Geographic information system and spatial data infrastructure: a developing societies' perception

Abstract

The perception of geographic information system and spatial data infrastructure in the developing societies is vague. Developing societies in the context of this paper are societies that are disadvantaged in the provision of geographic information system and spatial data infrastructure. The notion is that there is no clear cut understanding of geographic information system and spatial data infrastructure as perceived by societies who are still lagging in these technological ideas. Previous studies and web based sources on this subject matter form the basis for analysis, case study of three geospatial regions were viewed and analyzed. In this paper, different reasons for these information gaps were looked into, from the terms used in describing the two, to the models used for their implementation and the provision of facilities for implementation. The result obtained showed a lack of basic geographic information science background, failure in achieving a spatial data infrastructure standard and component system failure resulted in the perception. A model that is specific to developing societies in the opinion of this paper is what is needed. A suggested model to assist in refocusing the quest for national geographic information system and spatial data infrastructure towards people oriented spatial information services is made.