The Early Career Academics and Professionals Panel (ECAPP) at the Centre for Smart Infrastructure and Construction (CSIC) is calling for the widespread availability of geospatial datasets to significantly enhance data-driven decision-making in infrastructure projects. Geospatial data, which links information to specific physical locations, holds tremendous potential for improving our understanding of both natural and built environments. However, these datasets are often inaccessible or locked away in silos, limiting their utility.
In a recent survey conducted by ECAPP, 48 freely available data streams were identified from 18 data owners, underscoring the untapped potential of public geospatial data. These datasets can be used to answer critical questions about the environment and infrastructure—ranging from the correlation between river water quality and bedrock geology to the relationship between buried utility density and socioeconomic status in various regions.
ECAPP stresses that making these datasets not only publicly accessible but also federated—allowing them to be combined and cross-referenced—will open up new avenues for insight and application. The ability to merge data from multiple sources can lead to more comprehensive analyses and better-informed decisions in infrastructure planning and management.
To achieve this vision, ECAPP is advocating for the development of standard contracts, clear licensing terms, and regulatory incentives that encourage asset owners to share their data. These steps are crucial for overcoming the legal and logistical barriers that currently hinder data sharing. By promoting the free and open exchange of geospatial data, ECAPP believes that the future of infrastructure can be more efficiently and effectively managed through data-driven strategies.
Read the entire blog here.