GSDI-7 FOCAL THEME: SDI FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE For society to be informed and knowledgeable spatial (or map) information is a major "content". These Spatial information sets are vital to make sound decisions at the local, regional, state and central level planning, implementation of action plans,infrastructure development, disaster management support, and business development. Natural Resources management,flood mitigation, environmental restoration, land use assessments and disaster recovery are just a few examples of areas in which decision-makers are benefiting from spatial information. With the availability of satellite-based remote sensing data and the organisation of spatial databases around a Geographical Information Systems (GIS), combined with the Global Positioning System (GPS), the process of semantic spatial information systems has now became a reality. The advent of GIS technology has transformed spatial data handling capabilities and made it necessary for re-examining the roles of governments with respect to the supply and availability of geographic information. Using GIS technology, users are now able to process maps - both individually and along with tabular data and incrunchll them together to provide a new perception - the spatial visualization of information. The GSDI-7 would focus on inSDI for a Sustainable Futurela and would bring to fore the policies, technologies and applications for enabling a spatial world Πaddressing the national, regional and global SDI initiatives and requirements. Through the GSDI - 7 Conference, it is hoped that participating nations and governments would benefit from the experiences of SDI-enabled nations and it would also help prepare them for SDI activities. With the major aim of focusing the world's capabilities and developments in SDI, it is envisaged that the Conference would be able to bring technical confluence on the policies, technologies and applications of SDI Πespecially in the developing countries. At the same time, the Indian SDI community will have the opportunity to interact with leading international experts on SDI. Debates and discussions - especially on standards, Metadata solutions, search software, networking design, value-added solutions etc that will bring more focus to our GSDI activities. Industries and businesses, associated with SDI technologies and products, will find GSDI-7 the right forum to show-case and promote their products and services. The industries from remote sensing, mapping and cartography, GIS, GPS, database systems, networking and systems etc., will get the prime opportunity to unveil their products and services roadmap and also envision their future in the SDI technologies, products and services. Academia would find ample scope to discuss the newer techniques and models developed to further spatial science and the opportunities in education and training of GIS.