The document discusses GeoNode, an open source software project that aims to build a next generation Spatial Data Infrastructure (SDI) based on best practices from modern web services. Some key points:
- GeoNode aims to make uploading, sharing, and working with spatial data as easy as blogging by reducing barriers to participation.
- It aligns incentives for contribution and use through features like user profiles, reputation systems, and ability to style and share maps.
- The software implements open standards and APIs to make data accessible and allow other applications to integrate.
3. “… the sources, systems, network linkages, standards, and institutional issues involved in delivering spatially-related data from many different sources to the widest possible group of potential users at affordable costs.” – Groot & McLaughlin 2000 Spatial Data Infrastructure (SDI)
4. The theory of SDI developed before we learned what was possible with the Internet
85. Open Data Optimism Features like User reputation Organizational endorsement Flexible security address data quality concerns
86. Open Data Optimism GeoNode supports the continuum of openness with a common platform for institutional GIS and neogeography
87. What about Features X,Y, Z? OpenGeo: We welcome your investment in new GeoNode features! Inquire at the OpenGeo Booth. (Also, patches are very welcome)
I’d like to talk a bit about SDI's. Specifically what I think is the last step in building the dream of INSPIRE. If we're to look at this one definition of SDI INSPIRE has already done most every thing needed - it's written in to law, there are standards, everyone's agreed and it's moving forward. But I have a worry:
Underlying all of this is our commitment to open source, as it is the reason for our success, and we want to spread it widely
Make the data findable on Google Maps, not just on catalogs Should be accessible on as many places as possible, not locked in to the portal We’re starting to do this with GeoServer, putting actual data on the map, but with links back to the important metadata for the whole dataset