Spatial data infrastructures (SDI’s) are about dealing with geographic data and information in a more open, interconnected and interoperable manner. SDI’s can be seen as a collection of technological and non-technological arrangements that give shape to a network of spatial data relationships between producers and users of spatial data. From a network perspective, SDI’s have led to the establishment of new spatial data flows between these actors, the introduction of new actors in the network, but also to the removal of barriers that hinder or prevent the flow of data between producers and users.

Analyzing SDI’s from a network perspective provides a unique approach to study the exchange and use of spatial data, and the impact of SDI’s. The network perspective enables the detailed analysis of how flows of spatial data between data users and data producers are arranged and facilitated by an SDI. Moreover, the network perspective allows for an analysis of the mutual relationships between different actors and arrangements within an SDI framework. It is the aim of these SDI arrangement to minimize the impedance of spatial data flows through the implementation of SDI components. While SDI arrangements will only remain in place in case they are successful in doing this, the future development of these arrangements will be focused on removing existing barriers and lowering the impedance of the network.

Specific concepts, tools and measurements can be used to analyze these SDI networks, thereby contributing to a better understanding of the impact of SDI development. Typical network concepts such as density and centralization allow to measure and express the key characteristics of the network. The concept of network impedance focuses on barriers that hinder or prevent the flows of data in the network. Measuring all these different network parameters contributes to a better understanding of the complex interactions between different SDI arrangements.

The aim of the paper is to analyze recent developments in SDI implementation through the application of the network perspective. The paper will build further on earlier research on the development and application of the network approach on spatial data infrastructures in Flanders. Using the analysis of the Flemish SDI network in 2008 as a starting point, the paper will examine how the network of spatial data flows has changed in recent years, and how these changes are driven or influenced by different technological and non-technological developments. The paper will show how recent developments such as the implementation of network services and the application of linked and open data have steadily transformed and shaped the network of spatial data flows. Based on the results and findings of the analysis of the current status of the SDI network, recommendations will be formulated on the future development of spatial data infrastructures.