----------------------------Original message---------------------------- CALL FOR ABSTRACTS and SPECIALIST MEETING PARTICIPATION NCGIA Initiative 16 LAW, INFORMATION POLICY AND SPATIAL DATABASES The National Center for Geographic Information and Analysis (NCGIA) is about to begin a research initiative on Law, Information Policy, and Spatial Databases. In late October of 1994, a small group of individuals will come together for several days in Arizona to explore four interrelated aspects of information law critical to the handling of geographic information; namely, (1) access rights of citizens to publicly held information, (2) intellectual property rights in spatial databases, (3) privacy rights and principles, and (4) liability in the use, sharing, and distribution of geographic information system (GIS) data and analysis results. We hope to attract participants with research interests and background in computer and information law, privacy law, intellectual property law, spatial data policy, information systems policy, and public policy. Participants will be selected based on their ability to contribute substantively to one or more of the major focus areas of the initiative. The core planning group also intends to ensure an appropriate mix of active researchers from universities, government agencies and laboratories, and the private sector. For each of the four areas, the core planning group is seeking participant contributions that review current information practices and the existing literature, expose reasonable alternative information policies and actions, predict short-term and long-term ramifications of those alternatives, or articulate arguments for and against competing alternatives. The scientific objectives of the specialist meeting and subsequent research are to: o Advance scientific understanding of the law and information policy within spatial database environments o Raise the quality and content of the debate about law and GIS by identifying issues in concrete terms with a high degree of specificity; o Report observations of the law in action in order to explore the impact of spatial databases on public information policy and law and, conversely, report observations of the law's acceptance of GIS uses and practices; o Identify emerging problems at the interface of law, information policy, and spatial databases in order to address those problems prospectively, with particular focus on legal issues relevant to the National Spatial Data Infrastructure; o Divulge, test, and contribute knowledge useful in the improvement of public policy and formulation of law with respect to the use of spatial databases and related technologies. A primary goal of the specialist meeting will be to develop an agenda of research questions and recommendations for the broader research community and to identify priority areas within that agenda. Selection of participants will be through submitted abstracts of approximately 2000 words (four single spaced pages) or, at the discretion of the submitter, through submission of a completely developed paper. A biographical sketch not to exceed one page should also be included. All participants will be expected to prepare full papers and submit them well in advance of the specialist meeting so others may be amply prepared to discuss them at that meeting. Reasonable expenses for transportation, room, and board for the specialist meeting will be covered for selected participants by NCGIA. The specialist meeting will take place on October 28, 29 & 30, 1994 in Tempe, Arizona at the Center for the Study of Law, Science, and Technology, Arizona State University Law School. In order to keep discussions as productive as possible, we anticipate limiting the total number of participants to around 30. Additional observers will be allowed during the first day and a half of presentations. Our intent is to publish a volume consisting of a compilation of some or most of the papers produced for the meeting. In addition, we will strive to publish the derived research agenda in a law journal or alternative publication. Abstracts are due April 15, 1994. Individuals selected by the core planning group for participation will be notified on or before June 1. Full papers will be due on September 1, 1994. The specialist meeting will be held at the Law School in Tempe, Arizona on October 28, 29 & 30, 1994. Revised papers will be due approximately two months after the specialist meeting. Abstracts should be sent to the following address. NCGIA Initiative on Law, Information Policy, and Spatial Databases Boardman Hall, Rm. 348 University of Maine Orono, Maine 04469-5711 [log in to unmask] Phone (207) 581-2149 FAX (207) 581-2206 Note: If you failed to receive the background paper or the working bibliography for the initiative with this announcement, copies may be obtained from the previous address. Copies may also be obtained by anonymous FTP at grouse.umesve.maine.edu under the directory \pub\NCGIA\I16-Legal. Gopher users should point to the above address, but look under the folders "National Center for Geographic Information and Analysis" and "I16-Legal." NCGIA Initiative 16 - Core Planning Group: Co-directors: Harlan J. Onsrud, NCGIA and Geographic Engineering, University of Maine Robert I. Reis, NCGIA and Professor of Law, SUNY-Buffalo School of Law Legal Community: David Flaherty, Information and Privacy Commissioner, Victoria, B.C. Dennis S. Karjala, Center for Study of Law, Science and Technology, Arizona State University Wayne Madsen, Computer Sciences Corporation Steven Metalitz, General Counsel, Information Industry Association Marc Rotenburg, Director, Computer Professionals for Social Responsibility Pamela Samuelson, School of Law, University of Pittsburgh Shari Steele, Head of Legal Services, Electronic Frontier Foundation Richard J. Varn, Chair, State Information Policy Consortium (NGA, CSG, NCSL) Laurence H. Winer, Center for Study of Law, Science and Technology, Arizona State University GIS Community: Ronald Abler, Executive Director, Association of American Geographers Hugh Archer, Attorney, Information Management Consultant, South Carolina Water Resources Kingsley Haynes, Director, The Institute of Public Policy, George Mason University John McLaughlin, Geographical Engineering, Univ of New Brunswick Nancy Tosta, Staff Director, Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC)