GeoConnections

In 2010, the Government of Canada renewed funding for GeoConnections, a national initiative led by Natural Resources Canada.

GeoConnections supports the integration and use of the Canadian Geospatial Data Infrastructure (CGDI).  The CGDI is an on-line resource that improves the sharing, access and use of geospatial information.  It helps decision makers from all levels of government, the private sector, non-government organizations and academia make better decisions on social, economic and environmental priorities.  GeoConnections will ensure the CGDI functions for the broadest range of users.

Key facts

• GeoConnections delivered on its previous mandate to support CGDI users and demonstrated the value of access to geospatial information and the benefits of interoperable standards and technologies.
• The 2010 federal budget announced a renewed commitment for the GeoConnections program and provided $11 million in funding over two years.
• GeoConnections will continueto provide leadership and coordination for the use of geospatial data toward effective decision making and, with key stakeholders, will lead strategic geomatics policy development.
• The renewed priorities forGeoConnections are to promote awareness of new applications of geospatial information and to educate stakeholders on the importance of interoperable solutions through the adoption of operational policies and standards.

GeoConnections objectives

• Increased awareness of the benefits of using geospatial data and tools to achieve goals for social, economic and environmental priorities
• Facilitate the integration and use of geospatial data to support effective decision making
• Coordinate the development of national policies, standards and mechanisms and support their implementation to ensure maintenance and updating of geospatial data and compatibility with global standards
• Keep Canada at the leading edge of accessing, sharing and using geospatial information via the Internet

GeoConnections objectives will be reached through two main activities:

Geospatial strategy and leadership
The renewed program will continue to coordinate geomatics activities in Canada, enabling interoperable data sharing and thus increasing economic sustainability and international competitiveness for the Canadian geomatics community. This will require the development and implementation of long-term national geomatics strategies and policies, in partnership with CGDI stakeholders.

Canadian Geospatial Data Infrastructure
GeoConnections will work with the geomatics community to advance the operational policies and standards needed to complete the CGDI. The development of tools and resources will help organizations integrate the CGDI into their business practices. GeoConnections will continue to work with partners to build the CGDI, develop policies to support the use of geospatial information, encourage standards adoption and provide geomatics leadership and coordination in Canada.

For more information contact GeoConnections:

www.geoconnections.org
info@geoconnections.org
1-877-221-6213

Key facts

• Last Modified:  2010-08-16
• Important Notices