Sensing the SIntegraM : a two-decadal endeavour for spatial data harmonisation and governance

Abstract

Initialising a stepped approach towards access to spatial data never purports to offer a dull moment. Stepped approaches that aim to make sense of data and harmonisation are hindered by capital and recurrent issues that pertain to the creation and maintenance of systems and protocols whilst governance across a national landscape impinges stressors on any system. The SIntegraM concept was initiated in 1995 on a two pronged process, that pertaining to a simultaneous but independent bottom-up and top-down process that had striven to achieve success but were constrained by the early concept hiccups that did not empower the project due to failed uptake by diverse entities and a defunct base mapping system. SIntegraM saw the coming together of two project champions who spent four years to morph their conceptualisation, bring together all public entities, present a spatial data integrative approach and eventually apply for basal funds to implement change. The result was based on an integrated approach to the data cycle, innovation concepts on data capture, integration and capture, the creation of a data-sharing protocol structure within a protected and secure environment and also the newly innovative action where hardware and apparatus will be shared by all government entities, under the gather-once / use-many philosophy. The stepped approach moved away from the vicious cycle of data hoarding and towards a spiral based on the need to use such resultant information eventually growing into a complex but readily available system that is driven by the Maltese SIntegraM’s unique conceptualisation and implementation foresight.