What is an SDI?
An SDI (or IDE, in the Catalan acronym) is a spatial data infrastructure. This IT system comprises a series of resources (catalogues, servers, programs, data, applications, websites, etc.) that administer geographic information (maps, orthophotos, satellite images, toponyms, etc.) which is available on the Internet. To guarantee correct functioning, an SDI must meet a series of interoperability conditions (standards, specifications, protocols, interfaces, etc.) and enable any person, with just a browser, to use and combine its resources in accordance with his or her needs.
Every SDI has 5 basic elements:
- Data. Basic and/or thematic geographic information which is viewed through map viewers.
- Metadata. Data descriptors (map date, format, owner, etc.). The standard that regulates geographic information metadata is ISO 19115 ‘Geographic Information – Metadata'.
- Web Services. Functionalities offered to users and which can be accessed using a web browser. These functionalities are grouped in different services (map viewing, downloads, consultations, etc.). The most important authority on standards in this field is the OGC (Open Geospatial Consortium).
- Gazetteer. A resource that enables users to search for a specific item of geographic information on a map.
- Organitzation. This includes human resources, the organizational structure, the standards that ensure interoperability between systems, legislation such as the European Directive INSPIRE, rules and agreements between data producers, etc. This is the most complex component, as it is what enables the rest of the system to operate and be maintained.
Municipal maps should be homogenized/harmonized to support the performance of regional studies. The SDIs are hierarchized on different levels (local, regional, national).
The level depends on the administrative units into which the areas in which the Member States have and/or exercise jurisdictional rights are divided.
Barcelona Provincial Council is responsible for the local SDI corresponding to the province of Barcelona.
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