1. U.S. Geological Survey EROS Data Center Integration of Geospatial Data and Environmental Information: Technical considerations By Eric van Praag, USGS EROS Data Center

2. Technical interoperability. Lessons learned by initiatives to integrate spatial information (1) A basic layer of digital, seamless, open access core spatial data sets most be developed for each country. New data sets are build on top of this basic data set. In the geospatial domain, the Open GIS standards facilitate data integration and interoperability. Initiatives such as IABIN will develop similar mechanisms. Spatial data catalogs facilitate data discovery. Similar mechanisms will be developed by IABIN, and follow the lead of the NBII in the U.S. Major problems remain in relation to the use of datum and projections in the spatial domain that will affect environmental-spatial data integration.

3. Technical interoperability. Lessons learned by initiatives to integrate spatial information (2) Environmental data management efforts need to integrate better with existing national spatial data infrastructures. They offer a legal and political platform that facilitates the achievement of common objectives. More and more, tools for format and datum conversion are available and facilitate data interchange. The recent establishment of GIS Web Services in several Latin American countries obligates data creators to follow common standards and procedures, so data can integrate seamlessly on-line. Limited internet bandwidth and technological know-how still act as barriers to better data dissemination in many countries Most of these issues are being – or could be – addressed in a SDI context

4. View of common problems encountered

5. Steps to facilitate access to geospatial data (1) Problem: A considerable volume of spatial data has been developed in L.A. in the last ten years. This data can be hard to reach. Some solutions Sponsor the development and strengthening of spatial data catalogs and SDIs to facilitate data discovery. Make senior politicians aware of the benefits of sharing spatial information. Have institutions develop clear and open data policies that deal with spatial information. Promote legislation that facilitates and regulates spatial data sharing and solves some of the pending IP issues. Promote the use of OpenGis standards. Facilitate access to new and free spatial data: Shuttle Radar Topographic Mission, ASTER, MODIS, free Landsat databanks (i.e., MACGA)

6. Steps to facilitate access to geospatial data (2) Solutions suggested: Evaluate the potential to use open source solutions (e.g., ILWIS, Minnesota Map Server). Make information available for download through web portals and GIS Web Services. Work on data protection schemes that make data creators feel safe when distributing and/or selling data. Establish data pricing schemes that lower the cost of data acquisition. Capacity-building in geospatial technologies... The magic word.

7. Spatially-enabled environmental information: opportunities for collaboration IABIN Biodiversity Information MACGA GIS Web Services SDI PAIGH Spatial data SDI CP-IDEA Spatial data SDI EDC Spatial information Clearinghouse/SDI NASA/CCAD Geospatial center for Central America SYNERGIES INTEGRATION COLLABORATION SIAM Environmental Data