The Challenge of a Spatial Data Infrastructure for the Mediterranean Islands

The realization of a Spatial Data Infrastructure for the Med-islands can contribute to the sustainable development of such territories, which are considered as “special areas” in the European Union, since it not only supports the implementation of the environmental policies but also strengthens the social and economical development of their citizens. Two fundamental pillars to pursue these objectives are the harmonization of the spatial datasets of the Med-Islands, achieved by the detailed data model developed, and the use of 3D WebGIS technologies, which allow enhanced viewing and processing functionalities. Two prototype SDI applications for the Med-Islands have been developed, one using open source and the other proprietary WebGIS technologies, both showing the viability of the approach based on the agreement and sharing of common standards and procedures.