National Spatial Data Infrastructure Implementation in Developing Countries: A Systematic Review of Governance Challenges, Technical Bottlenecks, And Lessons for Nigeria’s Ngdi

References

[1] Ahmad, M., Ali, A., Nawaz, M., Sattar, F., & Hussain, H. (2024). A review of Pakistan’s National Spatial Data Infrastructure using multiple assessment frameworks. ISPRS International Journal of Geo-Information, 13(9), 328.

[2] Page, M. J., McKenzie, J. E., Bossuyt, P. M., Boutron, I., Hoffmann, T. C., Mulrow, C. D., Shamseer, L., Tetzlaff, J. M., Akl, E. A., Brennan, S. E., Chou, R., Glanville, J., Grimshaw, J. M., Hróbjartsson, A., Lalu, M. M., Li, T., Loder, E. W., Mayo-Wilson, E., McDonald, S., McGuinness, L. A., Stewart, L. A., Thomas, J., Tricco, A. C., Welch, V. A., Whiting, P., & Moher, D. (2021). The PRISMA 2020 statement: An updated guideline for reporting systematic reviews. BMJ, 372, n71. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.n71

[3] Ahmad, M., Ali, A., Nawaz, M., Sattar, F., & Hussain, H. (2025). National Spatial Data Infrastructure as a Catalyst for Good Governance and Policy Improvements in Pakistan. ISPRS International Journal of Geo-Information, 14(9), 324

[4] Al Shamsi, S. A., Ahmad, A., & Desa, G. (2011). Development of critical successful factors model for spatial data infrastructure implementation. In 2011 IEEE 7th International Colloquium on Signal Processing and its Applications (pp. 212–219). IEEE. https://doi.org/10.1109/CSPA.2011.5759875

[5] Ali, A., & Imran, M. (2021a). National Spatial Data Infrastructure vs Cadastre System for Economic Development: Evidence from Pakistan. Land, 10(2), 188

[6] Ali, A., & Imran, M. (2021b). The evolution of national spatial data infrastructure in Pakistan—Implementation challenges and the way forward. International Journal of Spatial Data Infrastructures Research, 15, 110–142. https://doi.org/10.2902/1725-0463.15.art5

[7] Ali, A., Ahmad, M., Nawaz, M., & Sattar, F. (2024a). Spatial data infrastructure as the means to assemble geographic information necessary for effective agricultural policies in Pakistan. Information Development. https://doi.org/10.1177/02666669241244503

[8] Ali, A., Ahmad, M., Nawaz, M., & Sattar, F. (2025). Factors impeding spatial data infrastructure implementation in lower-middle-income economies. Information Development. https://doi.org/10.1177/02666669241302788

[9] Ali, A., Hussain, H., Rida, F., & Ahmad, M. (2024b). The barriers to implementing National Spatial Data Infrastructure in Pakistan: Policy and legislation context. Journal of Policy, Public Affairs, and Governance, 3(2), 15–30.

[10] Ali, A., Imran, M., Jabeen, M., Ali, Z., & Mahmood, S. (2023). Factors influencing integrated information management: Spatial data infrastructure in Pakistan. Information Development, 39(2), 213–234. https://doi.org/10.1177/02666669211048483

[11] Cooper, A. K., Van Huyssteen, E., Das, S., Coetzee, M., & Mans, G. (2014). Assessment of spatial data infrastructures. Town and Regional Planning, (64), 65-75.

[12] Eelderink, L., Crompvoets, J. W. H. C., & de Man, W. H. E. (2008). Towards key variables to assess National Spatial Data Infrastructures (NSDIs) in developing countries. In J. Crompvoets, A. Rajabifard, B. van Loenen, & T. Delgado Fernández (Eds.), A multi-view framework to assess spatial data infrastructures (pp. 307–325). The Melbourne University Press.

[13] Gelagay, H. S. (2019). Geospatial data sharing barriers across organisations and the possible solution for Ethiopia. International Journal of Spatial Data Infrastructures Research, 14, 152–171.

[14] Gemeda, D. O. (2012). Assessing the development of Ethiopian National Spatial Data Infrastructure (Thesis Report No. GIRS-2012-02) [Master's thesis, Wageningen University and Research Centre]

[15] Idrees, M. O., Saeidi, V., Yusuf, N. M., & Shariff, A. R. M. (2012). Comparing approaches and strategies for NSDI implementation between the developed and developing world. International Journal of Spatial Data Infrastructures Research, 7, 191–215.

[16] Idrees, M. O., Shariff, A. R. M., & Saeidi, V. (2015). Factors explaining differences in NSDI development status between the developed and developing world. International Journal of Spatial Data Infrastructures Research, 10, 1–25.

[17] Kok, B. C., & van Loenen, B. (2005). How to assess the success of National Spatial Data Infrastructures? Computers, Environment and Urban Systems, 29(6), 699–717. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compenvurbsys.2004.02.001

[18] Makanga, P., & Smit, J. (2010). A review of national spatial data infrastructure development in Africa. South African Computer Journal, 45, 18–25.

[19] Mwange, C., Mulaku, G. C., & Siriba, D. N. (2018). Reviewing the status of national spatial data infrastructures in Africa. Survey review, 50(360), 191-200.

[20] Odeyemi, C. A., & Adeoti, O. (2026). Assessing Nigeria's Spatial Data Infrastructure (SDI) readiness index. Journal of Environmental Studies, 2(1), 1–15.

[21] Ogunbiyi, J. (2021). Reviewing the status of national spatial data infrastructure: A case study in Southern African Countries [Diploma Thesis, Technische Universität Wien]

[22] Oyugi, S. O., & Adepoju, M. O. (2013). National spatial data infrastructure implementation in Kenya and Nigeria. International Journal of Spatial Data Infrastructures Research.

[23] Putra, T. Y. D., Sekimoto, Y., & Shibasaki, R. (2019). Toward the evolution of national spatial data infrastructure development in Indonesia. ISPRS International Journal of Geo-Information, 8(6), 263. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijgi8060263

[24] Rahman, M. M., & Szabó, G. (2020). National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI) of Bangladesh – development, progress and way forward. ISPRS Annals of the Photogrammetry, Remote Sensing and Spatial Information Sciences, V-4-2020, 131–138.

[25] Rahman, M. M., & Szabó, G. (2023). Assessing the status of National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI) of Bangladesh. ISPRS International Journal of Geo-Information, 12(6), 236. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijgi12060236

[26] Singh, P. K. (2009). Spatial Data Infrastructure in India: Status, governance challenges, and strategies for effective functioning. International Journal of Spatial Data Infrastructures Research, 4, 156–172.

[27] Zahra, M., Ali, A., Nawaz, M., & Sattar, F. (2022). Analysis of factors affecting adoption of volunteered geographic information in the context of National Spatial Data Infrastructure. ISPRS International Journal of Geo-Information, 11(2), 120. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijgi11020120

@article{1722871,
      author = {Gopep James Shidonna, Kabali Nickson Daudu, Shadrach Iliya, Jonathan Joshua Benthang, Arowosegbe Olakunle Justice; Dauda Samuel Impa},
      title = {National Spatial Data Infrastructure Implementation in Developing Countries: A Systematic Review of Governance Challenges, Technical Bottlenecks, And Lessons for Nigeria’s Ngdi},
      journal = {Iconic Research And Engineering Journals},
      year = {2026},
      volume = {10},
      number = {3},
      pages = {609-627},
      issn = {2456-8880},
      url = {https://www.irejournals.com/formatedpaper/1722871.pdf},
      abstract = {National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI) provides an institutional and technical framework for coordinating the production, management, sharing, and use of geospatial information. However, implementation in developing countries remains uneven, with persistent governance and technical constraints limiting the effectiveness and sustainability of national spatial-data systems. This study systematically reviewed empirical evidence on NSDI implementation in developing countries to synthesise governance and technical barriers, identify factors associated with stronger or weaker implementation outcomes, and derive lessons for Nigeria’s National Geospatial Data Infrastructure (NGDI). The review followed a systematic search, eligibility, appraisal, extraction, and thematic synthesis process guided by the PRISMA 2020 framework. Sixteen relevant publications were identified, comprising 13 empirical or comparative studies and three conceptual or methodological studies. The evidence covered countries primarily in Africa and Asia. The findings indicate that institutional fragmentation, weak inter-agency coordination, inadequate policy integration, insufficient financing, limited human capacity, poor interoperability, inconsistent standards, inadequate metadata, weak data-sharing mechanisms, and deficient technical infrastructure are the principal constraints affecting NSDI implementation. Comparatively stronger systems were associated with clear institutional responsibilities, sustained leadership and financing, common standards, interoperable infrastructure, stakeholder participation, and long-term strategic planning. The review further demonstrates that the relative importance of these factors varies according to national institutional and socioeconomic contexts. For Nigeria, the evidence supports an integrated strategy combining stronger NGDI governance, enforceable geospatial standards, sustainable financing, distributed capacity development, formal data-sharing arrangements, interoperable technical infrastructure, and continuous performance monitoring. The study concludes that the effective strengthening of NGDI requires governance and technical investments to be pursued as complementary components of a coherent national infrastructure.},
      keywords = {National Spatial Data Infrastructure; NSDI; National Geospatial Data Infrastructure; NGDI; geospatial data; governance; interoperability; developing countries; systematic review; Nigeria.},
      month = {September},
      doi = {https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV10I3-1722871}
  }