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| Servicing of spatial data as a social infrastructure is expected to create various direct and indirect effects. In particular, it is anticipated that there will be generation of information with high values that uses spatial data, creation of new industries and establishment of various information services using electronic space. Direct effects Effective utilization of expenditure used for servicing of spatial data Public organizations, such as the government and local governments, have already prepared and maintained various types of maps, registers and records so far. These resources are needed by the various departments that are responsible for carrying out administration, and hence there is a section within each of these departments that organizes and manages these resources investing considerable sum of money. If a national spatial data infrastructure could be organized, the expenses required for servicing information could be reduced by sharing and distributing the information. This also enables greater accuracy of information as well as quicker response to making the information available for usage. Systematization of administrative information management based on a platform of spatial data If spatial data that can be shared is serviced, it becomes possible to systematically organize and manage administrative information based on a platform of that spatial data. On the other hand, administrative information also requires an extremely high level of security. Furthermore, a realistic response pertaining to the independence of each department as well as distribution of information becomes necessary for protection of privacy. Therefore, a comprehensive system for managing administrative information must satisfy both the independence of each department and collaboration between the departments. Accordingly, spatial data infrastructure acts as the “common language” when creating such a system. Contribution to highly transparent disclosure of administrative information When a systematic administrative information system is achieved, the “information that should be disclosed” and information that should not be disclosed become quite clear. This is likely to cause prompt disclosure of information with greater transparency through the Internet, and enhance residents’ understanding and trust for administration. Indirect effects Optimization of spatial data servicing cost for the private sector Spatial data infrastructure is readily open to the public and is easily distributed. This data infrastructure to be serviced by the government, etc., should be provided at low cost. This brings benefits to the whole of society because the infrastructure can be used not only by public utility companies, such as gas, water and electricity, but it can also be used by the private sector, such as banks, securities companies, transportation companies, etc. Creation of new businesses using spatial data As a general rule, national spatial data infrastructure should be serviced by a public organ. However, the information used through the infrastructure should be provided not only to public organs, but should also be provided on a much wider scale. Greater usage of the information enables creation of businesses and services with added values based on the information, and hence generates the possibility of new types of games and amusements being created. There is a category of games in computer gaming called role-playing games. Similarly, there are ideas that can be applied to the infrastructure, such as role-playing games for the real world, as well as other ideas such as road guidance system, land-evaluation system using the feng-shui techniques, etc. Spatial data infrastructure open to the public is anticipated will bring about the generation of many unknown businesses. |