Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2007. / Title from title screen (site viewed Dec. 4, 2007). PDF text: viii, 131 p. : ill., maps ; 16 Mb. UMI publication number: AAT 3275077. Includes bibliographical references. Also available in microfilm and microfiche formats.

Thesis (M.S.S.I.S.)--Regis University, Denver, Colo., 2008. / Title from PDF title page (viewed on Feb. 03, 2009). Includes bibliographical references.

A large number of spatial datasets have inconsistent and/or outdated metadata. In certain cases, metadata is entirely absent. Some spatial data producers suggest that metadata creation and maintenance is a time consuming and labour-intensive process. Conversely, users experience difficulties in understanding and accessing spatial datasets, if associated metadata is insufficient or non-existent. Eventually, deficient metadata use may lead to loss of spatial data meaning and cause its very existence to be forgotten. The purpose of the study was to assess the main challenges hindering metadata creation and maintenance on the part of producers and its usage on the part of users in South Africa. The main findings showed that: data was accessed at expected levels via the internet; most data users accepted alternative spatial data media including compact disks and hardcopy; the spatial data industry is generally under financial budget constraints; particularly in the public sector, lack of skilled personnel in spatial metadata management resulted in staff turnover problems; the framework datasets indicated outdated metadata; and different producers used inconsistent metadata standards and a number of organizations were at rudimentary stage of spatial metadata development. In conclusion, spatial data producers should be encouraged to maintain data with complete documentation in a standardized spatial metadata to assure information consistency for users. Raising awareness about spatial metadata benefits may encourage data managers and top leaders to build on metadata priorities. Moreover, strong compliance with the SDI policy necessitates solid cooperation amongst the spatial data community. / Thesis (M.Sc.) - University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2009.

Thesis (M.S.) in Spatial Information Science and Engineering--University of Maine, 2009. / Includes vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 109-114).

In response to a growing recognition of the importance of spatial information, the concept of Spatial Data Infrastructure (SDI) has evolved. Designed to facilitate an environment that promotes access and sharing of spatial information, SDI development has benefited from, and in due course adopted, advances in information technology (particularly improvements in desktop computing capabilities and communication networks such as the Internet). / The never ceasing progression of technology now enables communication and data access via mobile phones and a myriad of portable, networked computing devices. Indeed over the last few years, the proliferation of mobile phones has exceeded many expectations and is enabling nomadic users to communicate and access data services with ease. Location is one of the unique characteristics of mobility that is encompassed by this form of wireless communication and has been capitalised on in the form of enhanced safety initiatives. In turn, the infrastructure required for these safety services has encouraged additional Location Based Services (LBS) to flourish / LBS act as spatial decision making tools, providing information to end users based on their location, or on the location of some target. LBS are not restricted to the wireless environment however this is their current area of promotion. The principles of accessing spatial information that are encompassed by LBS mirror those of SDIs, and as a result SDI models need to accommodate for this new medium of information access and delivery. This research aimed to expand the SDI model to support applications that assist with spatial decision making, such as LBS. Focused specifically on LBS that are accessible for wirelessly networked, portable devices, this research implemented a theoretical and practical approach to identify the additional requirements for SDIs in this domain. A prototype LBS application for public transport information and navigation was developed and evaluated as part of this process. It is proposed that the resulting model (which details the additional requirements as well as their relative importance) act as an example framework for future LBS implementations so that they may gain the benefits from a standard, integrated infrastructure as offered by SDIs.

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Thesis (Ph.D.) in Spatial Information Science and Engineering--University of Maine, 2007. / Includes vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 145-153).

Thesis (M.S.) in Spatial Information Science and Engineering--University of Maine, 2007. / Includes vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 108-112).

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Missouri-Columbia, 2008. / The entire dissertation/thesis text is included in the research.pdf file; the official abstract appears in the short.pdf file (which also appears in the research.pdf); a non-technical general description, or public abstract, appears in the public.pdf file. Title from title screen of research.pdf file (viewed on August 3, 2009) Vita. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (M.S.)--Northwest Missouri State University, 2009. / The full text of the thesis is included in the pdf file. Title from title screen of full text.pdf file (viewed on April 9, 2010) Includes bibliographical references.