The SIntegraM Stairway Spatial Data Integration for the Maltese Islands The SIntegraM Stairway to Integrative Spatialisation: removing the barriers to access and harmonisation Prof. Dr. Saviour Formosa DLA 2017: Responsive Landscapes
The Situation
The Situation Due to the various national/eu data creation obligations, Malta is committed to upgrade the national s spatial data capacity, which is currently not integrated and does not follow a coherent process but is based on an approach where each organisation has built its own systems that do not communicate with other entities systems. This project aims at ensuring that the underlying infrastructure and capacity is available in order to deliver information and analysis as per national, EU and other international requirements. However. Spatial Infrastructure is hampered by: an old basemap non-earth data ancient technology silo-effect and inter-governmental data _charging lack of integration limited human resources and training Needed. Enhancement of data, systems, infrastructure, exchange and training: identification of information gaps in the data cycle identification of data being created creation of new basemaps integration of all data in a national system creation of data exchange security protocols building of infrastructure training of experts
The Operational Aspects Operational Issues emanating from Entities Representatives To identify the current datasets pertaining to GI To list critical datasets that are crucial for integrative purposes (as per above) To highlight the necessity of sourcing and creating datasets from a non-spatial to spatial format To identify current and essential (but not present) knowledge and skills within each entity responsible for GI inclusive of parastatal and other governmental entities To identify current processes/methodologies that are in place and to aid the application and implementation process to identify, align, streamline and implement integration
Overlaying Nightmare? The Data Dilemma
Overlaying Nightmare? Entities not Congruent Police Districts
Integrative Steps
Integrative Steps
Integrative Steps
The Scope: 5+1+2 To develop a national spatial data infrastructure and capacity for Malta, with the focus on 5+2 main themes: Developing a new Basemap for the Maltese Islands Aligning all spatial data in a common projection (removing the current truncated data system) Drafting a Strategy for National Spatial Data Infrastructure Building the necessary infrastructure to enable the entire data cycle (designinput-analysis-output-reporting) and for future preparedness Creating an online dissemination and analysis spatial information system Adhering to the INSPIRE Directive and relevant legislation Creating a series of protocols that enable the free exchange of data and knowledge across the entities as well as ensuring Data SECURITY and Data Protection within the DPA, FOI, INSPIRE and other Acts/Directives
The Three Pivots: 5 The 5: Building the Infrastructure Infrastructure relates to hardware, software and content Malta s main spatial data problem relates to its reliance on an old basemap that has a 1988 timestamp. In addition data is sold between entities, it is not homogenous and gathered ad-hoc. It is imperative that Malta: Develops a new Basemap for the Maltese Islands at various scales ranging from 1:10,000 to 1:1000 Aligns all spatial data in a common projection (removing the current truncated data system) and one that is used by the EU Builds the necessary infrastructure to enable the entire data cycle (designinput-analysis-output-reporting) - hardware, software and content Acquires the necessary infrastructure for future preparedness (aerial, terrestrial and marine technologies) to reduce external reliance Creates a national interactive geoportal for online dissemination and analysis.
The Outcomes: 5 (1) Strategy for National Spatial Data Integration across the spectrum of governmental entities. Creation of inventory, metadata, lineages, protocols, legislation, software options... (2) Basemap creation at various scales (3) Data acquisition of imagery, lidar, oblique, infra-red... (4) Integrated Datasets and systems in a common format and projection (5) Acquisition of Systems for the management of spatial data (servers, workstations, software...) (6) Acquisition of Analytical Tools for real-time investigation (predictive tools, immersive environments). (7) Acquisition of Equipment for future preparedness (aerial, terrestrial and marine technologies). (8) Dissemination Tools for the distribution and reporting of data to the Public, Scientific Domains and EU/International Reporting.
The Three Pivots: +1 The 1: Human Capacity Capacity relates to knowledge of spatial information Malta s main spatial expertise is spread across the diverse entities with limited collaboration or exchange. Knowledge varies across the technical, administrative and professional levels. It is imperative that Malta: Enhances its human capacity in the spatial themes across all governmental entities data gatherers and refiners data analysts and reporters information specialists preparedness specialists legal experts
The Outcomes: +1 (1) Identification of the Spatial Knowledge in terms of capacity and training needs currently involved in the GI field, requirements, lacunae... in various fields: GIS, geomatics, land survey and thematic fields (data gatherers and refiners, data analysis and reporting, information specialists, preparedness specialists, legal experts) (2) L4 L5 Courses for field workers, ICT (3) L6 L7 sponsorship for analysts, systems creators, programmers (4) Entity-based Training for users in the various entities to ensure spatial understanding and continuity (5) Public training on systems usage and input to government (6) Media Train for publicity and dissemination
The Three Pivots: +2 The 2: Legislative and Mentality Shift The 2 pivot relates to adherence to legislation and the inclusion of the concept of FREE exchange of data and information and Cost- Sharing through a Secure Structure Malta s has a limited data resource and the exchange of data against a monetary aspect is limiting progress and creating obstacles to progress, particularly when data is already paid for by the same government. The time is ripe for a mentality shift across all entities: i) Gather once use many ii) Freely exchange data across the governmental entities iii) Governed by a common structure It is imperative that Malta: Adheres to the INSPIRE Directive and relevant data legislation Creates a series of protocols that enable the free exchange of data and knowledge across the entities Introduce Cost-sharing solutions
The Outcomes: +2 (1) Legislation Drivers Requirement to adhere to the INSPIRE Directive where relevant and to create protocols for other spatial date not currently under INSPIRE. To identify other relevant data legislation and draft a manual to procedures (2) Identification of spatial data flows at national and international level (3) Drafting of Protocols for data and information exchange based on a common approach to the data cycle (4) Drafting of Policy for the free exchange of data across the governmental entities
SIntegraM Thank You