Digital geodata sets are available today from almost all walks of life. Why are they hardly being used?
Today, administrative services still spend much more time searching for, reading and trying to understand geodata than actually putting them to use. The efficient application of the data is hindered by the lack of a common policy on the federal, cantonal and municipal levels, of uniform standards and technologies, and often of even the awareness – on all levels – of the role geo-information plays in decision-making.
In the federal administration there are hundreds of different geodata sets involving subjects such as cadastral surveying, topography, geology, agrology, hydrology, atmosphere and climate, flora and fauna, population, transportation, infrastructure, environment, health, economy, land use, art and culture. In addition, there are countless data sets from the cantons and municipalities for any number of applications. These data originate from the most different sources, are not compatible, and have no common platform.
All of this information was generated at an immense cost and represents tremendous wealth. However, in order to use and benefit from this treasure, a user-friendly, linked and decentralized platform must be established with easy and inexpensive access to reliable geo-information at all times and at all places – for the administration, the economy as well as for the general public.