Understanding the motivations and capacity for SDI development from the local level

Understanding the motivations and capacity for SDI development from the local level

Local government is a rich source of accurate and detailed spatial information which is
utilised not only at the local level but increasingly at other levels of government. To build the
spatial data infrastructure (SDI) at a state and national level, the role of local governments
and their motivation to participate in the sharing of spatial information must be better
understood. Although institutional problems still present some of the greatest challenges in
building multi-jurisdictional SDIs, the technical and physical capacity of the smaller
jurisdictions can impact on their ability to participate with larger and usually better resourced
jurisdictions.
In recent years partnerships have emerged as a useful mechanism for establishing a
framework and environment conducive to data sharing. However, unless the partnership
arrangements are carefully designed and managed to meet the business objectives of each
partner, then it is unlikely that they will be sustainable in the longer term. This paper outlines
research being conducted on the factors that contribute to the success of local-state
government partnerships initiatives. The research methodology, which consists of mixed
method approach utilising case studies and a qualitative survey of local government
experiences in partnerships arrangements will be discussed. Some initial results of the
research will be presented and their possible implication to future partnership initiatives will
be discussed.