Collaborative spatial analysis and modelling in a research environment

Abstract

The paper deals with the results of CSIR work to develop a platform for Collaborative Spatial Analysis and Modelling (referred to as CoSAMP). The platform is aimed at addressing a range of “collaboration divides and barriers” - including bandwidth constraints, other hard, technical interoperability barriers and a range of “softer” barriers (such as inadequate management and sharing of spatial analysis knowledge).The potential advantages of using this platform are illustrated with reference to a hypothetical use case: the commissioning of a researcher to support an intergovernmental planning team with the development of service access and livelihood indicators - assuming that this team needs these indicators to target housing subsidies, population- serving facilities (such as clinics) and related infrastructure