What is the value of spatial data infrastructure and policies for your organization and society?

1 Data quality and standards

One of the main advantages of SDI is that it can improve the quality and consistency of spatial data by promoting the use of standards and metadata. Standards are the rules and guidelines that define how data should be collected, stored, processed, and exchanged. Metadata are the data about data, such as the source, accuracy, format, and date of creation. By following standards and metadata, you can ensure that your data are reliable, valid, and compatible with other data sources and systems.

2 Data sharing and collaboration

Another benefit of SDI is that it can enable data sharing and collaboration among different organizations and stakeholders. Data sharing is the process of making data available and accessible to others, either openly or under certain conditions. Collaboration is the process of working together to achieve common goals or solve problems using data. By sharing and collaborating, you can reduce duplication, increase efficiency, leverage expertise, and create synergies.

3 Data integration and analysis

A third advantage of SDI is that it can facilitate data integration and analysis across different domains and applications. Data integration is the process of combining data from different sources and formats into a coherent and meaningful whole. Data analysis is the process of extracting insights, patterns, and trends from data using various methods and tools. By integrating and analyzing data, you can enhance your decision making, planning, and innovation.

4 Data governance and policy

A fourth benefit of SDI is that it can support data governance and policy development and implementation. Data governance is the framework of roles, responsibilities, rules, and processes that ensure the effective and ethical management of data. Data policy is the set of principles, objectives, and actions that guide the creation, use, and dissemination of data. By governing and policying data, you can ensure the protection, security, privacy, and quality of data, as well as the compliance with laws and regulations.

5 Data value and impact

A fifth advantage of SDI is that it can increase the value and impact of spatial data for your organization and society. Data value is the measure of how useful, relevant, and beneficial data are for different purposes and users. Data impact is the measure of how data influence or affect outcomes, behaviors, or changes in various domains and contexts. By increasing the value and impact of data, you can demonstrate the return on investment, justify the resources, and communicate the benefits of your data initiatives.

6 Data literacy and awareness

A sixth benefit of SDI is that it can foster data literacy and awareness among your staff and stakeholders. Data literacy is the ability to understand, use, and communicate data effectively and responsibly. Data awareness is the knowledge of the existence, availability, and potential of data for different purposes and users. By fostering data literacy and awareness, you can build the skills, confidence, and culture needed to leverage the power of spatial data for your organization and society.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?