Module 9 - FAQs

1. How has GeoConnections support improved productivity and R & D?
   
   
2. How is the private sector involved in GeoConnections and the CGDI?
   
   
3. What is the job creation potential of the CGDI?

1. How has GeoConnections support improved productivity and R & D?

Many different sectors of the economy produce and use geospatial information. Investments in GeoConnections have improved access and integration of geospatial information that support Canadian businesses in the knowledge economy. Geospatial information helps businesses improve productivity by allowing sophisticated analysis of investment choices, by modeling potential markets or developments, and by improving the efficiency of transport.

All levels of government use geospatial services to monitor the environment, manage natural resources, deliver programs and conduct long-term analysis. Municipal governments use geospatial information to manage such services as 911 (emergency), health and recreation. Provincial and territorial governments use geospatial services to plan and implement policy with respect to such responsibilities as forest management, transport and business expansion. Federal agencies use geospatial services in such areas as national defence, biodiversity and environmental monitoring.

2. How is the private sector involved in GeoConnections and the CGDI?

Private sector partners are contributing value-added technology, developing new applications, creating new data sets and interpreting old ones. The GeoConnections partners are building not only the CGDI but their own businesses – and the profitable export of information systems.

3. What is the job creation potential of the CGDI?

The Canadian Geospatial Data Infrastructure could create as many as 16,000 new jobs. This estimate is based on an Industry Canada study which identified a 12% per year employment growth in the geomatics sector when the workforce in that sector was 21,000.