Recommendations

From this study the Data Sub-Committee can make further deliberations in fine tuning criteria and the identification of core geospatial datasets and data custodians. Recommendations will then need to be made to the CSI so that the more formal process of engaging and appointing data custodians can start.

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A sub-committee may need to be established to deal with complexities and possible conflicts in the appointment of data custodians and agents as well as assessing the performance of current data custodians (based on legislation and their roles and responsibilities). The assessment should focus on human, financial, technical, and legislative mandates.

Once this has been done then the full set of aspects relating to the implementation of the NSDI can start and custodians can fulfil their roles and responsibilities. Other aspects that will have to be done will be to see if legislation associated with particular data custodians and core spatial datasets will need to change. Although present legislation and policy documents have many good aspects they are very different from one another which complicate the implementation of the SDI Act.

This study has provided an overview of the national legislation and policy documents but could not research in depth all legislation and policy documents and the aspects that they contribute to defining criteria and identifying core geospatial datasets and data custodians. Therefore, more research needs to be done in this area, especially in looking at how important aspects from legislation and policy documents can start to be integrated into the other.

The policy environment is always in flux and the imminent Spatial Planning and Land Use Management Bill (SPLUMB) as well as the importance of the National Planning Commission and the Presidential Infrastructure Commission will have significant demands placed on the nature of key information required for planning and management.

The lack of clarity and integration of legislation and policy with regard to the management of geospatial information has unintentionally led to compromising the principles of a Spatial Data Infrastructure. This impedes data sharing and benefits to the South Africa society. Legislative reform has to be a priority of the CSI or otherwise the SDI Act must be amended to be the de facto Law when it comes to issues around the creation, distribution and management of geospatial information.

A final key issue to be address going forward is the issue of cost recovery and costing involved in being a data custodian. It is vital to the entire value chain especially to ensure that the core data sets have a sustainable maintenance cycle and these business models have to be developed by the Committee for Spatial Information to assist current and potential data custodians.

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Annexure

Annexure 1: Letter from the CSI Chairperson to key