Foundations of Open: Technology and Digital Knowledge Local 2020 Summit
 

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A National Spatial Data Policy Agenda


19 March 2008

Foundations of Open: Technology and Digital Knowledge

Local 2020 Summit

David Hocking, Chief Executive Officer


Foundations of Open: Technology and Digital Knowledge
Local 2020 Summit

The implementation of a National Spatial Data Policy Agenda will:
1. Establish a national mechanism for discoverability of spatial data. Discoverability is necessary to effectively deliver spatial data when and where it is needed, especially in emergencies but increasingly for general use, and would unlock enormous opportunities for innovation and creativity with the use of these data.

2. Open up to the wider community public sector data, which will provide transparency in decisionmaking, and free up a valuable resource for scientific, creative and commercial purposes.
3. Reduce the incidence and cost of duplication across agencies by clearly articulating a policy for creating spatial databases and identify the point of truth responsibilities (that is the agency or individual who is responsible for authorising the data to the desired level of quality).
4. Develop a national pricing model that minimises or eliminates the practice of pricing data at more than the cost of access, a practice which represents a considerable barrier to most users. Cost free access is the most user-friendly option. But government custodians do need funding to manage their data. Policy directives supported by adequate funding are needed.
5. Improve the quality of spatial data at the point of truth to improve accuracy and value of spatial data. Currently, we have cumbersome methods of passing corrections back to custodians. This can take months or may not be possible at all. Frequent users then have the problem of storing yet another version of the data. This is very inefficient for the nation.
6. Enhance the opportunities for innovation within the wider community, research, academic and private sectors. Low cost and ease of access will dramatically increase use and creative endeavour.
7. Allow for growth of the private sector of the spatial information industry by reducing data costs that can serve to inhibit investment in innovation and the development of products and services for export.
8. Position Australian companies to export services and products.

Key aspects of a world class spatial policy framework include the establishment of:

1. an Australian Spatial Data Infrastructure
2. a National Digital Elevation Framework,
3. a Fully Integrated Positioning Framework
4. and a mechanism that will deliver a coordinated approach to policy.
This mechanism should include all stakeholder groups to ensure that a national policy framework reflects
the widest use of publically held spatial data. The Australian Government should institute a National Spatial Advisory Committee similar to that envisaged for infrastructure, to advise on:
1. Spatial data standards
2. Fundamental data sets
3. Quality auditing
4. Point of truth agencies
5. Creative Commons licensing arrangements
6. Access and pricing arrangements
7. Copyright and privacy arrangements and policy
8. National consistency and interoperability standards and arrangements
9. A framework for a fully integrated global navigation satellite systems infrastructure and
infrastructure for utilizing the other emerging forms of positioning systems
The US Department of the Interior recently established an advisory committee that includes representation from varied interests including the private sector, non-profit sector, academia and government. The body reports to the Federal Geographic Data Committee, which is chaired by the Secretary of the Interior.1
1 US Department of the Interior, Media Release, 29 January 2008


Similarly, the New Zealand Geospatial Office is responsible for co-coordinating the New Zealand Geospatial Strategy, evaluating its implementation, and providing administrative and programme support to the Geospatial Executives Group (GEG). This body is tasked with a national leadership role and works closely with and in support of the private sector.

National Leadership

Pricing arrangements for spatial data have been the subject of a detailed study by the Productivity Commission in 2001, which found that cost recovery should be implemented for economic efficiency reasons, not merely to raise revenue. A Circular by the Department of Finance2 stated that cost recovery should not be applied where it is not cost effective, where it is inconsistent with government policy objectives or
where it would unduly stifle competition or industry innovation. Problems persist because the pricing policies of some jurisdictions are not consistent with cost recovery principles established by the Productivity Commission, particularly in relation to the treatment of fundamental data and in relation to competitive neutrality principles.
Where a pricing policy would see fundamental spatial information – that is a public good –charged for on the basis of full cost recovery, it is inefficient and will lead to sub-optimal outcomes for the economy as a whole.3
As Australia is developing an increasing reliance on becoming a modern, spatially enabled economy, the policies applied to access and pricing need to be revisited and made relevant for the needs of the 21st century.
The development of new products and services and the availability of information to serve the community is fundamental to a sound spatial data policy framework. It is paramount that the development of key aspects of a national spatial data policy framework recognizes and includes the private sector as a significant stakeholder.
2 Department of Finance and Administration, Circular 2005/09
3 ACIL Tasman study for ASIBA, Spatially Enabling Australia, 2007

Recommendations

1. That the Australian Government secures the agreement of COAG to implement a nationally consistent policy on spatial data access, pricing, and standards.
2. That the Australian Government secures the agreement of COAG to fund the development of an Australian Spatial Data Infrastructure4 , a nationally consistent Digital Elevation Model and a Fully Integrated Positioning Framework.
3. That a comprehensive spatial policy be developed by a National Spatial Advisory Committee.
4. That a study be undertaken to quantify the benefit to Australia in terms of increased innovation and capacity building through the implementing of the next generation of spatial policies. The study should also quantify the contribution of these policies to creating a far more sustainable and internationally competitive industry.

4 GeoConnections, Canada, Building the Business Case for Investments in Geospatial Information Technology, www.geoconnections.org, INSPIRE, Infrastructure for Spatial Information In Europe

 

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