Figure 1 Geomatics and the Economy
This section introduces you to the Canadian Geospatial Data Infrastructure (CGDI), and explains why Canadians need the CGDI, who is implementing it, what is guiding it, and how it is being built. The chapters in Section I provide a general description of the CGDI, including the rationale for its creation, the programs responsible for implementing it, the general principles and benefits of the CGDI, and its basic components.
Chapter 1 highlights the burgeoning field of geomatics, as well as the challenge the Canadian government faces in increasing accessibility to its geospatial information.
Chapter 2 introduces the GeoConnections Initiative and its role in building the CGDI, as well as its mission statement, guiding vision, policies and programs.
Chapter 3 discusses the scope, vision and benefits of the CGDI, which aims to be the principal source for geospatial information, services and resources in Canada.
Chapter 4 describes the basic architecture of the CGDI and its similarities to electrical infrastructures and other data infrastructures.
This chapter describes the increasing importance of geospatial information in our knowledge-based economy, as well as the challenge Canada faces in making its geospatial databases and services more accessible. This chapter:
Geospatial information answers the question, "Where on earth is it?". It defines the locations of things that can be described in terms of space-settlements, schools, hotels, roadways, administrative boundaries and various areas, such as flood-susceptible communities. Geospatial information does more than merely pinpoint a bridge on a map. It can also describe how the bridge is likely to weather over time or predict how well it will handle traffic volumes in five years' time. In other words, geospatial data provides us with a comprehensive picture of the physical world and our place in it.
Geospatial data is a key driver in the transition to a knowledge-based economy. A wide and rapidly expanding range of products and services rely on geospatial information. For example, we depend on geospatial data for:
In fact, most sectors of the economy depend directly or indirectly on geospatial information to plan and maintain their activities and to work efficiently. Farmers, foresters, municipal planners, hydro developers, police, the military, telecommunications, and ambulance drivers are just some of the people who rely daily on geospatial data to do their jobs.
Geomatics is the science and technology of gathering, analyzing, interpreting, distributing and using geospatial or spatial data, which is often referred to as "geo-info". Examples of geo-info include topographic maps, aeronautical and nautical charts, geological, agriculture and forestry maps, legal surveys, property cadastre, aerial photography and satellite imagery.
Geomatics encompasses a broad range of disciplines that include surveying (geodetic, cadastral, hydrographic) and navigation and positioning/global positioning systems (GPS); mapping (photogrammetry, cartography, automated mapping, facilities management and charting); remote sensing (data acquisition and application); and geographic information systems (GIS). Geomatics also includes the spatial component of earth-related processes (e.g. meteorology), social characteristics (e.g. census data), and economic activity (e.g. transportation of commodities).
Geomatics has been one of the fastest-growing technology sectors in recent years, and Canada is at its forefront. Canada's geomatics community is a recognized world leader in providing the software, hardware, value-added services and knowledge that help clients address challenges and opportunities in such areas as the environment, health care, land management and reform, development planning, infrastructure management, natural resource monitoring, weather reporting, education and school curriculum, recreational industries, sustainable development, and coastal zone management and mapping.
Indeed, the growing field of location commerce (or l-commerce) is creating many opportunities for businesses to incorporate geospatial information into all aspects of their operations.
Digital technology has removed many of the technical barriers to sharing geospatial data; nevertheless, new policies on such key issues as licensing, access and financing of geospatial data are needed to promote data exchange and integration, and to ensure that social and economic decisions are taken with the benefit of the best available information (Appendix 7, The Effect of Policy, discusses the impact of policy on the CGDI). Canada's challenge is to create an infrastructure of geospatial data to allow businesses better access to geospatial information for more effective decision-making and greater productivity.
The concept of a Canadian Geospatial Data Infrastructure (CGDI) responds to this challenge by coordinating the investments and developments of the federal, provincial, territorial and private sectors. The CGDI provides Canadians with common-window access to geospatial services and information through the Internet. It harmonizes Canada's geospatial information into easily accessible and searchable databases.