Abstract
This chapter examined the governance framework of National Spatial Data Infrastructures in five South Asian countries: Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. It analyzed six key components—participation and consensus orientation, responsiveness and transparency, equity and accountability, effectiveness and efficiency, rule of law, and strategic vision—underpinning NSDI programs. The diverse strategies and structures employed by these countries are explored. Bangladesh's collaborative NSDI Steering and Technical Committees promote geospatial data sharing. India's two-tier structure involves the National Spatial Data Committee and the NSDI Executive Committee for policy setting and implementation. Nepal's lack of a designated NSDI agency hampers coordination. Pakistan's NSDI is in the feasibility study phase, while Sri Lanka emphasizes its NSDI within its Digital Policy. Overall, it was observed that some characteristics of good governance are evident across the majority of the countries examined in this chapter; however, the level of maturity remains relatively weak.
TopIntroduction
Geospatial information pertains to data concerning entities, occurrences, or phenomena situated on the Earth's expanse. This encompasses geographic coordinates, descriptive attributes, and frequently, temporal particulars (Stock & Guesgen, 2016). Spatial data offers diverse utility across multiple sectors, encompassing realms like disaster response, agriculture risk assessment, environmental strategizing, and safeguarding water resources (Zhang et al., 2021). Skillful handling of spatial data stands as a pivotal factor in enhancing the efficiency of urban planning endeavors, yielding benefits in terms of both cost-effectiveness and time conservation (Ostadabbas et al., 2021). In recent times, we have witnessed a swift expansion in the multitude of sources and accessibility of geospatial data and information. This surge presents fresh new prospects and challenges the boundaries of scientific understanding and timely technological resolutions (Filchev et al., 2020).
Embracing geospatial data and leveraging advanced tools such as satellite imagery, GIS, and GNSS, geospatial technology emerges as a pivotal player in propelling the journey toward sustainable development. It empowers informed decision-making regarding land management, resource management, and infrastructure growth, all the while amplifying efficiency and precision in the allocation of resources (Joshi, 2023; Kyle, 2022). The true value of geospatial information emerges when it becomes easily accessible, shared, and put into practical application (Simmons, 2018). Thus, to fully realize the promise of geospatial data in promoting sustainable development, informed decision-making, and effective resource allocation, a Spatial Data Infrastructure needs to be established.
The concept of the Spatial Data Infrastructure encompasses the essential technology, policies, standards, and skilled personnel needed to acquire, process, retain, distribute, and enhance the effective application of geospatial information. Functioning as a structured framework, it streamlines the administration and collaborative dissemination of geographical data (Binder Maitra, 2015). Spatial Data Infrastructures frequently amalgamate information from diverse origins, either physically housed in a central repository or virtually linked via a central catalog that connects to the source data overseen and provided by its proprietors. SDIs can be established across a spectrum of magnitudes and intricacies. Individual entities can oversee Enterprise SDIs; governing bodies can administer regional, state, or sectoral SDIs; or entire countries can steward National SDIs (NSDI) (Simmons, 2018).
Ensuring the triumph of an NSDI and fostering active engagement from stakeholders demands the establishment of an effective governance framework. A governance framework is “an organized structure established as authoritative within the institution, comprising processes and rules established to ensure projects meet their purpose” (Ole et al., 2009). The megaprojects' governance framework strives to harmonize governmental effectiveness, credibility, and accountability. Finding a balance between these goals is a complex task that involves managing conflicts within and among various tiers of the framework (Brunet, 2021; Brunet & Aubry, 2016).
According to Crompvoets et al., (2018), governance of SDI encompasses the “structures, policies, actors and institutions by which the infrastructure is managed pertaining to decisions made for accessing, sharing, exchanging and using the relevant available spatial information”. This endeavor seeks to mitigate disparities, redundancies, inconsistencies, and unutilized prospects that often arise within a multi-stakeholder setting, impacting the creation, administration, dissemination, and utilization of spatial data.
Key Terms in this Chapter
Equity: It embodies the principle of fairness, impartiality, and justice in the equitable allocation of resources, opportunities, and advantages to both individuals and groups.
Strategic Vision: It represents the all-encompassing, future-oriented outlook and course of action established by an entity, whether it be an organization or an individual, to attain its desired goals and objectives.
Spatial Data Infrastructure: Spatial data infrastructure plays a vital role by providing the fundamental physical and organizational framework needed to enhance the efficient and ideal utilization of spatial data.
Governance Framework: It denotes a structured methodology or system that steers the decision-making and managerial processes within an organization or project.
Geoportal: It is a specialized web-oriented platform, that acts as a central nexus for the exploration, revelation, and administration of geospatial knowledge and data.