Micro, Macro & Mezzo Geoinformation (Dec 2020)
RESPONSE TO THE CHALLENGES: THE FIRST TWO DECADES OF A NATIONAL GI ASSOCIATION (1994-2015)
Abstract
The ‘big bang’ of spatial data thinking began in the 90’s, with the concept of multipurpose cadaster, along with advances in information systems, and operational applications of remote sensing, especially in agriculture and environment. All of these developments imperatively called for cooperation in: standardization; creation of interoperable spatial data infrastructures; capacity building; new models in data sharing; and strengthening the ongoing development of interdisciplinary Geographic Information (GI) communities at national, regional and global levels. This paper describes the circumstances that triggered establishment of Hungary’s multidisciplinary Association for GI, HUNAGI, and brings to light the major stages of its evolution in the first two decades, namely the networking of domestic stakeholders, and the forging of links with novel international communities such as EUROGI, GSDI and later ISDE. According to HUNAGI’s mission, the focus of their effort was to engage major players and arrange professional forums that together offered opportunities for its growing members to collaborate on international projects, promote their achievements, and facilitate dialogue and sharing of experiences. HUNAGI intensely communicated information on best practices and lessons learned, in areas of data policy, capacity building, legal aspects, and last but not least, promotion of innovative technologies applicable for societal benefits. All this was achieved by advocating the use of Spatial Data Infrastructure (SDI) and the Earth Observation (EO) data, as well as promoting the adoption of Acquis of the EU and sustainable development supported by geospatial and EO data.
