Methodical construction of sustainable SDI nodes

In this position paper, we present our group’s perspective and philosophy on the development of information systems that serve to enable spatial data sharing and spatial data processing in large, heterogeneous environments. We call such systems SDI nodes, as they are the building blocks of information infrastructure in which geo-information plays a role. We clarify our view on SDI, and identify the main reasons why the actual construction of SDI nodes is lagging behind. In the discussion, we specifically focus on the case of lesser developed countries, where the conditions to arrive at actual implementations are particularly challenging. Remedies to the causes identified are suggested, and we elaborate on how our group intends to contribute to those solutions.