To derive maximum value from geospatial data, the information must reach the hands of end users in the most efficient manner possible. According to the Global Spatial Data Infrastructure Association (GSDI), the time has come to make good on that promise and flesh out the details to a fully functional global licensing framework.
Earlier in the month at the Global Geospatial Conference 2012 (GSDI 13) in Quebec City, discussions were tied to the central theme of enabling government, industry and consumers to access geospatial data. The widespread appeal of geospatial solutions was reflected in the audience as the guest list contained everyone from federal delegates to video game developers.
According to Directions Magazine, one of the last takeaways from the conference was the knowledge that the GSDI Legal and Economic Working Group has redoubled its efforts to debut a global licensing framework for geospatial data. This has already included a comprehensive review of existing licensing frameworks and common elements that could be used to facilitate a transition to a unified system.
While expanding access to geospatial solutions will certainly be a worthwhile pursuit, the true test of the working group's fortitude will be navigating more complex terms and clauses to all for more open distribution, reuse and derivation.
