Interoperability and Design Issues of Spatial Data and Geographic Information Systems in Greece

The heterogeneity of spatial planning data is a well known problem that admittedly limits its use and provokes numerous difficulties to planners, investors as well as decision makers. Spatial planning is confronted with a huge problem concerning the diversity in data collection, storing, processing and provision. These challenges constitute the main concern of the Infrastructure for Spatial Information in the European Community Directive (INSPIRE). Spatial infrastructure processes can be supported by increasing transparency and developing shared methodologies. This on-going research presents the current situation in Greece and the EU Initiative on spatial data interoperability and its design effects on GIS. It identifies the problems that need to be encountered and recommends information and communication (ICT) approaches and tools suitable to overcome them.