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SDI Convergence - Nederlandse Commissie voor Geodesie - KNAW

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Cooperation – a Key Factor for Sustainable Spatial Data<br />

Infrastructure<br />

E. Olof Olsson<br />

KTH, the Royal institute of Technology, Stockholm, and Lantmäteriet, Gävle, Sweden<br />

olof.olsson@lm.se<br />

Abstract<br />

Questions of cooperation are essential in the process of constructing and operating<br />

spatial data infrastructures (<strong>SDI</strong>s). However, even if cooperation in this field is often<br />

regarded as an important factor it is seldom a prime target for studies and research.<br />

This is in contrast to other fields where breakthroughs have been made with cooperation<br />

in focus. In this article, the concept of cooperation is explored in relation to <strong>SDI</strong>.<br />

Based on a literature study as well as experiences in the Swedish <strong>SDI</strong>, different stages<br />

of cooperation are presented and linked to <strong>SDI</strong> development. The research shows that<br />

research on cooperation in the context of <strong>SDI</strong> is gaining momentum and is very relevant<br />

to <strong>SDI</strong> development. The resulting problem analysis presents directions for further<br />

research.<br />

Keywords: Spatial data infrastructures (<strong>SDI</strong>), cooperation, collaboration, coordination.<br />

1. INTRODUCTION<br />

Cooperation is an intensely discussed ‘method’ used for production and further management<br />

of spatial data. Complex interrelationships can often occur in the field of spatial<br />

data. Not only are the cooperating parties concerned but there are also other important<br />

actors. One, governments - and organisations like the European Union - stand<br />

for power and decisions and set many rules affecting the handling and use of spatial<br />

data. At the other end is the market which should ultimately set the agenda. In between<br />

there is some sort of association of organisations for which good and working cooperation<br />

is a critical factor for success.<br />

Within the field of <strong>SDI</strong>, cooperation has often been treated as an important factor and a<br />

number of studies have touched different aspects of cooperation (see Clausen et al.,<br />

2006; Harvey, 2001; Onsrud and Rushton, 1995). However, there are few studies were<br />

cooperation is the main target of research. This is somewhat surprising, because in<br />

many other areas such as economy, biology and different social and organisational<br />

subjects, cooperation is given a lot of attention and some breakthroughs have been<br />

made during the last 20 years. A better understanding of the mechanisms behind cooperation<br />

within spatial data administration and the creation of national spatial data<br />

infrastructures can improve efficiency and lead to greater benefits within this area.<br />

It is perhaps a paradox that the cold war after the Second World War boosted discussions<br />

and research about cooperation. Cooperation in this respect is often handled as<br />

an important step on the road away from conflict and war. Areas of conflict research<br />

and conflict handling are not the main scope of this study. However, cooperation and<br />

conflict handling are intertwined and a better understanding of how conflicts emerge<br />

and should be handled can also be a starting point for studies on cooperation. There<br />

are many roads that lead to questions of cooperation.<br />

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