Enabling Interoperable Spatial Data Infrastructures for Sustainable Development

May 25 - June 4 2004

Over many years, users of GeoSpatial Information Systems (GIS) around the world have collected vast amounts of spatial data using different application systems. Traditionally, these applications have incompatible data formats, adding cost and inconvenience to enterprises needing to expand their applications. As GIS becomes more and more important as a medium for resource optimization and management in a world with limited resources, users need GIS data to interoperate. Today, the increasing awareness of the benefits of GIS applications and the need for interoperability has led the community of GIS Users, Professionals, Vendors and other leaders of the GIS Industry to look closely at what is called an Spatial Data Infrastructure (SDIs). One view of an SDI, is that it is a common repository or database of GIS data that complies with standards (for example ISO TC211), is open, and can be shared and used by all other GIS applications. There are other definitions of course. But many Government Agencies together with most, if not all, of the GeoSpatial Community, throughout their experience with GIS, have today come to the conclusion that standards facilitate an open and interoperable environment, and that these are necessary for an effective and highly successful SDI. Enterprises must leverage the SDI to achieve higher levels of performance and lower management overhead.


SYNOPSIS

The seminar will discuss and illustrate the components of interoperability in both the Desktop and Web environment that coexist as two major information technology elements, in spatial data sharing, access and exchange. This, along with a comprehensive discussion of the technology background, social and business dimensions and recent trends in development of ISO/OGC standards and other tools, will provide participants with compelling reasons about the importance implementing open systems, open standards and open approaches in an SDI implementation.


THE MAIN SPEAKER

Peter Bartak is currently the Program Manager for Spatial Data Infrastructures in Intergraph’s Mapping and Geospatial Solutions Division. Peter brings tremendous value and has in-depth knowledge, as a result of his more than 17 years of professional experience, in Terrestrial Surveying, Photogrammetry, Remote Sensing and GIS. He has spent the last recent 10 years working for Intergraph. Before joining the Global Marketing Team, he worked in the wider European area as Industry Consultant in Mapping, Land Information Management and Cadastre. He has also worked as an assistant professor and researcher in the academic domain with focus on Remote Sensing and early GIS implementation. Peter holds M.Sc. P.Eng. degrees in Geodesy, Cartography and Remote Sensing from the Czech Technical University in Prague, former Czechoslovakia. He will be able to give valuable tips, strategies, and address important technical and cultural issues faced by change leaders in enterprises setting up SDIs. Overall, he shall be able to contribute significantly to the success of such a large and complex initiative.

This is part of Intergraph’s ongoing effort to share our global experiences with our Partners and Customers.