An integrated Methodology for the Study of Spatial Data Infrastructures Use: the Case of Coastal Stakeholders in France

Abstract

Nowadays the continuous development of Spatial Data Infrastructures provides a favorable context for environmental management. But in fact, the real contribution of SDIs depends on the answers they provide to their users. To the best of our knowledge, few studies have addressed SDI uses at large. The research presented in this paper introduces a novel methodological approach for the study of SDI uses within the context of Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) in France. We develop a two-tier approach that combines a structural and data flow modeling analysis based on Social Network Analysis (SNA) and Data Flow Diagrams (DFD) applied to an online questionnaire and semi-structured interviews. The results reveal a multi-SDIs and multi-levels use which is structured around several key SDIs whose role is particularly significant, but complemented by a series of ‘minor’ SDIs. This use is also based on information flows between SDIs and other entities (e.g. institutional partners, working group) involved in the sharing of the geographical information within the framework of French coastal management.