Future development of NSDI based on the European INSPIRE Directive – A case study of a Bosnian and Herzegovinian geoportal

Abstract

The term infrastructure, as a mechanism of support for spatial data, was used for the first time in the early 1990s in Canada. Today, the concept of spatial data infrastructure (SDI) has become a new paradigm worldwide for the collection, use, exchange and distribution of spatial data and information. Spatial data infrastructures are developed through sets of spatial data, metadata, agreements for joint spatial data use and distribution, network services and coordination activities. SDI is always present in a certain form, but the level of implementation varies according to current demand. In this context, the building or setting up of an SDI can be seen as an improvement or addition to one already in existence. One of the main goals of SDI is the horizontal and vertical linking of subjects that create and use spatial data. Subjects can be classified at several basic levels – from personal and corporative, through local and county, to national, regional and finally, global. Today, the most important level is the national level i.e. the National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI) project and the European Union (EU) Infrastructure for Spatial Information in Europe (INSPIRE) Directive. Without spatial data and services, it would be impossible to manage space effectively, plan city development, monitor the situation on the ground, or carry out many other activities. This paper gives an overview of different initiatives and efforts in establishing SDI in Bosnia and Herzegovina. State bodies such as the government and the State Geodetic Administration have the main role in collaborating with the public and commercial sectors and also with the academic community. As the main factor in creating a future SDI, the State Geodetic Administration has launched several initiatives the goal of which is the installation of new technologies, equipment and procedures in map production and the establishment of digital topographic and cadastre databases. In the next few years Bosnia and Herzegovina must accomplish numerous tasks to arrange spatial records. These tasks must be accomplished very conscientiously and in a reasonable period of time. It is very important for Bosnia and Herzegovina’s prosperity and for the fulfilment of the conditions established for the process of entering European and international integrations. The iGEO geospatial portal implementation, described in detail further down in this paper, represents an initial drive towards establishing state-wide SDI-based services as a focal point to handle the above stated tasks. It represents a standardized, INSPIRE-driven way of providing important geospatial data to end-users throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina.