GeoBuiz - 2019
4. Countries Geospatial Readiness Index – 2019 The Countries Geospatial Readiness Index (CGRI)-2019, first introduced in 2017 by Geospatial Media and Communications, is now in its 3rd edition. The index is aimed to equip decision makers and larger community of stakeholders with a comparative framework to refer, as well as to engage effectively on various parameters for holistic development of the geospatial sector. It provides actionable insights on various constituents critical for development of an integrated approach for geospatial sector management for effective contribution to socio-economic growth and to achieve developmental objectives in any given country. In this edition, the Countries Geospatial Readiness Index-2019 has expanded the scope of the study to cover 75 countries (increased from 50 countries in past two editions).
4.1 CGRI 2019 Assessment Framework & Research Methodology The CGRI-2019 builds and improves on last year’s data collection while simultaneously deepening the analysis processes for overall appraisal of geospatial readiness of 75 countries. The research methodology for the study includes a combination of primary and secondary research. Relevant stakeholders have been approached for direct interactions and through online questionnaires. Further, information and insights obtained from the primary sources have been supplemented and validated through secondary sources (research papers and digital sources) to ensure authenticity of data research.
Data Infrastructure An efficient geospatial data infrastructure and its governance facilitate access, distribution and use of geospatial data and information in a country. Institutional mechanisms like national spatial data infrastructure (NSDI), national mapping and survey agencies, earth observation (or remote sensing) agencies, geospatial information coordination mechanisms are responsible for integrated geospatial management in the country and responsible for development of core geospatial infrastructure components such as geodetic frameworks, platforms and portals, data delivery mechanisms.
Policy Framework A conducive and aspirational policy framework is necessary to stimulate the geospatial technology-industry ecosystem in a country. The final assessment of the policy framework of 75 countries integrates the global e-government development index and the open data barometer scores .
Institutional Framework Geospatial domain education and research institutes, delivering a spectrum of courses ranging from short duration certificate courses (skill and capacity development) to research programs, are fundamental to advancing the frontiers of geospatial science & technology domains and its applications in a country are key to its geospatial readiness. More than 1,530 institutions and 5,800 courses have been mapped in the 75 countries under assessment for varied course levels as pure or interdisciplinary (electives of GIS and remote sensing) offerings. The comparative assessment of the countries has been made on the basis of their relative strengths in geospatial domain courses, institutes and integrating strengths of national higher education systems.
User Adoption Level The proliferation of evidence-based decision-making capacities at various user segments provide the imperatives for the industry to flourish. The agility of user ecosystem of the country in adopting geospatial solutions to derive
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