Ian Masser Explores the Development of Spatial Data Infrastructures

GIS Worlds: Creating Spatial Data Infrastructures, a new book from ESRI Press, provides an overview of the developments in Spatial Data Infrastructures (SDIs) over the last 10 to 15 years. Author Ian Masser examines the development of SDIs for sharing geographic data in
local, state, regional, national, and international agencies.
Masser first became involved with SDIs as a computer literate urban planner with a human geography background in matters relating to GI policy and SDIs. This was during his time as the national coordinator of the UK Economic and Social Research Council's Regional Research Laboratory (RRL) initiative in the late 1980s. He also served as founding chairman of the Association of Geographic Information Laboratories in Europe (AGILE) from 1998 to 1999 and was president of the European Umbrella Organization for Geographic Information (EUROGI) from 1999 to 2003. From 2002 to 2004, he served as president of the Global Spatial Data Infrastructure Association (GSDI). GIS Worlds is structured around four themes: SDI diffusion, evolution, implementation, and institution building within a hierarchy of SDIs. Within these themes, Masser discusses key issues in SDI development including
government policy options and strategies for SDI implementation. The book also explores the contributions SDIs are making in countries throughout the world.
Government decision makers at all levels, GIS professionals, and all those who want to learn more about the SDIs will find GIS Worlds a valuable resource for understanding the history, goals, and processes of this worldwide phenomenon. "This book is the product of a personal journey that has taken nearly twenty years," said Masser.