From Spatial Data To Spatial Knowledge Infrastructure: A Proposed Architecture

Spatial data infrastructures (SDIs) provide access to spatial data and services for humans to solve spatial problems but represent a barrier for machines such as search engines or spatial services. In this article we propose an architecture for spatial knowledge infrastructure (SKI), which attempts to overcome these limitations, and describe the interactions between its components. The SKI architecture proposed is illustrated for two scenarios. The first is an architecture for an ideal solution requiring spatial data on the web, and the second is for a practical short-term solution that takes into consideration legacy SDIs as well as spatial data on the web in its implementation. In addition, the utility of the proposed SKI architecture is illustrated with two examples demonstrating the scope of the SKI in two different ways: where the SKI is a "knowledge enabler," and where the SKI acts as a "knowledge creator." A discussion on how well the proposed architecture meets current best practice for spatial data on the web, as well as obstacles and challenges in the implementation of the proposed solutions, concludes the article.