GPC Group Supporting the Development of an NSDI for Sri Lanka

With the aims of improving optimum use of spatial data across the government and making effective evidence based decisions, Information and Communication Technology Agency of Sri Lanka (ICTA) is facilitating the implementation of a Sri Lanka National Spatial Data Infrastructure (SL-NSDI) program, in collaboration with stakeholder institutions. SL-NSDI has been identified as one of the key initiatives identified under the National Digital Policy of the Government of Sri Lanka; “Digitalization of the Economy”. ICTA commissioned Mark Sorensen of the GPC Group to carry out two components of a multi-part SL-NSDI planning and development program. This has included the conduct of a requirements study to define in detail the system requirements, related specifications, conduct information classification, prepare system prototype model and the implementation approach. Also under development is a “Policy, Governance and Standards Study” involving the formulation of the policy framework under which the SL-NSDI is to be further formalized, the governance framework including the establishment of executive and technical committees, working groups and special interest groups established. This also addresses the organization and staffing of an initial GeoCentre to facilitate, promote and support the development and operations of the Programme, and the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s) and standards that are to be adopted to streamline business processes and ensure interoperability across the SL-NSDI community of stakeholders.