Spatial infrastructure, information access and knowledge building

Most decisions involve a spatial component, though few people realise its significance (Williamson & Wallace, 2006). Recent advances in web-based geographical information systems (GIS) are bringing the spatial component to the forefront. As a result new opportunities are available for getting decision useful information and data into an environment where it can be shared with and accessed by organisations and members of the general public (Geomatic Technologies, 2008). This paper explores the emerging area of web-based GIS and its impact. Barriers which often limit spatial information access and knowledge building are identified. Recent advances in spatial infrastructure are introduced. A potential model for stimulating the dissemination and use of spatial information is presented. Early implementation activities and associated results are detailed. Future work and parallel research focussed on establishing the value and contribution of spatial information to regional planning outcomes are then briefly described. Copyright © 2008 COSI