To eliminate current problems in handling geodata and to assure a wide application of first-class geo-information, a so-called National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI) is required.
For increasing the socio-economic benefits and providing a significant contribution to economic growth and development generated by geo-information, an optimal service with transparent prices, easy access and a degree of awareness are necessary, in short, a National Spatial Data Infrastructure.
This includes a generally available system of procedures, institutional facilities, technologies, data and manpower which can make the efficient application of geodata possible. The framework in Switzerland is the contact network e-geo.ch through which all efficiency factors are coordinated and controlled:
- political support on the highest level
- defining basic geo-information and services which are maintained and updated by the administration
- defining the required metadata and guaranteeing their actuality
- designing and installing the required technical infrastructure
- defining or adjusting the legal basis
- establishing and adopting binding standards for metadata, modelling and data exchange
- promoting education and training
- developing and introducing a common strategy for pricing and distribution
