Framework for GISThe UN Statistics Division and World Bank have launched a framework titled, ‘Integrated Geospatial Information Framework,’ that seeks to guide governments in their efforts to manage geospatial information. The framework reviews benefits and principles for geospatial information management and sets out principles and pathways through which policy could be guided.
The guide was developed to assist low and middle-income countries better manage data that contains geospatial information. Recommendations address issues such as the need to: develop policies for data curation, sharing, ownership and use; establish strong data supply chain interlinkages; and implement data standards to improve the ability of users to access and analyze data across multiple platforms.
The guide highlights drivers for change and barriers to success for management of geospatial information, based on which it recommends incorporating seven principles into efforts to implement the Framework: strategic enablement; transparent and accountable government; reliable, accessible and easily used information; collaboration and cooperation; integrative solutions; sustained and valuable; and leadership and commitment. The guide provides specific suggestions for pursuing nine strategic pathways in order to implement integrated geospatial information systems “in a way that will deliver a vision for sustainable social, economic and environmental development.” These pathways are: governance and institutions; legal and policy; financial; data; innovation; standards; partnerships; capacity and education; and communication and engagement.