Critical success factors model for spatial data infrastructure implementation in Abu Dhabi Emirate

Abstract

In 2007, Abu Dhabi Emirate launched its Spatial Data Infrastructure Program (AD-SDI). Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi declared a vision for the Emirate to establish one of the best SDI in the world. The main drawback was to answer the question of how to measure AD-SDI effectiveness in achieving Abu Dhabi’s vision on the SDI. A conceptual framework is developed using combination of qualitative and quantitative methods and being applied in four stages. First stage deals with review of theory and framework development based on the extensive literature review. Second stage explores selected case studies of the world’s best SDI practices in United States, Australia and Malaysia. In the following stage, outcomes from preceding stages are utilized to develop SDI survey questionnaires for Abu Dhabi geospatial community. The questionnaires have been distributed to stakeholders and users of geospatial data in government and private sectors. Finally, findings from the survey questionnaires have been used to create a suitable preliminary CSF model for the AD-SDI and to measure impact on their implementation in Abu Dhabi. The developed preliminary CSF model for the AD-SDI consists of six (6) main categories with their respective 42 success factors being identified. All 42 factors are assigned with weightage accordingly by using statistical approach to measure their degree of priority. However, after systematic integration and evaluation process, a new revised version of primary CSF model for the AD-SDI are generated with 6 main categories but the total number of success factors is reduced to 33. The adopted main categories for the primary CSF model have been developed based on the survey findings in issues mainly related to organizational matters, level of communication, data standards and socio-economy. Validation process has been carried out to evaluate effectiveness of the selected primary model in implementing AD-SDI. The new primary model is accepted by the state authority to be adopted in implementing a comprehensive and modern SDI in Abu Dhabi. The success of AD-SDI will be followed by adopting the model for the implementation of future nation-wide SDI in the United Arab Emirates.