Linked Data

A Spatial Data Infrastructure (SDI) is an information infrastructure for enhancing geospatial data sharing and access. At the moment, the service-oriented second generation of SDI is transitioning to a third generation, which is characterized by user-centric approaches. This new movement closes the gap between classical SDI and user contributed content, also known as Volunteered Geographic Information (VGI). Public use and acquisition of information provides additional challenges within and beyond the geospatial domain. Linked Data has been suggested recently as a possible overall solution. This notion refers to a best practice for exposing, sharing, and connecting resources in the (Semantic) Web. This chapter details the Linked Data approach to SDI and suggests it as a possibility to combine SDI with VGI. Thus, a Spatial Linked Data Infrastructure could apply solutions for Linked Data to classical SDI standards. The chapter highlights different implementing strategies, gives examples, and argues for benefits, while at the same time trying to outline possible fallbacks; hopeful this contribution will enlighten a way towards a single shared information space.