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Organisations with large amounts of corporate spatial data have been busy creating interface services. They will remain busy as regulations require the development of services offering both vectors and images from dozens of data sets.
How can we utilise the spatial data infrastructure (SDI)? Professionals in the spatial data field use software, the most recent versions of which can easily access information online. The software can be used to read metadata of spatial data sets and to select interesting map levels, as long as the users have access rights to the data. Maps are shown on the screen as data from the user's own databank. The joint use of spatial data is finally here.
The world is not yet complete
Professionals in the spatial data field are only a minority among those who find spatial data useful. Only a few people are willing to buy and install GIS-software and learn to use it. The threshold is high and learning takes time. New users wish to use a web browser to access spatial data - easily and whenever necessary. There are one hundred such users for every professional in the spatial data field.
Since users have already learned to browse maps, it is time to take the next step. Users need maps showing various themes. Data about geographic objects must be shown in tables and on forms. Statistics must be made available in thematic maps, as well as bar and pie charts.
Smooth interoperability
Electronic services require cooperation between forms and maps, pre-filled forms, the possibility to save specific annotations on the map and data transfer to public information systems. Fabulous examples have already been seen. In the spring of 2011 the Agency for Rural Affairs provided farmers with a map interface in conjunction with the electronic application form for agricultural support funding. More than 2300 farmers used the map interface to make more than 13 000 corrections of basic parcels.
Electronic services refer to the ability to fill in online applications for building and environmental permits, planning permissions for minor constructions and legal surveys. Applications, messages and declarations are submitted electronically. The map interface is useful for creating map drawings necessary for using the service.
Tools for designing services
Spatial data service delivery platforms are an answer to the challenge. Software services which load spatial data into the web browser to be used in services, planning, management and decision making are needed in addition to spatial data interface services.
First, the spatial data service delivery platform is an online service for defining map interfaces on publishers' websites. The embedded map service of Paikkatietoikkuna is one example of a simple service delivery platform. Similar services are offered by ArcGIS Online and Google Maps.
In future, spatial data service delivery platforms must offer more varied opportunities than today. Map functions will be combined with form engines etc. The SADe programme led by the Ministry of Finance has been instituted to collect requirements and define use cases.
The development of spatial data service delivery platforms is a joint challenge. The public administration could save considerable sums of money by not repeating the same functions over and over again in parallel projects. Networking and cooperation could be a step in the right direction!
Antti Rainio
Chief Expert
National Land Survey / Development Centre