GLOBAL SPATIAL DATA INFRASTRUCTURE (GSDI)
The Global Spatial Data Infrastructure (GSDI) was defined at the 5th GSDI Conference in May 2001
as: “The Global Spatial Data Infrastructure is coordinated actions of nations and organizations that
promotes awareness and implementation of complementary policies, common standards and effective
mechanisms for the development and availability of interoperable digital geographic data and
technologies to support decision making at all scales for multiple purposes.”
There are more than 50 nations developing national spatial data infrastructures. These guidelines
highlight the importance of global standards, and point to the work of ISO as the basis upon which to
build. The GSDI is now recognized as a Class A Liaison of ISO/TC 211.
GSDI is also working closely with the United Nations.