Spatial Data Infrastructures
From MapbenderWiki
Spatial Data Infrastructures (SDI) is a complex structure with software, services and organizational entities connected through a loosely coupled network. To achieve interoperability inside the SDI itself and to other SDIs all service interfaces are generally standardized following the specifications of the W3C, OGC and ISO.
Clients that are compatible to these SDI standards can access and process spatial information regardless of software running behind a servcie. Users can bind software- and data-components from these SDI to build comprehensive environments. SDI technology and standards expand the capabilities of traditional GIS functionality to a world wide level.
Catalog Services
Catalog Services provide metadata to SDI servcies. In an ideally connected network every single catalog acts as a point of entry to any level of the worldwide SDI.
Disruptive Technology
Every interoperable SDI is another piece in the puzzle which is slowly put together on a deliberately collaborative basis. In this context SDI are disruptive technology, although they only describe an architecture and can be implemented in many ways.
Development in the spatial realm is so inherently inclusive and collaborative that it evolves to be one of the major influences bringing about a change to the way we are thinking about the Web. New emerging concepts like the Semantic Web and Linked Data pave the way to a resource oriented architecture.
Commercial Services
Around this Spatial Data Hub a set of commercial services has formed throughout the world providing everything from spatial data, basic information or cutting edge technology. Check out the Geospatial Free and Open Source Software Company Directory for an overview of where you can access local services and how Free Software and Free Data initiatives relate.
