Understanding the motivations and capacity for SDI development from the local level

Local government is a rich source of accurate and detailed spatial information which isutilised not only at the local level but increasingly at other levels of government. To build thespatial data infrastructure (SDI) at a state and national level, the role of local governmentsand their motivation to participate in the sharing of spatial information must be betterunderstood. Although institutional problems still present some of the greatest challenges inbuilding multi-jurisdictional SDIs, the technical and physical capacity of the smallerjurisdictions can impact on their ability to participate with larger and usually better resourcedjurisdictions.In recent years partnerships have emerged as a useful mechanism for establishing aframework and environment conducive to data sharing. However, unless the partnershiparrangements are carefully designed and managed to meet the business objectives of eachpartner, then it is unlikely that they will be sustainable in the longer term. This paper outlinesresearch being conducted on the factors that contribute to the success of local-stategovernment partnerships initiatives. The research methodology, which consists of mixedmethod approach utilising case studies and a qualitative survey of local governmentexperiences in partnerships arrangements will be discussed. Some initial results of theresearch will be presented and their possible implication to future partnership initiatives willbe discussed.