SPATIAL INFORMATION
MANAGEMENT
IN THE 21ST CENTURY
Robert W. Foster, Matt Higgins and Jes Ryttersgaard
International Federation of Surveyors
23.1.2001
7th UNRCC for the Americas
Robert W. Foster, President of FIG
1
Contents
• FIG
• Introduction to Spatial Information
• Spatial Data Infrastructure
• Technological Developments
• Data Collection
• Final Remarks
23.1.2001
7th UNRCC for the Americas
Robert W. Foster, President of FIG
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International Federation of Surveyors
Fédération Internationale des Géomètres
• UN/ECOSOC recognised NGO
• Only international body representing all
surveying disciplines
• Member associations in 79 countries representing
more than 230,000 surveyors
• Totally over 100 countries represented
23.1.2001
7th UNRCC for the Americas
Robert W. Foster, President of FIG
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Introduction to Spatial Information
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transportation infrastructure in a region
health monitoring programmes
cadastre projects
land management
spatial planning
socio-economic issues
monitoring of environmental issues
environmental impact assessment
conservation projects
natural resource management
23.1.2001
7th UNRCC for the Americas
Robert W. Foster, President of FIG
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National Spatial Data Infrastructure
Experiences

NSDI is an Asset for all Nations in general in line with other
infrastructure assets such as roads, telecommunication networks
etc.

Establishing of a NSDI demands co-operation between the public
and the private sectors and amongst the variety of professions
involved.

NSDI can proceed even if a formal policy document does not
exist. It is possible to proceed with certain operational level
activities while the policy is being formulated.

Every NSDI will be different, depending on cultural needs, social
evolution, economic reality and national ambitions.
23.1.2001
7th UNRCC for the Americas
Robert W. Foster, President of FIG
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National Spatial Data Infrastructure
Visions

Cadastral, topographic and thematic data sets should adopt the
same overarching philosophy and data model.

To be able to offer the different users the full potential of spatial
information the full range of spatial data, should be made
accessible.

Alternative possibilities for the presentation and interpretations
of spatial information should be considered.

The commercial and contractual frameworks for co-operation
and the associated business models will be key issues in the
further development of NSDI.
23.1.2001
7th UNRCC for the Americas
Robert W. Foster, President of FIG
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Technological Developments
• Mass-produced hardware and standard software
• Web-GIS in which the users handle geographic information
using standard web browsers is a reality
• Satellite positioning
• Mobile mapping systems
• Integration of total stations and real time satellite
positioning
23.1.2001
7th UNRCC for the Americas
Robert W. Foster, President of FIG
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Data Collection – Major Trends

Space based technologies using inexpensive hand-held
receivers

GPS-surveying with the so-called real-time kinematic
technique (RTK)
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The spatial referencing part of the NSDI includes geodetic
reference marks, supplemented with GPS base stations
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Satellite radar altimetry
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Remote sensing technologies like photogrammetry and
spectral and laser scanning
23.1.2001
7th UNRCC for the Americas
Robert W. Foster, President of FIG
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Final Remarks
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It is our duty to promote sustainable development.
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Information technology is indispensable, but data and
information are a prerequisite.
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There is a great need for spatial information. However, this is not
solely a question of information. There is a very significant
management element.
•
Spatial Information Management is becoming a major area of
work for surveyors throughout the world.
We create the overview by monitoring developments and
continuously analysing results.
23.1.2001
7th UNRCC for the Americas
Robert W. Foster, President of FIG
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FIG in the Americas and on GIS
19-22 March 2001 10th International Symposium on Deformation
Measurements, Anaheim, California, USA
6-11 May 2001
FIG Working Week 2001, Seoul, Korea
6-8 June 2001
Istanbul+5, New York, USA
21-25 May 2001
GSDI 5 (participation), Cartagena, Colombia
2-5 October 2001 FIG/UN International Conference on Spatial
Information for Sustainable Development,
Nairobi, Kenya
19-26 April 2002
FIG Congress, Washington DC, USA
October 2003
International Conference on Spatial Information
Management, FIG Commission 3, Colombia
23.1.2001
7th UNRCC for the Americas
Robert W. Foster, President of FIG
10