THE NATIONAL SPATIAL DATA INFRASTRUCTURE: CURRENT SITUATION, RISKS, WEAKNESSES AND OPPORTUNITIES

Abstract

The Brazilian National Spatial Data Infrastructure (INDE), established by Decree No. 6,666/2008, comprises a set of practices aimed at facilitating access to geospatial data for both users and providers in the public and private sectors. Its primary objective is to organize the production and dissemination of such data, ensuring minimum quality standards while reducing duplication and waste. INDE is implemented through a series of coordinated measures, with responsibilities distributed among several federal agencies. By providing access to quality geospatial data, INDE promotes economic, social, and environmental development, facilitating territorial management and decision-making in areas such as urban planning, environmental management, agriculture, and safety. INDE is not an isolated initiative, as several countries have similar initiatives. The importance of these national spatial data infrastructures as a public policy has motivated surveys and studies, in both governmental and academic contexts, seeking to evaluate their progress, detect gaps, and suggest improvements. This article aims at composing an integrated view – from the perspective of governmental control and academic research – on the current situation of INDE, the actions of its main actors, its risks and weaknesses, and the directions and opportunities for its evolution.