GIS for Urban/Regional Planning and Resource Science, Management and Policy

Information Infrastructure

GIS technology is commonly described as a computerized system for the compilation, access, retrieval, analysis and display of geographic and geographic-related data. Modern GIS is much more than computerized mapping - it provides an information infrastructure for bringing all manner of data together geographically to support integrated and multi-sector decision-making at many levels. GIS has become an indispensable tool for managing and using spatial information at the local, regional, national and global levels. Many organizations need the same information, but in most countries there is no structure for the effective coordination and sharing of these data. A Spatial Data Infrastructure (SDI) provides a framework of standards, policies, data, procedures, and technology to support the effective coordination and dissemination of spatial information. Extensive national SDI programs are now underway on nearly every continent, and a Global SDI (GSDI) has gathered significant momentum. These existing programs have established important groundwork, but most countries with developing and emerging economies are not prepared to commit the level of investment required to follow these models at a similar rate of development, and many have special political, economic and legal contexts that require a unique approach. For most countries in the world, SDI development will be a step-by-step, incremental process that must acknowledge the special circumstances of each nation. There are still significant benefits to be gained in establishing a SDI foundation early in the process. GPC has worked with several national and regional governments to lay the groundwork for the development of their own brand of SDI.

Projects under this Service Area:

• Lebanon National GIS Infrastructure Feasibility Study, Beirut, Lebanon
• Jamaica National Land Information System Framework Plan, Kingston, Jamaica
• NSF Arctic Research Support Spatial Data Infrastructure, Seattle, Washington
• Redlands Institute, University of Redlands, California
• Salton Sea Database Program (SDDP), Redlands, California
• Mojave Desert Tortoise Project (DTP), Redlands, California
• UN Habitat Kosovo Mission, Province of Kosovo
• City of San Diego GIS Standards Policy Development, San Diego, California
• Bolivia Superintendencia de Aguas, La Paz, Bolivia
• Florida State Lands Information System, Talahassee, Florida
• Oman National Survey Authority (NSA) Digital Basemapping Specifications, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman
• Sultanate of Oman National GIS Plan, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman
• City and County of Honolulu - Turnkey GIS Implementation, Honolulu, Hawaii

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