National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI) programs are foundational to modern governance and sustainable development, enabling the effective integration, sharing, and use of geospatial data across sectors.  

While many countries have made substantial progress in establishing core geospatial infrastructure, NSDI remains uneven in maturity and impact. In certain locations, challenges such as institutional fragmentation, limited legal and policy frameworks, inconsistent funding, and outdated systems continue to hinder the ability of NSDI to fully support national priorities. At the same time, the growing complexity of societal challenges—from public health to infrastructure management and disaster response—demands more integrated, real-time, and decision-ready geospatial capabilities. 

Countries are increasingly aligning NSDI development with the United Nations Integrated Geospatial Information Framework (UN-IGIF), a globally endorsed, country-led guidance framework developed by the United Nations Committee of Experts on Global Geospatial Information Management (UN-GGIM) in collaboration with the World Bank. UN-IGIF provides a practical and holistic structure for national implementation, organized around nine strategic pathways that address governance, legal frameworks, financial sustainability, data and standards, innovation, partnerships, and capacity development. Its adoption by over 100 countries reflects its value in guiding long-term geospatial transformation. 

Through the Spatial Data Infrastructure Modernization Project, the Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC) is working collaboratively with the global geospatial community, UN-GGIM, stakeholders at national and sub-national levels, national geospatial and statistical organizations, and international partners to develop a strategic plan describing a shared national vision, mission, and guiding principles. This activity builds on previous initiatives, particularly The Modernizing Spatial Data Infrastructure (SDI) for Cumulative Effects Concept Development Study supported by the Canada Centre for Mapping and Earth Observation Branch (CCMEO) of Natural Resources Canada in 2020 and 2021.