The Global Spatial Data Infrastructure – GSDI 12 World Conference took place in Singapore from 19 to 22 October 2010. The partners organizing this conference included the GSDI Association, the Permanent Committee on GIS Infrastructure for Asia & the Pacific (PCGIAP) and the Singapore Land Authority (SLA). The Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC®) is also a founding member of the GSDI Association and was a GSDI 12 World Conference collaborator.
„Governments at all levels in all countries depend on information about location and place,“ noted Abbas Rajabifard, President of the GSDI Association, „and the rapid advance of technology makes such information much easier to collect, use, and distribute. This creates opportunities and challenges for all countries. Technical innovation creates a need for policy innovation and for collaboration among government, the private sector and academia. GSDI World Conferences provide a unique forum for representatives of all these sectors to network and learn about the technical, societal, legal and policy issues concerning spatial data infrastructures.“
The theme for GSDI 12 was „Realizing Spatially Enabled Societies.“ The conference organizers set out to encourage collaboration to help create an enabling environment that enhances outcomes in societies, economies and the global environment. A peer-reviewed book on this topic was launched during the conference. It focuses on research, emerging trends and critical assessment and it showcases examples of spatial enablement serving societal needs. More than 100 countries are actively developing spatial data infrastructures, and with over 650 attendees, GSDI 12 proved to be a very successful event. Participants listened to experts speak on a wide range of topics including technology, standards, and spatial law and policy. A session at the conference presented by World Bank personnel focused on development of a guide for ‚How to get started with SDIs for developing nations.‘ Participants listened to speakers from around the world, shared knowledge and traded experiences.
The 12th GSDI Conference was conducted jointly with the 16th annual meeting of the Permanent Committee on GIS Infrastructure for Asia & the Pacific (PCGIAP), representing 56 nations in the region. There was also an inaugural meeting of the International Geospatial Society, a member arm of the GSDI Association for individuals.
GSDI 12 Conference proceedings are available at www.gsdi.org/gsdi12.
The GSDI 13 Conference will take place in Quebec City Canada in May 2012.