Benefits of a Spatial Data Infrastructure on the Sustainability of a Southwestern European Territory

Abstract

OTALEX C is a cross border project elaborated by several entities of the administrations, agencies, and Portuguese and Spanish enterprises. The aim is to develop joint cartography, in addition to the union of territorial and environmental data and their interexchange. SDI-OTALEX C has defined a method capable of assigning the degree of sustainability through the integration of environmental, social, and economic indicators. Thus, a link has been established with consumption and productivity, which promotes the appropriate use of resources and, consequently, the sustainable development of the territory. The benefits for local population of this territory fall within the very term of sustainable development since its objective is to define viable projects and reconcile economic aspects, social and environmental impacts of human activities. To reconcile all these aspects, the SDI makes it possible to contribute to sustainability and to try to envision projects that help to keep the population of these largely depopulated territories.