| FRAMEWORK DATA SET VIEWER |
Having widespread usefulness, it makes good sense to focus upon the framework data with the aim of improving accessibility, quality and completeness. Accessibility are however currently limited due to the fact that the data sets are produced by a variety of distributed organisations, and while being complementary, can only be acquired by contacting the individual producer, or visiting distributed web sites.
GIS software have become very user friendly and the rapid growth of
information technology, especially for the delivery of spatial information over the World
Wide Web, has now provided an adequate environment for the geospatial community to
effectively share its spatial information. The NSIF has utilized this opportunity to
maximize access to the identified framework data sets by consolidating the framework data
into one highly accessible internet based viewer. This will put the geospatial community
in direct contact with the most basic, but important geospatial data in the country within
a single interface.
EXPECTED BENEFITS
The geospatial community will have a central, highly accessible point from where the Framework Data Sets for South Africa can be viewed;
It can act as a platform to which users can contribute data in areas where there is a lack of data (e.g. former homelands where there is a general lack of digital geospatial data);
To provide users throughout the country the opportunity to establish the quality, completeness and usefulness of framework data before acquiring the data for use in their own systems;
It will form the basis from where standards can be imposed on these data sets and through which its quality can be improved by way of participation with the geospatial community;
The facility can also act as a resource that can, together with the Spatial Data Discovery Facility, eliminate duplication in expensive data capturing exercises;
The web-based viewer will also act as a form of marketing tool for the producers’ data sets.
STANDARDISATION OF FRAMEWORK DATA
The NSIF encourages producers to implement the international ISO standards for geospatial data (currently under development) on the Framework Data Sets. Standardisation of framework data will improve interoperability by indirectly ‘forcing’ users to employ the same data structures, feature and attribute catalogues and codes, symbology etc., should they wish to attach their own data to the framework data.
PURCHASING FRAMEWORK DATA:
The NSIF’s role with regard to the Framework Data Sets is purely facilitative. We do not aim to take over responsibilities from any producer, but rather to assist them in exposing their data to as wide an audience as possible. No download of intelligent vector data are allowed over the Framework Data Set Viewer (i.e. we do not intend to venture on the e-commerce or vending arena). Links are provided to appropriate vendors and/or data set producers’ web sites where more information can be gathered should users wish to purchase data. Some producers have already, or are in the process of, implementing e-commerce systems for purchasing data online. Please see Data Set Producers' Contact Details should you be interested in acquiring specific Framework Data themes.
PARTICIPATION
Specific comments regarding accuracy, completeness, discrepancies etc. in the data should be directed towards the Framework Data Set Producers. Any comments, queries? Please e-mail us at: nsif@dla.gov.za