Building the Foundation for a National Spatial Data Infrastructure in Armenia: Current Status and Future Prospects

Abstract. The establishment of a National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI) in Armenia commenced in 2019, marking a pivotal step toward the development of an integrated framework for spatial data management at the national level. Since then, a series of significant actions have been taken to lay the groundwork for this infrastructure, including the adoption of the Integrated Cadastre Concept (2019), the formulation of a strategic program for Integrated Cadastre (2021), and the enactment of the Spatial Data Law (2023), alongside other relevant legal instruments. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of these milestones and investigates the technical, legal, and institutional prerequisites for the successful establishment of the NSDI in Armenia. It critically examines the challenges and opportunities inherent in the process, highlighting key factors such as inter-agency collaboration, data standardization, and capacity-building that are essential to its realization. Additionally, the research identifies current limitations, including deficiencies in technical infrastructure, the need for specialized human resources, and the necessity for greater public awareness. Drawing upon the Armenian experience, the study explores the potential for further development of the NSDI, assessing its alignment with broader national objectives of economic development, governance reform, and sustainable development. The findings offer valuable insights for policymakers in Armenia and other countries, particularly regarding the facilitation of spatial data exchange, the implementation of regular data updates and standardization protocols, and the creation of effective legal and institutional mechanisms for spatial data management across government sectors.