The importance of National Spatial Data Infrastructures in the context of the geographic information globalization

Abstract

The aim of the paper is to analyze the impact of the phenomenon of geographic information globalization, that represents the current process through which geographic data and information are collected, integrated, shared and used on different platforms at a global level, compared to the current status of the National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI) in the Republic of Moldova. The objectives of the study were: to approach the phenomenon of globalization of geographic data that has a significant impact on society through standardization, interoperability, access of the general public to a huge amount of geographical data, unimaginable a few years ago; to provide an overview of the spatial data infrastructure in the Republic of Moldova; to highlight the importance of adapting to new realities. Thus, it should be specified that in the context of technological development and the ever more persistent promotion of global spatial platforms and databases, NSDI will play a key role in providing verified official data, ensuring data standardization and interoperability, completing and updating data for areas where voluntary contributions are limited or hard-to-reach sectors, protecting confidential data and not lastly, planning, development and implementation of policies in the field.