Emerging participatory, inclusive or collaborative approaches in developing content and building infrastructure (e.g. participatory GIS, geoweb tools, data commons, open source software, volunteered geographic information, global efforts).
  • Challenges and approaches to standardization of data and interoperability of systems.
  • Barriers to sharing data and methods for achieving success in sharing.
  • Alternative methods and models for planning, financing and implementing spatial data infrastructure or related initiatives.
  • Policies supporting creation and responsible management of spatial data infrastructure resources.
  • Progress achieved by developing nations through information infrastructure development efforts.
  • Facilitation of international support for the development of spatial data infrastructure.
  • Analysis of practical cases to determine whether infrastructure initiatives are actually achieving goals such as (a) increasing efficiency and effectiveness in the management of information, (b) helping to advance health, education, social welfare, security, and safety, (c) better managing resources such as oceans, forests, roads, rivers, property, and housing and (d) similar social goals.
  • Education and capacity building efforts.
  • Basic and applied research in advancing spatial data infrastructure theory and concepts.

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