NSDI | Geospatial Standards

Why Standards Matter
Standards improve the utility and value of geospatial data. They improve interoperability, reusability, and make it easier to aggregate, link, integrate, and share information among Federal, state, Tribal, regional, and municipal governments, private industry, non-governmental organizations, and academia.

Authority
The Geospatial Data Act of 2018 (GDA), 43 USC Ch. 46, Section §2802, establishes the Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC), Chaired by the Department of Interior, as the lead entity in the Executive Branch for the development, implementation, and review of policies, practices, and standards relating to geospatial data.

The GDA also details the responsibilities of Covered Agencies. These responsibilities are further detailed by the Office of Management and Budget's (OMB) Circulars A-16 and A-119. Circular A-16 directs the "Coordination of Geographic Information and Related Spatial Data Activities." Circular A-119 addresses the development and use of voluntary consensus standards.

Geospatial Data Standards Policy
The limitation on the use of Federal funds imposed by 43 USC Ch. 46, Section §2809A(b) does not apply on the basis of standards established by the FGDC prior to the enactment of the GDA. The FGDC has not established standards since the enactment of the GDA. Once the FGDC establishes standards for a data theme under the GDA, the "Limitation on the use of Federal funds" imposed by 43 USC Ch. 46, Section §2809 will apply with respect to that theme beginning five years after the date of establishment.

Way Ahead
The FGDC's Executive Committee established a Standards Task Team to update the FGDC's standards management process and recommend a path forward to the FGDC. The Task Team met with federal and non-federal standards development organizations to review existing processes and identify best practices. The Team is assessing the old FGDC standards list, evaluating a potential fast-track approval process for standards currently in use, modeling legacy processes, documenting user needs, and considering resource constraints to better understand community requirements and develop a recommended way ahead for the FGDC. The Task Team will draft a proposed standards management process based on the identified requirements and present it to the FGDC Executive Committee who will make a recommendation to the FGDC Steering Committee.

Note: Many standards approved by the FGDC prior to the enactment of the GDA remain in use and continue to provide value and improve interoperability.

Standards facilitate development, sharing, and use of geospatial data and services. The FGDC develops or adopts geospatial standards for implementing the NSDI, in consultation and cooperation with State, local, and tribal governments, the private sector and academic community, and, to the extent feasible, the international community.

Federal agencies that collect, use, or disseminate geographic information and/or carry out related spatial data activities shall use FGDC-endorsed standards both internally and through their activities involving partners, grants, and contracts.

Non-Federal agencies are encouraged to use FGDC-endorsed standards to facilitate data sharing.