Scientific- Research Quarterly of Geographical Data (SEPEHR)

Scientific- Research Quarterly of Geographical Data (SEPEHR)

Assessing Iran’s National Spatial Data Infrastructure based on SDI readiness model

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors
Ali Kalantari Oskouei 1
Mahdi Modiri 2
Ali Asghar Alesheikh 3
Reza Hosnavi 4
1 Ph.D student of GIS Malek-Ashtar Universiyt of Technolog
2 Associate Professor of Urban planning, Malek-Ashtar University of Technolog
3 Professor of GIS, Khaje Nasir Toosi University
4 Associate Professor, Malek-Ashtar University of Technolog
10.22131/sepehr.2016.23195
Abstract
Abstract
The main objective of this research was to determine Iran’s National Spatial Data Infrastructures (NSDI) readiness index, with the aim of identifying the basic restrictions that impede NSDI development. The framework of the research is constructed on the basis of survey and SDI readiness model. In this research, Iran’s NSDI based on this fuzzy-based model has been assessed using 16 decision-making criteria in the form of five organisational, human resources, data and information, technological and financial factors.The required data for the research were collected through the questionnaire and interview with the experienced experts from the government agencies, Universities, and private sector of the country who were familiar with the spatial data infrastructure. The results of the implementation of the model demonstrated that Iran’s NSDI readiness composite index was 0.44. In addition, the assessment of the factors of Iran’s NSDI readiness showed that all of them, with the exception of the technology factor, were less developed. Moreover, the status of 75% of decision-making criteria was not satisfactory. In this research, the state of investment of the government and the private sector, communication infrastructure, organizational and individual leadership, legal issues, politicians' perspective, metadata, culture and education regarding the spatial data infrastructure were recognized as the most important limiting measures in the establishment of the NSDI. In spite of numerous factors inhibiting the development of NSDI, the status of criteria for connecting to the Web, access to data and digital spatial data, human capital, and access to geospatial software were evaluated at an appropriate level of development. Also, according to the results of this research, it seems that in the development of the NSDI, non-technical issues (organizational, human resources, and financial factors) can play a role as a limiting factor than technical issues (technological factor). At the end of the paper, recommendations have been presented to resolve the country’s NSDI development constraints.
Keywords
financial resources
human resources
Limiting factors
Organization
technology
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