-------- Original Message --------
Subject:        Geospatial data and LOC
Date:   Wed, 2 Jun 2010 05:06:23 -0700 (PDT)
From:   Julie Lancelle <[log in to unmask]>
To:     Angie Cope <[log in to unmask]>



http://gcn.com/articles/2010/06/01/library-of-congress-columbia-geospatial.aspx



      Library of Congress aids geospatial data preservation

Columbia University takes part in project

    * By Kathleen Hickey
    * Jun 01, 2010

The Library of Congress and Columbia University are creating a Web-based
information hub to provide best practices, tools, methods and services
to assist organizations in preserving geospatial data.

Geospatial data, which includes maps and satellite images, identifies
the geographic location and characteristics of natural or constructed
features and boundaries on the earth. The data is important for
responding to disasters, urban planning, navigation, protecting the
environment and a host of other uses.

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However, much of this information is in danger of being lost, because of
evolving technology and other threats.

“The geospatial community has told us that a clearinghouse to
communicate preservation best practices is essential for keeping these
information resources available around the nation,” said Laura Campbell,
associate librarian for strategic initiatives at the Library of Congress.

The Library’s National Digital Information Infrastructure and
Preservation Program will fund development of the clearinghouse.
Columbia’s Earth Institute will house it, at its Center for
International Earth Science Information Network. CIESIN will launch a
beta version of the clearinghouse later this year.

“These electronic resources are essential to research, education, and
sustainable development and only grow more valuable over time,” said
Robert Chen, director of CIESIN.

About the Author

**Kathleen Hickey is a freelance writer for the 1105 Government
Information Group.