National Center for Geographic Information and Analysis

This report describes the results of NCGIA Research Initiative 9 on Institutions Sharing Geographic Information. The initiative was active during the period June 1992–summer 1994. Its focus was to identify and understand the behavioral and organizational impediments and incentives to the sharing of geographic information within different kinds of geographic-information-user environments. Distinctions were drawn between the protocols that facilitate sharing among decision makers in the public and private sectors, and among scientists. Consideration was also given to the types of spatial data shared and the types of problems addressed by decision makers. Spatial metadata was seen as a critical priority for enhancement of the sharing of geographic information.