Surveying and mapping, among the oldest scientific disciplines, have long been essential in understanding the Earth, defining boundaries, and managing land.
The cartographic legacy dates back to the medieval era with pioneering institutions such as Sweden’s ‘Lantmäteriet’ (1628) and the British East India Company’s ‘Survey of India’ (1767). These early National Mapping Agencies (NMAs) highlight cartography’s crucial role in military and administrative functions.
In the Fourth Industrial Age, the USD 532 billion [2023] geospatial industry continues this legacy with advanced tools for measuring, modeling, and managing natural resources.
The development of geospatial knowledge infrastructure, integrating data ecosystems, workflows, and tools, is becoming increasingly crucial to addressing the complexities and resilience challenges of global systems.
In alignment with its vision of ‘Advancing Knowledge for Sustainability,’ Geospatial World continues to expand and enhance its programs, focusing on advocacy, facilitation, and the adoption of space and geospatial technologies across various industries. On the occasion of the fourteenth session of the UNGGIM Plenary, Geospatial World is proud to present its latest high-level thought leadership report: “The Evolving Role of National Mapping Agencies – Transitioning to Geospatial Knowledge Infrastructure.”
This report highlights the crucial need for enhanced collaboration between NMAs and the industry, offering insights into how this partnership can reshape geospatial capabilities to foster economic growth, sustainable development, and capacity building.
Sanjay Kumar, CEO of Geospatial World, commented: “The transition to Geospatial Knowledge Infrastructure represents a pivotal moment for National Mapping Agencies and the entire geospatial industry. This high-level thought leadership report underscores the importance of evolving our data frameworks to enhance collaboration and drive sustainable development. By integrating advanced geospatial technologies within a cohesive digital ecosystem, we are not only advancing our capabilities but also contributing significantly to global resilience and growth.”
The thought leadership report details the transition from traditional Spatial Data Infrastructures (SDIs) to the more advanced Geospatial Knowledge Infrastructure (GKI).
This transformation is driven by the need to integrate geospatial data and applications within a broader digital ecosystem that includes governments, industries, and digital infrastructure. As geospatial technologies become integral to the global digital framework, GKI offers a visionary approach to leveraging geospatial data effectively.
Ananya Narain, Vice President–Consulting, Geospatial World, added: “The report highlights a crucial shift from traditional Spatial Data Infrastructures to the more sophisticated Geospatial Knowledge Infrastructure. This transformation is essential for harnessing the full potential of geospatial data in the Fourth Industrial Revolution. The insights provided emphasize the need for strengthened partnerships between National Mapping Agencies and the industry to foster innovation, efficiency, and sustainability in our geospatial practices.”
Geospatial World invites stakeholders, industry leaders, and interested parties to download the report and explore how GKI is poised to transform the future of geospatial capabilities.
