Given that geospatial data, information and services are increasingly converging with digital innovations and new technologies, their usage is augmenting progressively. However, the quality, accessibility and even availability in some countries of such data remain challenges. For example, rising economic losses resulting from natural disasters demonstrate the gap between the status of geospatial information and cross-sectoral decision-making. This situation highlights the need to find solutions aimed at improving the availability and accessibility of quality geospatial information and services across the concerned sectors. Furthermore, it highlights the need to improve communication and sharing of data among countries in common formats using harmonized methodologies.

To increase the quality, comparability and accessibility of geospatial data for stakeholders and sectors, this research has focused on developing a consensus-based geospatial information framework, which includes a metadata framework and a guideline for cross-sector collaborations. Our research has reviewed existing metadata information to identify common data formats to be included in the proposed framework. This review intended to enhance the awareness of metadata and to provide an overview of geospatial metadata and its developing trends. In addition, we have analyzed sectoral correlations and trends and prepared an analytical document on geospatial information applications and its support for the 2030 Agenda as captured in the Asia Pacific Action Plan on space applications for Sustainable Development. We have also identified various stakeholders and their relationships, which may have influence on the implementation of geospatial applications. Based on these, we are developing an one-map system to facilitate the use and sharing of geospatial information for various governments, especially for those in developing countries.