Spatial Data Infrastructures (SDIs) consist in a framework aiming at integrating data, technological, institutional and individual aspects for an improved data discovery and availability, which is the ground for environmental research. In order to better understand the status of SDI implementation, their societal or environmental impacts, or the impact of some SDI specific activities on the whole SDI, this thesis examines different stages of the SDI cycle: (1) the stocktaking evaluation needed before any action can be planned; (2) the possible capacity building actions to be set up; (3) the SDI implementation actions possible; (4) the assessment of the SDI components and of the actions taken. The findings highlight the complex and multi-faceted nature of SDIs that reflects human diversity. Awareness raising and capacity building at the level of individuals are critical to address this complexity and need to integrate the necessary technical uniformity and the cultural plurality inherent to mankind throughout the SDI cycle.