Geographic Information Systems to Spatial Data Infrastructures

Emeritus Professor Ian Masser

In December 2016, Emeritus Professor Ian Masser received the GSDI Association’s Global Citizen award for his significant global contributions in promoting the informed and responsible use of geographic information and geospatial technologies for societal benefit. His work fostered spatial data infrastructure developments supporting integrated, sustainable social, economic, and environmental systems from local to global scales.

Educated in geography and town planning at Liverpool University, Ian Masser earned his PhD in 1975 and was awarded a LittD in 1993 by the same institution.

Professional Experience and Leadership:

• 1986-1991: National Coordinator of UK ESRC’s Regional Research Laboratory initiative.
• 1992-1997: Co-Director of the European Science Foundation’s GISDATA scientific programme.
• 1998-1999: Founder Chairman of the Association of Geographic Information Laboratories in Europe (AGILE).
• 1999-2003: President of the European Umbrella Organisation for Geographic Information (EUROGI).
• September 2002 - February 2004: First President of the Global Spatial Data Infrastructure Association.
• Retired in 2002 from his position as Professor of Urban Planning and Management at ITC in the Netherlands.
• Previously held the position of Professor of Town and Regional Planning at the University of Sheffield for nearly 20 years.

Publications:

Professor Masser’s extensive publications include twenty books and over 300 contributions to conference proceedings, books, and scientific journals.

Visiting Positions and Advisory Roles:

He has held visiting positions at universities in Australia, Germany, Greece, Italy, Iraq, Japan, Malaysia, Switzerland, and the United States, as well as at government research centers in Korea and Malaysia. He has also served as an advisor to numerous national and international agencies, including the European Commission, Eurostat, OECD, UNCRD, and the World Bank.