New Generation of Geospatial Clearinghouse Networks

Abstract. Clearinghouse is a major component of Spatial Data Infrastructures (SDIs), and plays a key role in the discovery, access, and exchange of geospatial data via a distributed network. Traditionally, the main emphasis of Geospatial Clearinghouse Networks (GCNs) are the availability and accessibility of data. Such approaches, however, have failed to address real-world problem solving and decision-making. The main problem is the lack of a general solution for discovery, access, and knowledge exchange in integrated and online infrastructure. Due to the rapid advancements in technology stacks and innovations in GIS communities, many limitations have been resolved. A new generation of GCNs facilitates and coordinates accessing, and exchange of spatial knowledge between stakeholders. In this paper, we propose the structure of a new generation of GCNs that facilitate the discovery and dissemination of spatial knowledge.