​​​National Spatial Information Framework

The National Spatial Information Framework (NSIF) is a directorate established in the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform, within the Branch: National Geomatics Management Services to facilitate the development and implementation of the South African Spatial Data Infrastructure (SASDI), established in terms of Section 3 of the Spatial Data Infrastructure Act (SDI Act No. 54, 2003). The NSIF also serves as secretariat to the Committee for Spatial Information (CSI), established under Section 5 of the SDI Act.

Vision

Spatial information driven decision-making, planning and service delivery, to achieve the country's development agenda and ensure an improved quality of life for all in South Africa

Mission

The NSIF drives the development and implementation of the SASDI, as the national technical, institutional and policy framework, to facilitate the capture, management, maintenance, integration, distribution and use of spatial information. This will eliminate data capture duplication and improve the access to, discovery, retrieval, sharing and interoperability of public sector spatial information. 

Objectives

  • Provide secretarial and administrative support to the CSI, responsible for achieving the objectives of the SASDI and the functioning of any structure or measure established under the SDI Act.
  • Develop legislation, regulations, policies, standards and guidelines that will promote the interchange of spatial information and interoperability of information systems in line with SASDI principles.
  • Develop, implement and maintain technical tools in support of SASDI activities to facilitate access to, sharing and integration of public sector spatial information.
  • Provide an Electronic Metadata Catalogue (EMC) to facilitate the capture and publishing of metadata to enable the discovery and retrieval of spatial data sets.
  • Facilitate the registration of data capture projects, through a Data Capture Project Register (DCPR) to prevent data capture duplication.
  • Promote effective management and maintenance of spatial information by data custodians to support data sharing. Frame institutional arrangements which clearly define custodial responsibilities needed to maintain and disseminate spatial information
  • Monitor compliance with the provisions of the SDI Act
  • Facilitate co-operation and collaboration among organs of state to optimise resources and streamline spatial information capture and service delivery in line with Batho Pele principles.
  • Market and communicate CSI activities, SASDI implementation and other matters relating to the SDI Act and promote awareness of the importance of spatial information for effective governance, planning and decision-making.