Why linked data should not lead to next generation SDI

The Semantic Web, in particular through the application of Linked Data principles, has found its way into mainstream Information Technology (IT) and in specialized fields, such as geospatial information management. The time is right to reflect on the lessons learned, and to assess if these web-based solutions should be seen as a new generation of expert systems. In this paper, we do this by focusing on Spatial Data Infrastructure (SDI)-related activities. We conclude that novel possibilities for semantic integration should be used to open-up the current information silos, rather than for improving internal re-organization. We recommend capitalizing on Linked Data principles in order to augment environmental and other spatial-temporal data with information from complementary sectors, such as transport, health and energy - and vice versa.