Geo-information-driven decision making, planning and service delivery, for an improved quality of life for all in South Africa.
Our mission is to provide the parameters for a coherent Spatial Data Infrastructure, characterized by:
The availability of relevant, reliable spatial information for planning, delivering services and the optimal allocation of resources;
The sharing, utilization and re-use of applicable spatial information, applications and organizational learning, without unnecessary and costly duplication of effort;
fostering regard for spatial information as an asset worthy of sound management;
the documentation and publishing of spatial data holdings
standardization to promote the interchange of spatial information and interoperability of information systems with a spatial component
the development and maintenance of user-friendly systems that will facilitate the discovery and retrieval of spatial datasets
the implementation of a policy framework which ensures the availability of accurate, well-maintained spatial information needed for effective and efficient governance
framing institutional arrangements which clearly define the custodial responsibilities needed to maintain and disseminate valuable information
There are currently many initiatives in our country to develop GIS to enable information-driven governance and decision making.
The NSIF is unique in that it aligns efforts to develop spatial data infrastructure that will enable the sharing and re-use of information, thereby producing savings through reducing the considerable cost involved in recapturing spatial data. Optimal benefit from the use of spatial information and GIS technology is obtained through integrating a variety of spatial data, possibly from disparate sources, for the purposes of spatial analysis and decision support. This allows for greater co-ordination and integration of government-driven projects, leading to more optimal allocation of scarce resources.
In executing its vision and mission, the NSIF is involved in supporting spatial planning by means of:
extending its focus from national government to include provincial and local government spheres;
determining what spatial information is at the disposal of planners and with which they can conduct spatial planning; and
facilitating access to the spatial datasets and information required to implement more effective planning, especially in the nodal areas, and assisting municipalities without proper support.