Local and state-based collaboration: the key to unlocking the potential of SDI

Access to reliable and affordable spatial information is now recognised as a critical component of Australia's future economic, environmental and social development. The growth of spatial data infrastructures (SDIs) at all levels of government relies heavily on collaboration both within and between jurisdictions. However, our understanding of the collaborations and partnerships that contribute to building these SDIs is still relatively poor. Whilst the literature within the spatial information and GIS field explores data-sharing arrangements, technology diffusion, multi-participatory projects and project-based partnerships, little contribution is made to the nature of the interactions between the various organisations and stakeholders. Although useful for understanding advances in spatial information management and how to structure and manage GIS-based projects the literature does not describe how to forge cooperative relationships, what partnership models to engage nor how to nurture ongoing interactions, especially in competitive environments. This paper investigates the nature of SDI collaborations in order to illustrate the wide variation in the range of stakeholders, forms of interaction and level of engagement. To highlight the various characteristics of collaboration, a number of SDI partnerships will be explored. Differences and similarities between these partnerships will be discussed with a view to identifying important factors for successful collaboration. The need for, and role of central coordination bodies to minimise the duplication and dispersion of effort will be examined in this context.