1. Stance of PCGIAP to GSDI Association Background report 8 th PCGIAP meeting, April 16, 2002 Prepared by Secretariat

2. Background (1) 5 th Global Spatial Data Infrastructure (GSDI) conference resolved to form a not-for-profit corporation to replace the Steering Committee and to oversight the implementation of the GSDI in the future in July 2001. A Task Group headed by Mr. Santiago Borrero was formed to recommend a structure and Bylaws for the not-for-profit corporation.

3. Background (2) The Task Group circulated a questionnaire with the draft Bylaws to GSDI Steering Committee in Oct. 2001 including PCGIAP president, requesting replies to the two issues: 1. The organization I represent on the GSDI Steering Committee probably would support or can live with most of the bylaw provisions as written. YES or NO 2. Assuming that annual dues are established at an acceptable level, the organization I represent on the GSDI Steering Committee likely would join the GSDI Association as set forth by the attached bylaws. YES or NO

4. Background (3) PCGIAP Executive Board meeting in Nov. 2002 discussed this issue. Given the status of PCGIAP and annual dues required for membership, it would be difficult for PCGIAP to join as it is, although PCGIAP does endorse the idea. The reply to this effect, formally sent to GSDI from President on behalf of PCGIAP, was referred to and accepted.

5. Background (4) Replies to GSDI questionnaire reported from the Task Group in Jan. 2002. [1] Assuming that annual fees are established at an acceptable level and/or with other conditions to be considered later on by the GSDI Executive Committee.

6. Background (5) Plan of GSDI Task Group as of Jan. 2002 Consensus in favour of: (i) Establishing and incorporating the GSDI Association and (ii), concerning annual dues, Postponing the quota issue. GSDI Secretariat can move to advance legal consultations leading to the incorporation of the Association. In parallel, GSDI teleconference and the GSDI Steering Committee at the same time as the FIG Assembly 19-26 April will consider the financial aspects.