| Abstract | (Summary)
The Canadian Geospatial Data Infrastructure (CGDI) began in the late 1990s with the aim to help Canadians gain new perspectives into social, economic and environmental issues, by
providing an online network of resources to improve the sharing, use, and integration of spatial data across Canada. With recent developments in information and communications technology, geomatics technology, and availability of spatial data, there
are new opportunities and challenges for Canadians. The needs and capacity of existing and new users of the CGDI have changed over time. In this context, Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) commissioned a research team to conduct a User Needs Assessment
(UNA) and User-centered Design (UCD) study for the CGDI to gather, build upon previous work and understand the current requirements of Canadian stakeholders, including data users and suppliers. Led by Hatfield Consultants, the research team comprised
companies and organizations from across Canada: Strata360, Hickling Arthurs Low (HAL), RHEA, Thorpe Consulting Services, BigSky Consulting, Acosys Consulting Services, and the Centre for Indigenous Environmental Resources (CIER).
The study was
structured in two parts, to enable the research team to provide sufficient attention to major stakeholder groups for the CGDI. As a result, the study consisted of two concurrent studies:
Part A - Canadian stakeholders, including federal,
provincial, territorial, and municipal governments, academia, private sector, and non-government organizations; and
Part B - Indigenous (First Nations, Inuit, Métis) organizations in Canada, including Indigenous governments, Tribal Councils,
Treaty Organizations, Indigenous NGOs/Non-profits, and Indigenous-owned private companies.
This report provides a synthesis of consultation results, an assessment of user needs, and presents recommendations to help identify future phases of
stakeholder engagement and communication that responds to the needs of the different communities and foster the adoption and implementation of the CGDI.
Study Methods Used
The UNA and UCD approach comprised of four methods, beginning with a
review of existing materials as a first step. Subsequently, the study developed profiles of current and potential CGDI users, developed and implemented an online survey, and conducted structured interviews with selected users.
Literature review:
The literature review covered existing literature by national and international organizations concerning SDIs and user needs for spatial data.
User Profiles: User profiles were developed to help understand and characterize the stakeholders that
are current and potential users of the CGDI.
Online Survey: An online survey was developed to explore the needs of the user groups profiled, including government and non-governmental organizations, and Indigenous governments, communities, and
organizations in Canada.
Interviews: Structured and semi-structured interview were conducted with stakeholders and organizations willing to participate to gain deeper and more detailed insights into user needs. |
| Summary | (Plain Language Summary, not published)
The needs and capacity of existing and new users of the Canadian Geospatial Data Infrastructure (CGDI) have changed over time. In this context, Natural
Resources Canada (NRCan) commissioned a research team to conduct a User Needs Assessment (UNA) and User-centered Design (UCD) study for the CGDI to gather, build upon previous work and understand the current requirements of Canadian stakeholders,
including data users and suppliers.
The study was structured in two parts, to enable the research team to provide sufficient attention to major stakeholder groups for the CGDI. As a result, the study consisted of two concurrent studies:
Part A
- Canadian stakeholders, including federal, provincial, territorial, and municipal governments, academia, private sector, and non-government organizations; and
Part B - Indigenous (First Nations, Inuit, Métis) organizations in Canada, including
Indigenous governments, Tribal Councils, Treaty Organizations, Indigenous NGOs/Non-profits, and Indigenous-owned private companies.
This report provides a synthesis of consultation results, an assessment of user needs, and presents
recommendations to help identify future phases of stakeholder engagement and communication that responds to the needs of the different communities and foster the adoption and implementation of the CGDI. |