Physical Infrastructure

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This theme includes industrial & utility facilities, and the service delivery facilities associated with administrative & social governmental services such as public administrations, utilities, transport, civil protection, schools and hospitals.

Why is this theme fundamental?

This theme is fundamental as many sustainable development targets explicitly mention the accessibility to basic services. The infrastructure of a country is the means by which services are delivered to the population, be that hospitals, schools, energy or telecommunications.

Which sustainable development goals (SDGs) will it help to meet?

As a minimum, it is required for SDGs 3, 4, 6, 7, 9, 11.

Geospatial data features in more detail

A nation's physical infrastructure consists of a broad array of systems and facilities that house and transport people & goods, and provide services. Among other things, this infrastructure includes industrial and utility facilities, civil protection sites, roads and railways, water supply, sewerage, storm water drainage, dams, levees, weirs, schools, hospitals, and postal & telecommunications services.

These are human-made features and this theme relates mostly to the built environment, and focuses on the service infrastructure.

Key attributes are the geometry, an identifier, a name (if any) and the type of service (school, hospital, …) and other relevant attributes.

Possible sources of data

National and local government Utility and services companies

Existing Data Standards

Note: This is indicative. Other lists of standards exist and UN-GGIM will seek to work with thematic experts to develop a list of relevant data standards.

INSPIRE environmental facilities specification and guidance;
INSPIRE Utility and governmental services specification and guidance; and,
INSPIRE production and industrial facilities specification and guidance.