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Local Spatial Data Infrastructure Assessment and Development Model in the Republic of Croatia

Local spatial data infrastructure (LSDI), as level with most detailed spatial data, is essential for the development of upper levels of SDI. In order to fulfil European Union commitments, Croatia is obligated to fulfil the demands of the INSPIRE Directive. All spatial data should be available and comply with the INSPIRE implementing rules by 2020. For process of development of LSDI is essential to look at the specifics, needs, processes, and the willingness of local communities to implement LSDI successfully. Local self-governments in Croatia have their issues, which are topic in academic and political debates. Such environment does have influence on changes in legislation, and on political and institutional support for development of LSDI. Nevertheless, some of the cities in Croatia have successfully developed LSDI at some level of development. There were several objectives of thesis. First objective of thesis was to assess LSDI readiness, use, performance, and development in the Republic of Croatia. For assessment, indicators and objectives from existing assessment frameworks, were adopted to particularities of Croatian Local Spatial Data Infrastructure. Second objective was to research the gap between the present reality and the goals set out in the INSPIRE Directive by 2020. Third research objective was to develop conceptual model of LSDI development in Republic of Croatia. Hypothesis research is stated as “Research on LSDI readiness, use, performance and development will identify the main obstacles related to the development and current state of LSDI in the Republic of Croatia.” In order to achieve the research objectives, quantitative research (survey), qualitative (interviews and focus group), and a pilot project were used. For quantitative research, statistical analyses were applied, such as statistical regression. For qualitative research systematisation of opinions of interviewed individuals were used. All of the outcomes were interpreted and triangulated into the model of development of LSDI. Outcomes were compared with other research from Croatia and abroad. Combined research gave a multi-perspective view on the LSDI environment in Croatia and better confidence in the model of development of LSDI in Croatia. Statistical regression was used for identifying indicators of development as basis for development of model of development of LSDI. Regression model was defined based on measurement in real world with goal to identify what really influenced on development of LSDI in Republic of Croatia. Cities with developed LSDI were used as dependent variable (goal to achieve) in statistical regression model. Financing LSDI from decision-makers on local level was, by statistical regression recognised as leading indicator. As a trigger to invest in LSDI, level of knowledge and awareness about benefits for stakeholders (primarily city administration and citizens), were identified. Correlation coefficient between predictions of statistical regression model and development of LSDI in Republic of Croatia is 92.7%. The critical task for development of LSDI is raising awareness and providing a source of knowledge to representatives of each local self-government. It could be done from the national level, with necessary political and national support. These conclusions were confirmed by other research steps and implemented in the model of development of LSDI in Republic of Croatia.

LSDI, local self-government, quantitative research, qualitative research, combined research, statistical analyses, statistical regression, regression model, dependent variable, LSDI environment, indicators of development, model of development

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