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           NSGIC, FGDC Agree to Survey Framework Data Development
 
In September, the National States Geographic Information Council (NSGIC) and
the Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC) entered into a cooperative
agreement to develop and maintain information about the status of data that
can contribute to the framework for the National Spatial Data Infrastructure
(NSDI).  The first phase of the project will provide an initial "snapshot" of
data available from state, regional, and local governments throughout the
United States that could contribute to the framework. The second phase will
develop and test guidelines for developing and maintaining ongoing
inventories of data, and for reporting this information through the National
Geospatial Data Clearinghouse.  The cooperators value the 18-month project at
$559,000.
 
"The results of this effort will provide important tools for measuring
progress of the NSDI," stated Hank Garie, NSGIC president and principal
investigator for the project.  "All levels of government will benefit if
tools are available to help organizations keep an accurate inventory of their
framework data.  This study brings together the collective resources of
states, local governments, and the FGDC to measure progress in ways that will
ultimately empower those collecting spatial data at the grass roots."
 
The framework will provide several basic themes of data commonly needed to
support applications of geographic information systems by many different
disciplines.  These data themes include geodetic control, elevation and
bathymetry, digital orthoimagery, transportation, hydrography, boundaries of
governmental units, and cadastre.  Public and private organizations within a
geographic area will collaborate to develop, maintain, and integrate data.
Standards will support data aggregation and generalization activities to
provide data for applications over different or larger geographic areas.
Additional information about the framework is available from the FGDC's World
Wide Web site at <URL:http://www.fgdc.gov>.
 
This project will identify opportunities for developing partnerships for
framework activities, and areas where additional preparatory work is needed.
The first phase of the project will assess the availability of data that can
contribute to the framework, develop institutional arrangements needed to
support the framework, and identify incentives to encourage participation.  A
rough nationwide estimate of available coverage, key contacts, and the
availability of metadata for these data also will be provided.  Councils that
coordinate geographic data activities in states will be the focal points for
compiling this information.
 
The second phase will develop guidelines to conduct and maintain dynamic
inventories of data that could contribute to the framework.  Consistent
approaches to developing inventories will be encouraged.  These guidelines
will be tested in five states interested in improving their ability to
conduct data inventories.  The project will conclude with recommended
strategies to encourage widespread use of the guidance.
 
The project will be guided by a project management team led by Karen
Siderelis, Director of North Carolina's Center for Geographic Information and
Analysis.  For more information about the project, contact the Center (by
telephone at 919.733.2090 or through the Internet at
[log in to unmask]) or NSGIC (by telephone at 603.643.1600 or through
the Internet at [log in to unmask]), or visit the FGDC's World Wide Web site at
<URL:http://www.fgdc.gov>.
 
The National States Geographic Information Council encourages effective and
efficient government through the coordinated development of geographic
information and technologies to ensure that information may be integrated at
all levels of government.  It seeks to promote the integration and
development of geographic information by advising public and private
decisionmakers who can influence legislative action.  It further promotes
liaison and networking among members and others, and provides a forum for
research, education, and public relations focused on members' interests.  The
Council is made up of delegates representing states, as well as other private
and public organizations and individuals, and is governed by a nine-member
board.
 
The Federal Geographic Data Committee provides Federal leadership in the
development of the National Spatial Data Infrastructure, and coordinates the
collection and use of spatial data among Federal agencies.  Secretary of the
Interior Bruce Babbitt chairs the committee, which has members from fourteen
Federal departments and independent agencies.  The committee developed the
framework concept in response to a Presidential executive order asking for
means of developing and maintaining commonly used themes of data.
Representatives of NSGIC, public interest groups, and professional societies
participated with Federal agencies in developing the concept.  The concept
was reviewed by the spatial data community through discussions at national
meetings and a formal public review.  This project is one of many efforts the
committee is supporting to develop the framework nationwide.